Wide Local Excisions

Summary Content

Wide Local Excision (WLE) is a surgical procedure performed to remove abnormal or cancerous skin lesions along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This technique is commonly used to treat skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma, as well as suspicious growths that could become malignant. The goal is to ensure complete removal of the affected tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence.

At Rejuvenation Dermatology, Wide Local Excisions are carefully planned to maximize medical effectiveness while minimizing cosmetic impact. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and may involve fine suturing techniques to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. After the lesion and surrounding tissue are removed, the skin is closed carefully, and the sample is sent to a pathology lab for confirmation.

Recovery is usually straightforward, with most patients able to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Wide Local Excision is an important, proactive step toward maintaining long-term skin health and peace of mind when addressing serious skin concerns.

What Is a Wide Local Excision?

Wide Local Excision is a surgical technique used to completely remove cancerous or suspicious skin lesions along with a small margin of healthy tissue. It helps ensure all abnormal cells are eliminated while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. The procedure supports both skin health and cancer prevention.

Benefits of Wide Local Excisions

Wide Local Excisions offer a definitive method for removing skin cancers and suspicious lesions, reducing the risk of recurrence. The procedure is precise, safe, and promotes long-term skin health. With skilled techniques, cosmetic results are optimized alongside medical success.

What Conditions Can Wide Local Excisions Address?

Wide Local Excisions treat melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and suspicious or precancerous skin lesions—helping to ensure complete removal and reduce future cancer risk.

Conditions

What To Expect During Your Wide Local Excision Session

Consultation and Consent:
Your dermatologist or surgeon will review the procedure with you, discuss the reason for the excision, and answer any last-minute questions. You’ll be asked to sign a consent form.

Local Anesthesia:
A local anesthetic will be injected around the site to numb the area. You will feel a brief pinch or sting, followed by complete numbness.

Surgical Excision:
The dermatologist will carefully remove the lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. You may feel pressure or movement but no pain.

Wound Closure:
The skin will be carefully stitched (sutured) to close the wound. Techniques are used to minimize scarring and promote good healing.

Dressing and Aftercare Instructions:
A sterile bandage will be applied, and you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for the wound at home, including cleaning and activity restrictions.

Follow-Up Appointment:
You may be scheduled for a follow-up visit to check the healing process, remove sutures (if non-absorbable), and review pathology results.

Wide Local Excision FAQs:

Removing a margin of healthy tissue helps ensure no cancerous or abnormal cells are left behind, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Yes, a scar is likely, but it’s minimized through careful suturing and aftercare. Over time, most scars fade and become less noticeable.

 Most patients heal within 1–3 weeks, depending on the size and location of the excision. Proper wound care is important for optimal healing.

Wide Local Excision | Skin Cancer Removal | Calgary, Alberta

Locations We Offer Wide Locas Excisions

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