Benign Skin Lesions

Shave Excision

What is a shave excision?
It's a procedure used to remove skin tumors or other skin growths and is done by shaving lesions off the skin without penetrating beneath the skin. Electrosurgery is used to remove any remaining tumor cells from the base of the wound, while smoothing the wound edges and also improves the final scar appearance.

What are the benefits of a shave excision?
It's simpler and less expensive than a full-thickness skin excision. Shave excisions do not require stitches and produce a less noticeable scar. Also, infections are uncommon.

What type of anesthesia is used for this procedure?
Local anesthesia is used most of the time, injected beneath the skin growth which raises the lesion and temporarily numbs the skin.

What happens to the skin growth once it is removed?
A pathologist at a hospital will determine whether the skin growth is cancerous.

Will the scar go away after this procedure?
The scar will appear red at first but will lighten over the next year. Avoid getting the wound sunburned for several months after the surgery so that the scar doesn't get darker.