An excision of a skin lesion is usually a short procedure and you will not need to admitted to hospital.

Depending on the type of skin lesion you have, your consultant may remove the lesion completely using specialised surgical scissors or remove it using a laser, a precise electric current called electrodesiccation. In some circumstances it is possible to have more than one lesion removed at once.

When removing a skin lesion you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, afterwards your consultant will then treat the area to minimise scarring. This could include closing it with stitches and applying a dressing. Or, if the lesion was very small, simply leaving it to heal.

The tissue removed may be sent to be analysed if there is concern that it may be cancerous.

Your consultant will talk you through how to prepare for your procedure and answer any questions you may have.

It’s important to tell your consultant about any medications you’re taking, particularly any blood-thinning tablets such as aspirin. Aspirin-based medicines can make the area more likely to bleed. For this reason, your consultant might also suggest avoiding alcohol in the days leading up to surgery.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

You should be able to go home the same day as your appointment. Your consultant will explain how to care for the area in the days and weeks following the procedure for the best cosmetic result. If you’ve had stitches, they’ll let you know if you need to return to have them removed. If the tissue removed has been sent for analysis, your consultant will contact you if any further treatment is needed.