Surgical Dermatology

Lipoma excision is a surgical procedure to remove a lipoma, which is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fatty tissue that develops just beneath the skin. Lipomas are soft, slow-growing, and usually painless, although they can cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns depending on their size and location.

Characteristics of Lipomas

• Soft and Movable: They feel rubbery and can usually be moved under the skin.
• Painless: Most lipomas are not tender unless pressing on nerves or near sensitive areas.
• Slow-Growing: They increase in size gradually over time.
• Common Locations: Neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.

Reasons for Lipoma Removal

• Cosmetic Concerns: If the lipoma is large or noticeable.
• Pain or Discomfort: If the lipoma presses on nerves, muscles, or joints.
• Rapid Growth: To rule out malignancy, although lipomas are rarely cancerous.
• Mobility Issues: If the lipoma interferes with movement.
• Uncertainty in Diagnosis: To confirm it is a benign lipoma and not a more serious condition.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation:
   • The area is cleaned, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the region.
   • In some cases, general anesthesia may be used for large or deep lipomas.
2. Incision and Removal:
   • The surgeon makes an incision over the lipoma.
   • The fatty tissue is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and removed entirely.
3. Closure:
   • The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue, depending on its size.
   • The area is dressed to promote healing.
4. Post-Procedure:
   • Patients receive instructions for wound care.
   • Pain relief medication may be prescribed if necessary.

Recovery

• Healing Time: Typically 1–2 weeks for small excisions; larger ones may take longer.
• Scarring: Minimal with proper care, but scarring depends on the size and location of the lipoma.
• Complications: Rare, but can include infection, bleeding, or recurrence.

Considerations

• Lipoma excision is generally a safe and straightforward outpatient procedure.
• Removing the lipoma in its entirety reduces the risk of recurrence.
• The excised tissue may be sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Cyst excision is a minor surgical procedure to remove a cyst, which is a closed sac-like structure filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air. Cysts can develop anywhere on the body, and they are often benign (non-cancerous). However, they may be removed for medical or cosmetic reasons, especially if they become painful, infected, or unsightly.

Common Types of Cysts Treated by Excision

1. Epidermoid Cysts: Usually found on the face, neck, or trunk.
2. Pilar Cysts: Commonly occur on the scalp.
3. Sebaceous Cysts: Form due to blocked sebaceous glands and are often filled with oily material.
4. Ganglion Cysts: Found near joints, especially in the wrist.
5. Breast Cysts: Found in breast tissue.
6. Dermoid Cysts: May contain hair, skin, or other tissues.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation:
   • The area around the cyst is cleaned.
   • A local anesthetic is applied to numb the site.
2. Excision:
   • The surgeon makes a small incision over the cyst.
   • The entire cyst, including its sac or wall, is carefully removed to prevent recurrence.
3. Closure:
   • The incision is closed with stitches, adhesive strips, or sutures, depending on the size and location.
4. Post-Procedure:
   • The site is bandaged, and aftercare instructions are provided.
   • Stitches may need to be removed after 7–14 days, depending on the type used.

Recovery

• Healing Time: Typically 1–2 weeks.
• Scarring: Minimal scarring is expected with proper care.
• Recurrence: If the cyst’s wall is not completely removed, it may recur.

Why Remove a Cyst?

• Pain or discomfort.
• Infection or abscess formation.
• Rapid growth or changes in appearance.
• Cosmetic concerns.
• To rule out malignancy through a biopsy.

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure that corrects damage or deformities of the earlobe. It is commonly performed to address issues such as:

1. Torn Earlobes: Caused by trauma, such as earrings being accidentally pulled out or heavy earrings stretching the piercing over time.
2. Stretched Earlobes: Often due to gauged earrings or other intentional body modifications that leave the earlobe excessively stretched.
3. Split Earlobes: When the earlobe has been completely torn into two parts, usually due to extreme stretching or an accident.
4. Sagging or Wrinkled Earlobes: Due to aging, earlobes can lose volume and elasticity.

The Procedure

• Preparation: The area is typically numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Repair: The surgeon trims the edges of the tear or deformity and uses fine sutures to reconstruct the earlobe.
• Healing: Sutures are usually removed after about a week, and the area typically heals in a few weeks.
• Re-piercing: If desired, the earlobe can be re-pierced after full healing, usually after 2–3 months.

Earlobe repair is an outpatient procedure, relatively simple, and often performed in a clinic setting. It results in a more natural-looking earlobe, with minimal scarring in most cases.

About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

Cryotherapy

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

Excisional surgery

Brachytherapy

After the procedure

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.