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Lesion Removal in Portland, OR

Healthy, Beautiful Skin Starts Here

Skin lesions can be worrisome, whether they're affecting your appearance or causing concerns about your health. Whether you have a suspicious mole, bothersome skin tags, or other skin growths, Dr. Bartholomew can provide expert evaluation and safe, effective removal. We prioritize your skin health and strive to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcomes for every patient.

What is Skin Lesion Removal?

Skin lesion removal is a surgical procedure to remove growths or irregularities on the skin. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Common types of skin lesions include:

Moles

Moles are common skin growths that are usually brown or black. Most moles are harmless, but some can develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored growths that often appear on the neck, armpits, or groin. They are usually harmless but can be bothersome.

Cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. They are usually benign but can sometimes become infected.

Warts

Warts are caused by a virus and can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually harmless but can be contagious.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears as a raised, pearly bump or a sore that doesn't heal.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This is another type of skin cancer that can appear as a scaly patch, a red bump, or a sore.

The Skin Lesion Removal Procedure

The procedure for skin lesion removal will vary depending on the type, size, and location of the lesion. Dr. Bartholomew will discuss the best approach for you and answer any questions you may have.

In general, the procedure involves:

  • Numbing the Area: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the lesion so you won't feel any pain during the removal.
  • Removing the Lesion: Dr. Bartholomew will carefully remove the lesion using a scalpel or other surgical instrument. Depending on the size and depth of the lesion, stitches may be needed to close the wound.
  • Wound Care: You'll receive instructions on how to care for the wound at home, including cleaning and applying ointment.

Benefits of Skin Lesion Removal

  1. Improved Skin Health

    Removing suspicious moles or cancerous lesions can protect your health and prevent the spread of skin cancer.

  2. Enhanced Appearance

    Removing benign lesions like skin tags or warts can improve the appearance of your skin and boost your confidence.

  3. Minimal Discomfort

    Local anesthesia is used to ensure you're comfortable during the procedure. Pain medicine can help manage any discomfort after the procedure.

  4. Quick Recovery

    Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

Recovery After Lesion Removal

After your lesion removal, it's essential to follow Dr. Bartholomew's wound care instructions carefully. This may include:

  • Keeping the wound clean and dry: You'll likely need to clean the wound with soap and water a few times a day.
  • Applying ointment: Petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment may be recommended to keep the wound moist and promote healing.
  • Avoiding strenuous activity: Depending on the location of the lesion, you may need to avoid certain activities, like swimming or heavy lifting, for a period of time.
  • Protecting the wound from the sun: Keep the wound covered and use sunscreen to protect it from the sun.

A scab will typically form over the wound as it heals. Stitches are removed after a week or two if they were used.

When to Call Your Doctor

While complications are rare, it's important to call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as:

  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Redness or warmth around the wound
  • Pus or discharge from the wound
  • Fever

Take the Next Step to Healthy Skin

If you have a skin lesion that you're concerned about, contact Samuel V. Bartholomew, MD, FACS today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bartholomew will evaluate the lesion, discuss your options, and provide expert care to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Skin lesion removal is a procedure or surgery to remove growths or irregularities from your skin. These growths can be things like moles, skin tags, or cysts.

After we remove the lesion, a scab will form over the area. This is a normal part of healing. We'll give you instructions on how to keep the area clean and help it heal properly.

If you have stitches, we'll remove them after a week or two. The exact timing depends on the type of lesion and where it was located.

Healing time can vary depending on the type of lesion, its size, and its location. Some areas of the body, like the legs and feet, tend to experience slow healing. Don't worry, we'll monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing properly.

You might have a small scar, but we do our best to minimize scarring. Dr. Bartholomew is very careful to protect the surrounding skin and uses techniques to help the scar fade as much as possible.

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