Surgical Services for Non-Cancerous Skin Concerns

If you need to have surgery for a reason other than cancer, our dermatologist can help. Some of the common surgical procedures that our dermatologist performs include:

  • Cysts
  • Benign moles
  • Toenails and fingernails
  • Earlobe repair
  • Scar revision
  • Lipomas

If you have another skin concern that may require surgery, talk to our dermatologist, Dr.Simone Stalling. We can help you find the right treatment no matter what you’re dealing with. The professionals at AVIVA Dermatology are here to help you feel more comfortable in your skin and remain healthy.

What Are Non-Cancerous Skin Lesions?

Non-cancerous skin lesions are benign growths or abnormalities on the skin, meaning they are not harmful or likely to develop into cancer. These lesions can come in various forms, such as moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and lipomas. While they are generally harmless, some lesions can be cosmetically bothersome or may irritate depending on their size or location. Non-cancerous lesions typically have stable, well-defined edges and don’t change rapidly over time. However, having any new or changing lesions evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer or other concerns is important.

What Are Common Types of Non-Cancerous Skin Lesions?

Some of the most common non-cancerous skin lesions include moles (nevi) and small, pigmented spots that may be present from birth or develop over time. Seborrheic keratoses are waxy, wart-like growths that often appear in older adults and are usually brown or black. Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that frequently develop in areas of friction, such as the neck or armpits. Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps beneath the skin that grow slowly and are generally harmless. However, if these benign lesions sometimes start to itch or become painful, they are often removed.

Do Non-Cancerous Lesions Need to Be Removed?

Non-cancerous skin lesions don’t necessarily need to be removed unless they are causing discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic concern. In most cases, benign lesions such as skin tags, moles, or seborrheic keratoses are left untreated, as they do not pose any health risks.

However, some individuals opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion is in an area prone to irritation, such as clothing or jewelry. Additionally, dermatologists may recommend removing a lesion if it shows any suspicious changes in size, shape, or color, even if it’s likely non-cancerous.

How Are Non-Cancerous Skin Lesions Treated or Removed?

The removal of non-cancerous lesions is typically a simple, in-office procedure. Cryotherapy, in which liquid nitrogen freezes off the lesion, is a common treatment. Shave excision involves using a small blade to remove the lesion at the surface level. 

For deeper lesions, excisional surgery might be necessary, where the dermatologist removes the lesion by cutting it out and then stitching the area closed. Electrosurgery can also be used to burn off the lesion. These treatments are generally quick and well-tolerated, with minimal recovery time. Your dermatologist will recommend the best approach based on the type and location of the lesion.