Surgical Excisions in Denver:
Expert Removal of Skin Cancer, Cysts & Lipomas
At Core Dermatology, we provide precise, evidence-based surgical excision services to patients throughout Denver, CO. Whether you require the removal of a benign cyst or the treatment of skin cancer, our integrated team ensures you receive the highest standard of medical care and aesthetic attention in a comfortable, clinical setting.
What Is A Surgical Excision?
A surgical excision is a medical procedure used to remove a growth, such as a mole, cyst, lipoma, or skin cancer, along with a margin of healthy tissue. This procedure extends deeper than a standard shave biopsy, reaching into the subcutaneous fat to ensure the entire lesion is removed.
While a simple biopsy is often used for sampling tissue to make a diagnosis, a full surgical excision is typically therapeutic, meaning the goal is to cure the condition by removing the problem entirely. In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, the excision also serves a diagnostic purpose, allowing a dermatopathologist to examine the full tissue sample under a microscope.
Conditions We Treat with Excisional Surgery
At our Denver clinic, we utilize surgical excision to address a variety of medical and cosmetic skin concerns. We prioritize removing the lesion safely while preserving the health and appearance of the surrounding skin.
- Skin Cancer Excision Surgery: For non-melanoma skin cancers like Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), surgical excision is a standard and effective treatment. For high-risk areas or complex cancers, we also offer Mohs Surgery, a specialized technique performed by our in-house surgeon to maximize tumor cure and conserve healthy skin.
- Surgical Excision of Lipomas & Cysts: We frequently remove benign subcutaneous lumps, such as epidermoid cysts and lipomas (fatty tumors). While these are generally harmless, many patients choose removal if the growth grows, becomes painful, infected, or cosmetically bothersome.
- Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi): If a mole exhibits irregular features or shows signs of pre-cancerous changes, we perform an excision to remove the atypical cells entirely, significantly reducing the risk of the abnormal cells becoming harmful to you.
The Surgical Excision Procedure: What to Expect
We understand that undergoing surgery can be anxiety inducing. At Core Dermatology, we follow a transparent, standardized 3-step process to ensure your comfort and safety.
1. Preparation and Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, the area is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. We then administer a local anesthetic, typically lidocaine, to completely numb the treatment site. This ensures that the procedure is painless; you will feel pressure, but no sharp pain.
2. The Excision
Once the area is numb, the physician uses a scalpel to remove the lesion. To minimize tension on the wound and ensure the skin lays flat after closure, we typically use a fusiform (football-shaped) incision. The incision and the scar will be longer than the mole itself. This approach allows for a smoother, more precise closure and an optimal linear scar. In contrast, a circular incision is more likely to leave excess puckered skin at the edges of the wound, often referred to as “dog ears,” which can affect both healing and cosmetic appearance.
3. Closure and Repair
After the lesion is removed, the wound is closed with sutures (stitches). In most cases, we place deep internal stitches first, as these provide the greatest strength and support to the wound during healing. These internal sutures are dissolvable and will break down on their own over time, so patients will not see or need to have them removed. Depending on the location, size, and tension of the wound, surface stitches may also be placed to help align the skin edges. If present, these external sutures typically need to be removed one to two weeks after the procedure, based on individual healing and the area treated.
Why Choose Core Dermatology for Skin Surgery?
Your skin health requires more than just a quick fix; it requires the expertise of dedicated medical professionals.
Board-Certified Dermatologists
Core Dermatology is a medical facility, not a med-spa. Your surgery is planned and performed by board-certified physicians with extensive training in cutaneous oncology and surgery.
Expert Cosmetic & Mohs Surgeon
We bridge the gap between medical necessity and aesthetic goals. With specialists experienced in advanced reconstructive techniques, we are uniquely equipped to perform closures in cosmetically sensitive areas while minimizing scar visibility.
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care
We treat the patient, not just the problem. From your initial consultation to your post-op follow-up, our team provides empathetic care grounded in the latest medical research.
Safe, Comfortable, and Convenient Procedures
At Core Dermatology, our procedures are performed right in the office under local anesthsia to maximize your safety and comfort. Coordination with a separate surgical center or hospital is not needed minimizing complexity and avoiding hospital-based fees.
Serving Denver & Surrounding Areas
Core Dermatology is proud to be a trusted healthcare provider for the local community. Conveniently located for patients across the Denver Metro area, our clinic is easily accessible via I-25 and Colorado Blvd.
We proudly serve patients from Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Capitol Hill, and the greater Denver County area. Located just minutes from the Denver Botanic Gardens, our office offers a central, accessible location for high-quality dermatologic surgery without the need to travel far from home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Excisions
Will the surgical excision leave a scar?
Yes, any surgical procedure will result in a scar. However, our surgeons use advanced reconstruction techniques and are highly trained to hide incisions along natural skin tension lines to ensure the scar is as faint as possible.
Is excision surgery painful?
No. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely before starting. You will feel a small pinch and a brief burning sensation during the injection of the numbing medication, but the surgery itself is painless. You may feel light pressure or tugging during the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from skin cancer excision surgery?
Most patients can return to work the same day if they have a non-physical job. You will go home with numbing medication still in effect, which typically wears off within a few hours. We recommend limiting activity for the first two weeks after surgery, as this is when the wound is most vulnerable. During this time, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and lift no more than 10 pounds to reduce the risk of the wound reopening or the scar stretching. If surface stitches are placed, they are usually removed 5 to 14 days after surgery, depending on the location.
How can I prepare for my surgical excision?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If the treated area is on the scalp, face, neck, trunk, or arms, a button-front shirt is recommended. Eat and drink normally before your appointment. Continue taking your usual medications unless instructed otherwise. Most patients can drive themselves home, but please have a driver if the procedure is near your eye.
Schedule Your Consultation in Denver
Do not wait to address a changing mole or bothersome growth. Contact Core Dermatology today to schedule an evaluation with our expert team in Denver, CO.