Surgical Excision – Shellharbour Skin

Q: What is an Elliptical Excision?

Elliptical excision is a surgical technique in which a doctor removes a skin lesion by making an ellipse or football-shaped cut that includes some healthy skin around it. This method is a common choice for completely removing moles, cysts, skin cancers, and other skin abnormalities that require examination or are unwanted.

Q: What to Expect After the Procedure?

Recovery from an elliptical excision is straightforward. Sutures (stitches) are typically used to close the incision and are removed within one to two weeks, depending on the location of the excision. Dr. Gordon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing and to minimize scarring. Pain and discomfort are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Elliptical Excision

At Shellharbour Skin, a consultation with Dr Barney Gordon is the first step in discussing your skin concerns. During this consultation, he may discuss various management options, including an elliptical excision. This is a precise minor surgical technique that may be considered for the removal of certain skin lesions along with a small margin of surrounding tissue. Our focus is on providing thorough assessments and evidence-informed care for individuals seeking to manage a range of dermatological concerns.

What is an Elliptical Excision?

An elliptical excision is a surgical method in which a doctor makes an ellipse or football oval-shaped incision to remove a skin lesion..The incision is typically designed to include a margin of healthy tissue around the lesion to assist with complete removal and allow for proper wound closure.

This procedure may be discussed for skin lesions such as moles, cysts, or other growths that require removal and histological examination.

Indications for Elliptical Excision

This technique may be discussed during a consultation for individuals with lesions requiring further evaluation, including:

Skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.
Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) that require additional assessment.
Benign lesions causing discomfort, irritation, or other symptoms.

The decision to proceed is based on your clinical assessment and medical history, which will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Procedure Details

During your consultation, Dr Barney Gordon will explain the details of the elliptical excision technique, including the purpose, steps involved, and associated risks.

The procedure involves:

Cleansing the area and administering a local anaesthetic to numb the site.
Creating an elliptical incision around the lesion, which allows for ease of closure.
Removing the lesion and an appropriate tissue margin for pathology testing.
Closing the wound with sutures, which are typically removed within one to two weeks.

The excised tissue is always sent to a specialist pathology laboratory for histological assessment.

This ensures a detailed microscopic analysis of the specimen, including confirmation of whether the lesion has been fully removed.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Understanding the post-procedure experience is a key part of your consultation. After an elliptical excision, sutures (stitches) are often used to close the incision and are typically removed within one to two weeks, depending on the area. Dr Gordon will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to support your skin’s natural healing process. He will also provide guidance on how to care for the area. Any potential discomfort can typically be managed with simple pain relief, and this will be discussed with you.