The right technique depends on what the lesion actually is.
Moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, and other growths on the face, scalp, and neck aren't all the same kind of problem, and they shouldn't all be removed the same way. Dr. Kim evaluates each lesion individually — what it is, whether it needs to be sent for pathology, and which removal technique will leave the least visible trace — before recommending a plan.
| Lesion Type | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Moles (nevi) | Clusters of pigment-producing cells; usually benign, but changes over time can signal concern |
| Cysts | Fluid- or keratin-filled sacs beneath the skin, often slow-growing |
| Lipomas | Soft, benign growths of fatty tissue beneath the skin |
| Skin tags & seborrheic keratosis | Common, benign surface growths that increase with age |
| Suspicious or changing lesions | Growths with irregular features that may warrant biopsy to rule out skin cancer |
Most lesions patients want removed are benign and being treated for appearance or irritation — cosmetic removal. But if a lesion has features that raise any concern, Dr. Kim will recommend it be sent to pathology for evaluation rather than simply discarded, which is a meaningfully different process than a purely cosmetic excision even though the in-office steps can look similar. Insurance coverage often differs between the two as well, and our team can help you understand what to expect before treatment.
This distinction matters because it changes the technique used: a lesion being biopsied needs to be removed with enough surrounding tissue, and handled in a way that preserves the specimen for the pathologist, while a purely cosmetic lesion can sometimes be treated with a technique optimized more heavily for the smallest possible scar.
| Technique | Best Suited For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Shave excision | Raised, superficial lesions | Minimal scarring; not appropriate if deep tissue sampling is needed |
| Punch biopsy | Small lesions needing a full-thickness tissue sample | Small circular defect, often closed with a single suture |
| Full excision with layered closure | Deeper or larger lesions, and most suspicious/pre-cancerous lesions | Requires sutures; closure technique is what most determines final scar appearance |
| Electrodesiccation | Small, superficial benign growths (skin tags, some keratoses) | Fast, minimal downtime, not used for anything requiring pathology |
| Cryotherapy | Certain superficial benign lesions | No incision, but less precise than surgical removal |
Recovery depends heavily on technique. A shave excision or electrodesiccation typically heals within one to two weeks with minimal aftercare beyond keeping the area clean. A full excision with sutures generally has stitches removed at ten to fourteen days, with the resulting scar starting out pink and gradually fading over several months to a year as it matures.
Sun protection during healing is one of the most important things a patient can do — UV exposure to a healing incision can cause it to darken or become more visible long-term, so we ask patients to keep the area covered or well-protected with sunscreen well after the surface has closed. Patients with darker skin tones should also know they carry a somewhat higher risk of post-inflammatory pigment change or raised scarring, which we factor into technique choice and aftercare guidance.
We'd strongly advise against it. At-home removal carries real risk of infection and scarring, and more importantly, it removes the opportunity to have a lesion properly evaluated — a spot that looks harmless isn't always. If something concerns you, having it assessed in office is the safer path either way.
Some mark is likely with any technique that involves cutting the skin, though the goal is always to make it as minimal and inconspicuous as possible. Technique selection, incision placement along natural skin lines, and layered closure all factor into minimizing visible scarring, and most scars continue to fade for up to a year after treatment.
Dr. Kim evaluates any lesion you're concerned about clinically, using features like the ABCDE criteria, its history of change, and your personal risk factors. If anything raises concern, he'll recommend the lesion be sent for pathology rather than simply removed and discarded.
It depends on whether removal is medically necessary (for example, a lesion that's bleeding, changing, or suspicious) versus purely cosmetic. Our team can help you understand what's likely to be covered before your procedure.
"The staff were warm and helpful, and Dr. Kim did a wonderful job with the excision I needed."
"I've had a rhinoplasty, Botox, fillers, and scar treatment done here. It's been flawless work. He's a Harvard trained surgeon and an expert in his craft."
"Absolutely love Natural Face Clinics — Dr. Kim is amazing. He is professional, knowledgeable and the staff are fabulous!"