REMOVAL OF BENIGN OR MALIGNANT LESIONS
By “minor outpatient surgery”, I am referring to small surgical procedures performed in the clinic under local anesthesia, without the need for hospitalization. These include procedures such as the removal of moles, cysts, or small lumps, as well as the excision of benign or malignant lesions, with possible histological examination, among other minor procedures.
Benign lesions are often overlooked, and patients tend to postpone their removal because they are harmless or not visible. We are talking about sebaceous cysts, raised moles (congenital or hairy), fibromas, dermatofibromas, granulomas, seborrheic keratoses, xanthelasmas, warts, lipomas, and angiomas. For some of these lesions, especially when they involve the tissue beneath the skin, I recommend surgical excision, leaving fine, discreet scars. For others, I prefer to use ablative treatments such as laser therapy or radiofrequency ablation. The choice is guided by the anatomical location and the size of the lesion.
“Malignant lesions, in particular basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, require a thorough treatment plan starting with evaluation by a dermatology specialist, including a biopsy when necessary.”
Early treatment is essential to prevent progression, and surgery is the main approach. The removed tissue is sent for a histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether any further tests or treatments are needed. Depending on the location and size of the lesions, it is sometimes possible to perform minor local cosmetic reconstructions using rotation or advancement flaps, or skin grafts. The resulting scars are generally minimal and discreet.
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
If you notice a small skin growth, whether a mole, cyst, lipoma, or suspicious lesion, you may be an ideal candidate for minor outpatient surgery. The procedure requires no hospitalization and is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring safety while focusing on achieving the best cosmetic outcome. Benign growths, often overlooked because they seem harmless, are usually treated to prevent future discomfort, reduce the risk of recurrence, or simply enhance the skin’s appearance. For malignant lesions, timely surgical intervention is the most effective way to protect your health. Each case is carefully assessed, considering the type and location of the lesion and your medical history, to provide a personalized plan that combines medical precision with an aesthetic eye.
There are many valid reasons for choosing to have a skin growth removed. From a medical perspective, the goal may be to prevent complications, remove potentially concerning or cancerous lesions, or obtain a clear and timely histological diagnosis. In this sense, the procedure serves to protect your health. On the other hand, there are also aesthetic and functional reasons. Removing small imperfections, such as moles, fibromas, lipomas, or cysts, can improve the skin’s appearance and reduce discomfort in everyday life. Even a seemingly harmless lesion can affect how you see yourself or how you present yourself to others. The decision ultimately comes from a personal balance, combining well-being and health with the desire for a result that blends surgical precision with aesthetic refinement.
The ideal moment is when your desire to take care of yourself aligns with the right time to do so. From a medical perspective, these minor procedures can be performed at any time of the year, though it is best to plan the removal when you can focus on recovery without too much sun exposure or other commitments that might interfere with proper healing. The right time has nothing to do with the calendar; it is when you feel this choice is a gift to your body and your confidence. It is when you decide to turn the page and make room for freedom, well-being, and harmony with yourself.
The main goal is to safely and completely remove the lesion, ensuring the issue is treated in the most appropriate way from a medical perspective. At the same time, special attention is given to the aesthetic result, with each incision carefully planned to leave fine, discreet scars that blend naturally with your skin’s features. If your motivation is aesthetic, you will enjoy smoother, more balanced skin, free from anything that may have bothered you or affected how you see yourself. If the procedure is medically necessary, you will gain the peace of mind that comes from choosing the safest option for your health. In both cases, you can expect a subtle, natural change that reflects and enhances your authentic beauty.
The procedure is performed safely in the clinic under local anesthesia. After a brief preparation, the lesion is carefully removed, paying close attention to both the medical and aesthetic results. If needed, the tissue is sent for histological analysis to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once the procedure is complete, you will receive personalized instructions for your post-operative care.
The duration varies depending on the nature and size of the lesion, typically lasting between 20 and 60 minutes. Even in more complex cases, the procedure is brief and completed in a single session.
With local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort may occur in the days afterward, but it can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Recovery is generally quick. The wound typically stabilizes within 7-15 days, while the scar will continue to mature over the following months. In more complex cases that require skin flaps or grafts, healing may take a little longer but remains perfectly manageable.
Protecting the treated area and avoiding trauma or tension are essential, along with closely following post-operative care instructions. In the days after the procedure, we recommend keeping the wound clean, using proper dressings, and avoiding direct sun exposure until fully healed. You will also be prescribed regenerative topical treatments to help enhance the aesthetic results and improve scar quality.
The risks are minimal, but as with any surgical procedure, they do exist. They may include minor infections, bleeding, delayed healing, or more noticeable scarring than expected. In cases of malignant lesions, the need for additional treatments will depend on the results of the histological examination.
Removing a benign or malignant lesion is more than just a surgical procedure; it is an important step in prevention and care. While a benign lesion may cause cosmetic or functional issues, a malignant lesion demands early and complete removal to safeguard your health. In either case, the surgery is carried out with great care to minimize scarring and preserve your natural appearance.
Regular follow-up visits are planned for wound care, suture removal, and to assess the healing process. In cancer cases, these appointments are coordinated with any further diagnostic tests required based on the histology results.
The procedure is performed by Dr. Elisa Bolletta, with the support of qualified staff. A dedicated team works together to ensure surgical precision, safety, and genuine care throughout your treatment journey.
