Patient Resources

Excision: An excision is when a dermatologist surgically removes harmful or

unwanted tissue such as skin cancers or cysts.  It’s highly effective and can usually

be completed in one appointment.  The surgery is done under local anesthesia and

does not require sedation.   

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for surgery can help your procedure

go as smoothly as possible. Dr Brantley will answer all your questions and help put

you at ease. In the meantime, please see the following list of Do’s and Don’ts to help

prepare for your procedure.        

DO:  

•  Shower or bathe before your appointment to cleanse the area. We recommend leaving the wound covered for the first 48 hours post-op, so thoroughly cleaning before is a preferred.
• Make sure to dress comfortably so your doctor can easily access the surgery site during the procedure.
• Continue your daily routine the day of your procedure.  (e.g. Take medications as prescribed, eat, etc.)

DON'T

• Please do not schedule your procedure in a time frame where you will be traveling directly after the procedure.  Complications after your procedure, though rare, are best taken care of with in-person visits rather than with phone calls.  Also, suture removal is required within two weeks after the procedure. (The time frame varies depending on the surgery site).
• Please avoid heavy lifting, swinging, twisting motions for the duration of your stitches. This can cause the stitches to fall apart. Keep these restrictions in mind when scheduling your procedure.
• Avoid applying lotion near the surgical site as this can interfere when applying
• bandages.

1. Leave the bandage on for 48 hours after surgery.
2. If desired, an ice pack may be applied over the bandage on the evening of surgery for 10-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling.
3. With clean hands, gently cleanse with soap and water before the new dressing is applied.
4. Keep the wound moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor and cover with a new bandage daily until suture removal.

If Bleeding Occurs:  

Apply direct firm pressure for 15 minutes.  NO PEEKING or releasing the pressure for

      the entire duration. If this does not stop the bleeding, apply an ice bag (over a cloth,  never in direct contact with the skin) for 15 minutes, then repeat the direct firm

pressure over the wound for 15 minutes.  If bleeding continues, call the clinic.  If it is

after hours, proceed to the ER.  

What to expect:  

 A small rim of redness around the wound is normal.  Minor itching may occur. Some

pink or clear yellow drainage is normal.  

Mild discomfort is normal. Most patients do not require medication for pain.  Tylenol

is a good first medication for pain, if needed.  Follow the dosing recommendations

on the bottle. Please do not take Tylenol if you have liver disease or other reasons

decided by your doctor.  Ibuprofen and aspirin can help with pain, but they increase

the risk of bleeding.      

When to call the clinic:  

Anytime you have questions or concerns.

 If you experience signs of infection such as extending redness, increasing pain,

drainage that turns milky yellow or green or fever occurs at the surgical site.