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Excision

A typical case, in 7 steps over 2 visits. Every step names its source.

Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.

Illustration of a typical case, not a photo of a patient and not a prediction of your result. Results vary.

Steps in a typical case

  1. Numbing

    Numbing medicine (an anesthetic) is given before the procedure.

    Visit 1 · Source 1

  2. Removing the growth

    The whole growth is cut out through the full thickness of the skin.

    Visit 1 · Source 1

  3. A margin of normal skin

    For a skin cancer, a margin of about 3 to 4 mm or more of skin around it may also be removed to help make sure the edges are clear.

    Visit 1 · Source 1

  4. Closing the wound

    The area is closed with stitches. If a large area is removed, a skin graft or flap may be used instead.

    Visit 1 · Source 1

  5. Checking in the lab

    The removed tissue is looked at under a microscope by a specially trained doctor.

    Visit 1 · Source 2

  6. Afterward

    The area may be tender for a few days. Taking good care of the wound helps the skin look its best.

    Visit 1 · Source 1

  7. Stitches out

    At a second visit, the dermatologist removes the stitches. Until then, the wound is cleaned and covered every day, as the dermatologist explains.

    Visit 2 · Source 3

Questions to ask your dermatologist

  • The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
  • What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
  • How long will healing take, and will it leave a mark?
  • What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses 11400, 11401, 11402, 11403, 11404, 11405, 11406, 11420, 11421, 11422, 11423, 11424, 11425, 11426, 11440, 11441, 11442, 11443, 11444, 11445, 11446, 11600, 11601, 11602, 11603, 11604, 11605, 11606, 11620, 11621, 11622, 11623, 11624, 11625, 11626, 11640, 11641, 11642, 11643, 11644, 11645, 11646).
  • How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?

Sources

  1. Skin lesion removal. NIH MedlinePlus. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007673.htm. Accessed November 6, 2026.
  2. Moles: diagnosis and treatment. AAD. www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/moles-treatment. Accessed November 6, 2026.
  3. Skin biopsy: dermatologist-recommended wound care. AAD. www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/skin-biopsy-wound-care. Accessed November 7, 2026.

Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: 11400, 11401, 11402, 11403, 11404, 11405, 11406, 11420, 11421, 11422, 11423, 11424, 11425, 11426, 11440, 11441, 11442, 11443, 11444, 11445, 11446, 11600, 11601, 11602, 11603, 11604, 11605, 11606, 11620, 11621, 11622, 11623, 11624, 11625, 11626, 11640, 11641, 11642, 11643, 11644, 11645, 11646.