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Removal of Skin Lesions

Moles, scars, warts, and cysts can be a source of embarrassment for many individuals, and almost everyone has at least one skin lesion that they would like to have removed. Fortunately, these in-office removal procedures are typically quick, convenient, and essentially painless. Dr. Reitzen can perform these treatments at her Tribeca and Upper East Side locations. 

Different Types of Skin Lesions

Many skin lesions are benign, but some can be uncomfortable or unattractive. For these reasons, many patients choose to have them removed.  

  • Moles/nevi
  • Birthmarks
  • Warts
  • Skin tags
  • Cysts
  • Scars

Mole Removal

Moles are pigmented or raised bumps of the skin that are typically benign and may develop either in childhood or later in life. They’re mostly brown, but can also be black, red, pink, or tan. Many of them are round/oval and may be flat with the skin or raised. It’s common to have 10-40 moles by the time you become an adult. Moles should be closely watched for changes in appearance or the way they feel, as these changes could indicate cancer. Mole removal in Upper East Side can be done either by surgical excision or surgical shave:

  • Mole removal by surgical excision: After the skin has been numbed, Dr. Reitzen will use a scalpel or a circular blade to cut out the mole as well as some of the healthy skin that surrounds it. She will then suture the wound closed. 
  • Mole removal by surgical shave: After the skin has been numbed, Dr. Reitzen will use a small blade to shave the mole off, as well as some of the tissue under it. A surgical shave is usually performed for smaller moles, and no sutures are needed. 

“Dr. Reitzen was great. Explained everything well, answered questions, very knowledgeable, kind, and efficient.”

Hannah G.

Skin Tags

Typically found in patients who are older, overweight, or obese, skin tags tend to develop in areas where the skin rubs together.

These small flaps of skin protrude from the body on a thin stem, and may be removed by snipping with medical scissors, freezing, or burning the tags away. 

Scars 

Scars can develop after events both large (a fight) and small (scratching at chicken pox). No matter what type of scar you may have, Dr. Reitzen can help minimize its appearance. She uses a variety of treatment options including dermal fillers, shave excision, skin grafting, tissue expansion, and surgery to lessen the appearance of scarring. 

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Warts

Warts develop as the result of rapid cell growth on the top layer of the skin when an individual is infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

They can come from something as small as a cut, but can bother those who have them due to their appearance and may also impact walking for those who have them on the bottom of their feet. Warts are typically removed by scraping the wart off (curettage); cutting it out, or freezing it off. 

What is skin lesion/mole removal?

How is skin lesion/mole removal performed?

Is skin lesion/mole removal painful?

Are there any risks or complications associated with skin lesion/mole removal?

What is skin lesion/mole removal?

Skin lesion/mole removal is a medical procedure used to eliminate or excise abnormal or unwanted skin growths, such as moles, skin tags, or cysts. This is done for various reasons, including aesthetic concerns, suspicion of malignancy, or discomfort.

How is skin lesion/mole removal performed?

There are several methods for removing skin lesions and moles, including surgical excision, shave excision, laser removal, and cryotherapy. The specific method used depends on the type, size, and location of the lesion. A dermatologist or a surgeon typically performs the procedure after numbing the area.

Is skin lesion/mole removal painful?

The procedure is usually done with local anesthesia, ensuring that you don't feel pain during the removal. You may experience some discomfort during the recovery period, but it is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Are there any risks or complications associated with skin lesion/mole removal?

While complications are rare, potential risks include infection, scarring, pigmentation changes, or recurrence of the lesion. It's essential to follow post-operative care instructions and have any removed moles or lesions tested for malignancy if there are concerns about skin cancer. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.

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Why Choose Dr. Reitzen for Lesion Removal?

Shari Reitzen, MD is a female reconstructive and plastic surgeon with the goal of achieving natural-looking results. She performs both functional and cosmetic surgery, and has been double board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Reitzen puts her patients first and closely listens to achieve their desired results, and now with locations in both Tribeca and the Upper East Side, she is more accessible than ever. If you’re interested in mole removal in Upper East Side, or removal of any type of skin lesion, contact us today. 

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