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Excisional Surgery at Dermatology Associates of Ithaca

At Dermatology Associates of Ithaca, we perform excisional surgery to remove both benign and cancerous skin lesions. Surgical excision is recommended when clear margins are needed to ensure complete removal of a lesion and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Our board-certified dermatology providers perform excisional surgery in our office using local anesthesia. We focus on effective treatment, patient comfort, and careful wound closure to support optimal healing and cosmetic outcomes.

What to Expect During Excisional Surgery

Excisional surgery is a straightforward, in-office procedure.
During your visit, your provider will:
  • Review the diagnosis and reason excisional surgery is recommended
  • Explain the procedure and answer any questions
  • Numb the area with local anesthesia
  • Remove the lesion along with a margin of surrounding tissue
  • Close the wound with sutures when needed
  • Review wound care instructions and schedule suture removal
You will remain awake during the procedure. General anesthesia or sedation is not used, and most patients tolerate the procedure very well.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation

Why Excisional Surgery Is Recommended

Excisional surgery allows for complete removal of a lesion while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. It is commonly used to treat:
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Skin cancers
Precancerous lesions
Benign growths requiring full removal
Clear surgical margins help reduce the chance that a lesion will return and allow tissue to be evaluated by pathology when necessary.
Schedule an Appointment

Recovery and Healing After Surgery

Bleeding

Some minor bleeding on the bandage is normal.

To reduce bleeding:

  • Limit activities that raise heart rate or blood pressure for at least 24 hours
  • Keep the surgical site elevated when possible
  • Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated if surgery was performed on the face or upper body

If bleeding occurs, apply firm, constant pressure to the bandage for 15–20 minutes without checking. This usually stops minor bleeding.

Pain Management

Pain is typically mild.

  • Extra Strength Tylenol is usually sufficient
  • Avoid medications that thin the blood (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or Advil) unless prescribed by your physician for daily use

Infection

Infection is uncommon when wound care instructions are followed.
Contact the office if you notice:

  • Increasing pain
  • Redness or swelling
  • Yellow drainage
  • Symptoms worsening several days after surgery

Wound Care Instructions

  • Leave the waterproof bandage in place until your suture removal appointment
  • If the bandage falls off, apply Vaseline or Aquaphor and cover with a clean bandage
  • Avoid activities that stretch the wound
  • Showering is permitted, but avoid swimming or soaking the area
    Do not use hydrogen peroxide, as it can slow healing

Your provider will review bandaging and care instructions on the day of surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be awake during surgery?

Yes. Excisional surgery is performed using local anesthesia only.

Can I eat on the day of surgery?

Yes. You may continue your normal eating habits.

Can I drive after surgery?

Most patients can drive themselves home. If surgery is performed on the face or leg, having someone drive you may be advisable.

Should I stop blood thinners before surgery?

Do not stop prescribed anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, or Eliquis unless directed by your physician.

When can I resume normal activity or exercise?

Walking, driving, and light activity may resume immediately. We recommend waiting until stitches are removed before exercising—typically one week for the face and ears, and two weeks for other areas.

Is swelling normal after surgery?

Yes, especially for procedures on the face or hands. Elevation and ice can help reduce swelling.

What should I do if bleeding continues?

Apply firm pressure for 15 minutes. If bleeding persists after repeated pressure, call the office. After hours, use the emergency line to reach your provider.

Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Sutures are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the location of the procedure. Your provider will review pathology results when applicable and discuss any additional care or monitoring that may be needed.

Schedule an Excisional Surgery Consultation

If you have been advised to undergo excisional surgery or have questions about a lesion that may require removal, our experienced dermatology team is here to help.
Schedule an Appointment

What Our Patients Say

4.9
stars rating on Google with 950+ reviews
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Karen F.

I went for a facial with Reganne, and it was wonderful! She was the right balance of chatty and quiet so that I felt personally welcomed but also able to relax and soak in all the luxurious treatment. She also was so kind and considerate, being very careful which products she used because she knew I am sensitive to some fragrances. I scheduled my appointment for the end of my regular work week, and now, this evening I’m feeling fabulous!

RJ and MJ Olson

We both chose the practice for our dermatology well checks and any issues that may be discovered during those visits. Most of the practitioners have been great. I also enjoy the facial services they offer at the practice. Both estheticians I have seen there have been wonderful! They have both been very accommodating given multiple allergies that can make my skin reactive. I look forward to my time with the esthetician.

Cathy Robinson

The entire staff is courteous and very helpful. They were right on time. They work together well. They are accepting of questions and are willing to answer the questions. They offer reminders for follow up appointments. I am very pleased to be a patient of this office.

Susan Zeller

As a new patient I greatly appreciated getting an appointment with a few days of submitting my application form instead of a long wait. The staff at the front desk were very pleasant, efficient and helpful in making this happen. The service I received from my doctor was good.

Tom

David M was great in all key areas that were important to me. Skill, bedside manner, updates during the surgery and his summary after the procedure. His nurse was also first rate. Thank you both for all that you did for me. NP Donna has treated me previously at this practice and I echo my comments here for her and the nurses, reception and scheduling employees. Thank you all for a great experience

Jennifer Gemmell

This was the most pleasant doctors appointment I’ve ever experienced. The wait wasn’t too long and there were so many beautiful and interesting things to look at while I was there: beautiful art well presented with identification and background details, fascinating terrariums and other plants, and even an Asian meditation garden. Dr. Macallister was very personable, professional and thorough. I was quite happy with her care. The staff too, were professional and pleasant.

Reece W

Saw Donna and Megan, had a concerning spot on my face. I needed an injection and they put me eat ease and really helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even though the needle stung a little bit I was completely distracted with easy conversation to keep my mind off of what was going on. They were incredibly reassuring and informative and I love going to see them! Thank you Donna and Megan for a quick and easy visit! :)

Don Wood

Great experience from the time I arrived for the appointment til I was finished. Donna Brigham is the most professional specailist I've seen in quite some time. She is very good at explaining everything in layman's terms. Her bedside manner puts you at ease and makes you very comfortable with the procedures she is doing.

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