Dermatological surgery may be needed to remove skin cancers, moles, cysts, or abnormal growths. Common procedures include surgical excision, Mohs surgery for skin cancer, laser treatments, and cryotherapy, all performed to safely remove lesions and protect healthy skin.
Dermatological surgery can be used to remove or treat certain skin growths, lesions, cysts, scars, and other conditions that may not respond to medicines or need physical removal. The procedure chosen depends on the type, size, location, and nature of the skin concern.
A dermatologist may recommend evaluation when a growth changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, becomes painful or repeatedly irritated, bleeds, or interferes with daily activities. Some lesions may also need removal for further examination.
Depending on the diagnosis, surgical treatment may be used for certain moles, cysts, skin tags, benign growths, suspicious lesions, scars, and selected skin cancers. A dermatologist determines whether surgery is appropriate after examining the affected area.
Many minor skin procedures can be performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the treatment area while the patient remains awake. The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, its extent, and the area being treated.
A surgical procedure can leave a scar, although its appearance varies depending on the size and depth of the treatment area, the technique used, the location on the body, and individual healing. Following proper wound-care instructions can support healthy healing.