An excision is a surgical procedure in which either a benign or malignant skin growth is removed under local anesthesia. After the growth is excised, the dermatologic surgeon typically sutures the wound closed for optimal healing. The excised tissue is sent to the laboratory to be analyzed by an expert dermatopathologist. Atypical moles and skin cancers are frequently excised with margins to ensure complete removal and cure. Benign growths, such as moles, cysts, and lipomas can also be removed as elective cosmetic procedures.
