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Precise Surgical Care for Skin Lesions

Dr. Joseph F. Greco III approaches every excision with the same attention he brings to Mohs micrographic surgery: confirm the diagnosis first, remove the lesion with clear margins, and close the wound to minimize scarring. That standard applies whether the lesion in question is a confirmed skin cancer or a mole that a patient simply wants removed.

What Is Surgical Excision?

Surgical excision is a procedure that removes a lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue in a single session. The excised tissue is then sent to a lab for examination to confirm the diagnosis and check that the margins are clear of abnormal cells.

Excision differs from Mohs micrographic surgery in one key way:

  • Mohs surgery examines 100% of the tissue margin under a microscope on the spot before the wound is closed
  • Standard excision typically sends the margin to an outside lab for review afterward

The American College of Mohs Surgery notes that Mohs surgery is generally reserved for cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, while excision remains an effective, efficient option for lesions on less sensitive parts of the body.

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Conditions Treated with Excision Surgery

  • Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma, particularly for tumors requiring a wider margin
  • Moles that are atypical, changing, or simply unwanted
  • Lipomas and cysts
  • Scars and other benign growths that a patient wants removed

Are You a Good Candidate for Excision Surgery?

Most patients with a biopsy-confirmed skin cancer, an atypical mole, or another lesion requiring complete removal are candidates for excision.

Dr. Greco reviews the following during consultation to determine whether excision, Mohs surgery, or another treatment approach best fits the case:

  • Biopsy results
  • Lesion location
  • Cosmetic priorities
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Why Venice Trusts Dr. Greco for Excision Surgery

Dr. Greco's double board certification by the American Board of Dermatology, combined with 15 years as a Mohs surgeon at UCLA and more than 20,000 Mohs and excisional procedures performed, gives Venice patients access to surgical experience typically found only at major academic centers. He is also a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery and was one of the first dermatologic surgeons to pass the subspecialty exam in micrographic dermatologic surgery in 2021. Because Dr. Greco personally handles diagnosis, surgery, and reconstruction, patients aren't shuttled between separate specialists for a single lesion.

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What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

Before scheduling excision surgery, Dr. Greco:

  • Reviews your biopsy results or examines the lesion directly
  • Discusses the recommended margin and approach
  • Answers questions about the procedure

Cost depends on the size and location of the lesion, and your provider will discuss pricing once a treatment plan is confirmed.

Procedure

Excision surgery follows a few key steps:

  • Performed under local anesthesia in the Venice office
  • Dr. Greco removes the lesion along with the appropriate margin of healthy tissue
  • The wound is closed using advanced suturing techniques aimed at minimizing visible scarring

Most excisions are completed in a single outpatient visit.

Recovery and Results

Recovery time depends on the size and location of the excision, but most patients resume normal activities within days.

Follow-up visits allow Dr. Greco to:

  • Monitor healing
  • Check for any new lesions, since a prior skin cancer diagnosis raises the likelihood of developing another one later

Related Procedures

Patients considering excision surgery sometimes have questions about Mohs micrographic surgery, which offers the highest cure rate for certain skin cancers, or electrodesiccation and curettage, a non-excisional option for select superficial lesions.

Schedule an Excision Surgery Consultation in Venice, FL

If you have a lesion that needs removal, call Greco Dermatology's Venice office at (941) 667-5544 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Greco.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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FAQs

What's the difference between excision surgery and Mohs surgery?

Is excision surgery painful?

Will excision surgery leave a scar?

Does insurance cover excision surgery?

What's the difference between excision surgery and Mohs surgery?

Excision removes the lesion with a margin of tissue, which is then examined at an outside lab afterward, while Mohs surgery examines the entire margin under a microscope before the wound is closed, which is why Mohs achieves higher cure rates for certain tumors. Dr. Greco recommends the approach that fits each patient's tumor and goals.

Is excision surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the excision itself.

Will excision surgery leave a scar?

Any surgical procedure carries some risk of scarring. Dr. Greco's extensive experience with reconstructive suturing techniques is aimed at minimizing and concealing scars as much as possible.

Does insurance cover excision surgery?

Excision performed to treat skin cancer or a medically necessary lesion is typically covered by insurance, while purely cosmetic removals may not be. The Venice office can help verify your specific coverage.

Sources

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Now Accepting New Dermatology Patients in Venice

Now Accepting New Dermatology Patients in Venice

Greco Dermatology’s Venice location is now accepting new dermatology patients. Schedule your visit online or by phone to get started.

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