Skin lesion removal covers procedures that remove benign skin lesions which cause discomfort, are constantly irritated or are unwanted for cosmetic reasons. At Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius, the doctor assesses the nature of the lesion, its location and possible risks, and then chooses a suitable removal method. Depending on the indications, laser or surgical removal may be used, with histological examination when needed.
Before the procedure, the nature of the lesion and the most suitable treatment are determined.
The method is chosen according to the type, size and location of the lesion and the medical indications.
Suspicious lesions are assessed for the need for histological examination.
After the procedure, the doctor explains how to care for the wound and what changes to expect while it heals.
When is it worth removing a skin lesion?
Removal of a skin lesion may be recommended for medical or cosmetic reasons.
- Constant irritation. The lesion is rubbed by clothing or jewellery, or while shaving.
- Repeated bleeding. The lesion is often injured.
- Pain or discomfort. The lesion gets in the way of daily activities.
- Spreading. More warts or other lesions appear.
- Cosmetic discomfort. The lesion is in a visible place and the patient wishes to have it removed.
- Unclear diagnosis. Tests or removal for histological diagnosis are needed.
- Changed appearance. The lesion has started to grow quickly, change colour or bleed.
Not all skin lesions need to be removed. The doctor assesses whether the procedure is necessary and what its benefits and risks are.
Which skin lesions can be removed?
Skin tags and soft fibromas
These are usually benign, soft, skin-coloured or brownish lesions that often appear on the neck, in the armpits or in other areas of friction.
They can be removed if they are constantly irritated or cause cosmetic discomfort.
Seborrhoeic keratoses
Seborrhoeic keratoses are common benign skin lesions whose surface may be rough, brownish or look as if stuck onto the skin.
Before removal, it is important to make sure the lesion has no features typical of malignancy.
Warts
Warts are skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus.
They can appear on the hands, feet and other parts of the body.
The treatment method is chosen according to the type, location and number of warts and the results of previous treatment.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small bumps, often with a dimpled centre.
In some cases the lesions disappear on their own; in others, treatment may be recommended.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are yellowish deposits of cholesterol in the skin, usually on the eyelids.
They are usually benign, but in some patients they may be linked to lipid metabolism disorders.
The removal method is chosen after assessing the size and location of the lesion and the risk of recurrence.
Keratomas and other benign lesions
Depending on the nature and location of the lesion, various removal methods can be used.
If the diagnosis of the lesion is unclear, appropriate tests must be done before a destructive procedure.
How is skin lesion removal performed?
The nature of the lesion, how it appeared, any changes and the patient’s health are assessed.
Laser, surgical or another suitable method is discussed, along with possible complications and the risk of scarring.
Depending on the chosen method, local anaesthesia may be used. How long the procedure takes depends on the number, size and location of the lesions.
The patient is given advice on wound care, physical activity, sun protection and follow-up.
Skin lesion removal methods
Laser removal
A laser can be used to remove certain benign superficial skin lesions.
Whether the procedure is suitable depends on the nature of the lesion. If the whole tissue must be examined histologically, destructive removal may not be suitable.
Surgical removal
Surgical removal is used when the lesion must be removed while preserving the tissue for histological examination, or when this method is the most suitable given the size and location of the lesion.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia.
Histological examination
Histological examination allows the nature of the removed lesion to be determined under a microscope.
Whether it is needed depends on the clinical features, the type of lesion and the chosen removal method.
Healing after skin lesion removal
How long healing takes depends on the removal method, the size and location of the wound and individual factors.
After the procedure, there may be temporary redness, swelling, a scab or a change in skin colour.
Even the removal of a small lesion can leave a scar. How visible it is depends on your skin and how it heals.
It is important to follow the doctor’s advice, not to pick the scab and to protect the healing area from ultraviolet rays.
How to prepare for skin lesion removal
- Tell the doctor about the medicines you take, especially those that affect blood clotting.
- Mention any allergies to medicines or local anaesthetics.
- Tell the doctor if you tend to form raised scars.
- If possible, do not use make-up or other concealing products on the area to be treated.
- Do not remove or injure the lesion yourself.
- Do not stop taking prescribed medicines without your doctor’s advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is skin lesion removal painful?
How it feels depends on the method and the area treated. Local anaesthesia is used when needed.
Will there be a scar after removal?
There is a risk of scarring after any procedure that damages the skin. The size and visibility of a scar depend on many factors.
Can several lesions be removed in one visit?
Often yes, but it depends on the number, size and location of the lesions and the chosen method.
Can skin lesions be removed in summer?
Yes, but sun protection is especially important after the procedure. For some planned procedures, a period of lower sun exposure may be recommended.
Can warts grow back after removal?
Yes. Because warts are caused by a viral infection, they can come back or appear in other places.
Can skin tags come back?
A removed lesion usually does not grow back in the same place if it was removed completely, but new similar lesions may appear elsewhere.
Can all skin lesions be removed with a laser?
No. For suspicious lesions or lesions that require histological examination, a surgical method may be more suitable.
Does every removed lesion have to be examined?
Not all lesions are examined in the same way. The doctor decides whether a histological examination is needed, taking into account the features of the lesion and the chosen method.
Can I remove a skin tag myself?
This is not recommended. Removing a lesion yourself can cause bleeding, infection and scarring, and if the lesion has been misidentified, it can delay the diagnosis of a serious disease.
How long does the skin take to heal after laser removal?
That depends on the depth of the procedure and the size and location of the lesion. Superficial wounds often heal within a few weeks, but final changes in skin colour and scarring may take longer.
Can I exercise after the procedure?
It depends on the area and the method of removal. Heavy sweating, friction or stretching of the wound can interfere with healing, so the doctor gives individual advice.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you do not need a referral for a paid consultation or a planned procedure. Whether the procedure is suitable for you is determined during the medical assessment.
Price of skin lesion removal
The price of skin lesion removal depends on the nature, size, number and location of the lesions and the chosen method. The consultation, histological examination or additional procedures may be charged separately according to the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.