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How do dermatologists remove skin lesions?

Depending on the type of lesion, your dermatologist may choose to perform a biopsy to ensure the growth is benign and determine which type of removal procedure is appropriate. Removal generally includes the following treatment options:

  • Scalpel removal: The practitioner uses a scalpel to shave the lesion away from your facial skin.

  • Electrosurgery: Electrical current or pulses are used to selectively destroy the abnormally growing cells.

  • Laser surgery: A high-energy laser is used to destroy abnormal skin tissue.

  • Curettage: Similar to scalpel removal; however, a round cutting loop is used rather than a flat-edged blade.

  • Cryosurgery: The lesion is removed by freezing the growth with a special instrument or cold liquid.

  • Mohs micrographic surgery: This technique may be used if the dermatologist suspects the benign growth may be turning cancerous. The lesion is cut away in small pieces, which are examined to ensure malignant areas are removed.

What is considered a benign lesion?

How do you get rid of facial skin lesions?

What causes skin growth on the face?

Do benign skin lesions grow?

Can a benign skin lesion become cancerous?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

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Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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