A skin lesion is any skin area that differs from its surroundings. It can be a result of an injury or damage to the skin, such as sunburn. Or, it can be a sign of a health condition or infection, such as an autoimmune disorder. Most Skin lesions are harmless and benign, but some may indicate a serious health condition.
The most common types of skin lesions include:
Aside from a few, most of these lesions do not pose a severe health risk. However, their impact on appearance can be a significant cosmetic concern. Therefore, you may want to get them removed through a treatment procedure in a clinical setting.
Table of Contents
Categories of Skin Lesions
There are two categories of skin lesions:
- Primary skin lesions
- Secondary skin lesions
Let’s discuss both of these briefly.
Primary Skin Lesions
Primary skin lesions are skin growths or changes that aren’t associated with other health conditions. They can be present at birth or develop later in life. Examples include:
- Fluid-filled lesions – such as bullae, pustules, and vesicles
- Solid lesions – such as nodules, papules, and plaques
- Flat lesions – such as macules
Secondary Skin Lesions
Secondary lesions occur as a result of manipulation or modification of primary lesions. For instance, when a primary lesion is scratched upon, left untreated, or irritated in any way, it may change its structure and appearance. The resulting formation is called a secondary skin lesion.
Examples of secondary lesions are:
- Atrophy (shrinking of skin that makes it paper-thin and wrinkled)
- Crusts
- Scars
- Fissures
- Ulcers
Skin Lesion Removal Methods
Usually, the skin lesion removal treatment is carried out through one of the following techniques:
Shave Excision – This technique involves carefully shaving off the lesions that protrude above the skin surface, such as moles or skin tags. It typically uses a small blade to remove the outermost layers of the skin until the lesion is obliterated. Typically, the procedure doesn’t require stitches; medicinal application is usually enough to prevent bleeding.
Scissor Excision – During this procedure, the surgeon uses a pair of scissors to remove the lesion. They cut the lesion at the base by grabbing it with forceps and slightly pulling it up. If any part of the lesion remains, the surgeon may scoop it out using a curette to ensure complete removal. You won’t usually need stitches after this procedure.
Cryotherapy (Freezing) – In this technique, a medical professional applies a freezing agent, typically liquid nitrogen, to the skin lesion. This causes ice crystals to form in the lesion, breaking up the lesion tissues. Following cryotherapy, the treated area typically forms a blister. Over time, the lesion and the blister fall off, revealing a smooth, even skin surface.
Laser Treatment – This method uses a focused laser beam that targets the skin lesion without affecting nearby cells. The laser energy gets absorbed into the lesion and heats its cells until they burst. This initiates a gradual but steady process of lesion removal. You may need more than one laser therapy session for a desirable outcome.
Kenacort Injection – It is an intralesional steroid injection commonly used to treat inflammatory skin lesions. It is injected directly into the lesion to reduce itching or pain and improve skin appearance.
Procedure
Most skin lesion treatments are outpatient procedures that conclude in a short duration. Your practitioner will choose an appropriate treatment based on the type of your skin lesion.
A treatment procedure may involve the following steps:
- Your surgeon applies local anesthesia to numb the treatment area so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort.
- Depending on the type of procedure chosen, the surgeon removes the lesion either through excision, laser, or freezing.
- If the lesion is cut out, the surgeon either stitches back the wound or only applies medicine to stop bleeding. Stitching, however, is rarely needed, and most surgeons only use the medicine.
- Bandages are then applied to help the wound heal quickly.
- If the lesion isn’t obliterated, additional treatment sessions may be arranged to eliminate the entire lesion.
What to Expect After Skin Lesion Removal?
You won’t usually feel much pain after the skin lesion removal procedure. However, there can be some discomfort along with bruising, swelling, and soreness, which is normal. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medication for discomfort relief. In general, patients can resume their daily routine after the lesion removal procedure.
What to Do After Lesion Removal?
Immediately after your treatment, you must be extra cautious with your wound to ensure your healing is swift and smooth. Your surgeon will give you a list of post-op instructions, which you should follow diligently. Those instructions may include the following;
- Keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours.
- After 24-48 hours, gently wash and clean the area around the wound with water.
- If you have stitches, avoid washing or rubbing the area, but keep it clean and dry.
- Regularly apply an ointment and take your medicines, as instructed by your surgeon. You may be advised to apply petroleum jelly to the stitched area.
- Keep a close check on the wound, and immediately call your doctor if you notice an infection or something unusual.
Benefits
Skin lesion removal offers numerous benefits, some of which are as follows:
- Effective removal of certain cancerous and precancerous growths: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are skin cancers that usually develop on the face and neck in the form of skin growths. Your surgeon may remove these growths through a simple lesion excision procedure called Mohs Surgery.
- Cosmetic advantage: Marked by their distinct color or texture compared to the surrounding skin, skin lesions can adversely affect body aesthetics. Their removal leaves behind a smooth, even skin surface.
- Less time-consuming: Almost all skin lesion removal procedures take less time to complete. Although some procedures may take longer than others, it won’t usually take more than 30 minutes for you to have a skin growth removed or treated.
- Quick recovery: Skin lesion removal treatments usually lead to shorter recovery durations. The exact healing period could depend on the treatment type, patient’s age, and overall health. On average, the treated area may take two to three weeks to recover fully.
- Almost pain-free: Skin growth removal treatments, including surgical procedures, do not cause much pain. This is because the treatment area is usually smaller, and your practitioner will likely use a numbing solution or topical anesthetic before the procedure.
What Does Skin Lesion Removal Cost In Dubai?
The cost of skin lesion removal treatment in Dubai primarily depends on the type of lesion and the treatment option selection for its removal. Other cost-determining factors would include the practitioner’s expertise and the location of the treatment facility.
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