Skin Lesion Removal
- Can be performed under local anesthesia only
- More than one lesion can be removed in a single surgical session
- Lesions are sent for evaluation by a pathologist
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What is Skin Lesion Removal?
Skin lesion removal is a surgical procedure in which a non-cancerous (benign) growth is removed from the skin on the face or neck. These benign lesions include nevi (moles), skin tags, and other spots amenable to surgical removal. The areas where the lesions are removed are then closed in one- or two-layers using sutures. The sutures used to approximate the skin are removed at a follow-up appointment.
What Conditions Does the Procedure Address?
Skin lesion removal helps address growths on the skin of the face or neck that are bothersome to patients for aesthetic reasons. The skin lesions that can be removed include:
Skin Tags (small, soft, non-cancerous growths that typically appears on areas where the skin folds).
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
The desire for youthfulness is understandable. There is no area more important than the face. After all, the face cannot be hidden. It is how we present ourselves to the world. Dr. Harmon works with a refined eye and trained hands to develop a personalized treatment plan with you, utilizing advanced techniques in surgical and non-surgical care of the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair.
Fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons have a unique specialized skill set in performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair. The pathway to becoming a facial plastic surgeon begins with five years of rigorous training in head and neck surgery. This training is focused on all aspects of surgery for the head and neck, in addition to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
A small pool of top performing graduates from head and neck surgery programs are then selected to complete sub-specialty training as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Harmon completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery through the AAFPRS with the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jacono is world renowned for developing the extended deep plane facelift technique. Dr. Harmon is one of the few surgeons in the world, and the only surgeon in the Cincinnati area, fellowship trained in this technique by Dr. Jacono.
Quad A Accredited Surgery Suite
Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to have a Quad A accredited operating room and facility in our office. Our single-physician, single-specialty facility meets or exceeds the strict guidelines and high standards set forth by Quad A, demonstrating our strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in surgical care. We utilize the services of board-certified anesthesiology physicians only as well as our own personal clinical support staff to ensure the most comfortable, safest experience for our clients.
Overview of the Procedure
The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery works tirelessly to prepare patients well for their procedure. The time spent with patients and resources provided facilitates a smooth transition from the procedure through recovery. The following overview is a broad summary of the information provided to patients:
Procedure Consultation
Expect a detailed, informative discussion with Dr. Harmon about your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and goals.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Patients receive a packet with detailed pre-operative instructions prior to surgery. This packet includes information on what supplements and medications to hold prior to surgery, activity restrictions, and what supplies are necessary for post-operative recovery. Prescriptions are sent prior to surgery with instructions on their use. Finally, if medical clearance is required, a form detailing the necessary clearance and testing is provided to present to their primary care provider.
Day of Treatment
Patients are instructed to arrive at the office in comfortable clothes. The surgical plan is discussed with the patient in detail. Paperwork is completed. Photos are usually taken pre-operatively. Finally, the patient meets the surgical team, which may include nurses, anesthesiologists, and/or scrub technologists, depending on the procedure(s) and type of anesthesia used.
Follow-Up Appointment
Sutures are usually removed approximately seven (7) days after surgery. Subsequent follow up appointments depend on how the patient is healing.
Social Readiness
Swelling and bruises are possible after skin lesion removal. However, swelling and bruises are usually minimal. Most patients feel ready to socialize approximately seven (7) to ten (10) days after surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Skin Lesion Removal Surgery
Ideal candidates for skin lesion removal surgery include those patients who demonstrate:
- A benign growth on the skin of the face or neck whose size is appropriate for removal
Most candidates for skin lesion removal surgery range in age from their twenties (20s) to seventies (70s). A consultation is essential to determine candidacy for the procedure, because there may be factors that preclude this procedure for certain individuals. Reasonable expectations must be established about what scar revision surgery can and cannot accomplish. As with all facial plastic surgery procedures, results can vary.
What to Expect from Recovery
Recovery from skin lesion removal surgery is specific to the individual. The duration of recovery will vary from person to person.
The initial recovery time for skin lesion removal surgery is seven (7) to ten (10) days for most individuals. Some swelling and bruises are expected after skin lesion removal surgery. Post-operative swelling and bruises are generally minimal.
Sutures are typically removed approximately seven (7) days after surgery. Post-operative swelling and bruises generally improve significantly by seven (7) to ten (10) days after surgery.
The healing process does not end after ten (10) days, however. For example, swelling and bruises are expected to continue to improve and resolve in the ensuing days. The incision continues to heal for months after surgery.
Sutures are removed
Swelling and bruising are improved
Initial recovery
Benefits of Skin Lesion Removal Surgery
The potential benefits of skin lesion removal surgery include:
- Removal of a bothersome growth on the face or neck
Risks of Scar Revision Surgery
The potential risks of scar revision include, but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor Healing
- Abnormal scaring
Combine Skin Lesion Removal Surgery with Other Facial Enhancements
Skin lesion removal surgery complements other surgical and non-surgical procedures well. Procedures that complement skin lesion removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
Deep Plane Facelift
Following skin lesion removal, a deep plane facelift can help restore youthful contours and improve skin tone, enhancing both the health and harmony of your facial appearance.
Neck Lift
A neck lift helps refine the jawline and neck area, which may further balance the aesthetic result of skin lesion removal by creating a smooth, rejuvenated lower face.
Brow Lift
Pairing a brow lift with skin lesion removal in the upper face or forehead area may elevate your expression and create a refreshed, more unified look.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate tired eyes, and when combined with skin lesion removal, especially around the eyelids or cheeks, it may contribute to a more youthful and alert facial presentation.
Rhinoplasty
If lesion removal involves the nose, rhinoplasty can help refine nasal contours and create symmetry, enhancing overall facial balance and ensuring smooth, elegant transitions between features.
Fillers
Fillers help restore volume and smoothness to the skin. It may be an ideal pairing for blending treated areas after lesion removal and enhancing facial contours with natural-looking fullness.
Botox®
Botox® can reduce lines and tension around lesion-treated areas, helping soften expressions and may ensure the skin remains smooth and refreshed post-treatment.
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals with a personalized consultation. Dr. Harmon will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert care can make a difference.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.