Skip to content 
Surgical Treatments in Richmond, VA
Precise Care for Skin Health and Confidence
Surgical procedures at Commonwealth Dermatology in Richmond, VA, are designed to safely and effectively remove abnormal or concerning skin lesions. Whether addressing warts, angiomas, precancerous spots, or early-stage skin cancers, our board-certified dermatologists provide expert evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care.
Surgical intervention ensures not only proper diagnosis through biopsy but also removes lesions that could worsen if left untreated, protecting both your health and appearance. Different lesions and concerns require tailored approaches, and our dermatologists work closely with you to provide the most appropriate procedure for your condition and goals.
Comprehensive Surgical Treatment Options
Electrodesiccation & Curettage (ED&C)
ED&C uses a combination of scraping and controlled electrical current to remove superficial lesions such as warts, angiomas, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This procedure is effective for small or superficial growths and is typically performed under local anesthesia.
Punch Biopsy
A punch biopsy involves a hollow, circular scalpel that removes a small core of tissue from a lesion for examination and analysis. It is often used to evaluate suspicious growths or skin changes that may indicate the presence of cancer. This minimally invasive procedure allows for accurate diagnosis with minimal recovery time.
Excisional Biopsy
Excisional biopsy is a surgical procedure in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, along with a small margin of healthy tissue, for examination under a microscope. This process is highly effective for larger or deeper lesions, ensuring complete removal while enabling precise diagnosis.
Benefits of Surgical Treatments:
Eliminates uncertainty by providing a precise diagnosis of suspicious growths.
Treats precancerous and cancerous lesions before they can progress.
Prevents the worry and stress of leaving a questionable lesion unchecked.
Precise treatment and follow-up minimize the chances of regrowth.
Most patients recover quickly, returning to their daily lives with reassurance and renewed confidence in their health.
How Surgical Treatments Work:
Consultation & Evaluation
Our dermatologists evaluate your lesion, discuss your concerns, and advise the most suitable surgical approach.
Preparation
The treatment area is cleansed, and local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort.
Procedure
Depending on the method, the lesion may be scraped and treated, removed as a tissue core (punch biopsy), or entirely excised (excisional biopsy).
Follow-up Care
Post-procedure instructions are provided to support healing, and follow-up appointments are used to monitor recovery and assess results.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Surgical treatments are an excellent option for anyone who
Has suspicious skin growths, non-healing sores, or changes in existing moles.
Has warts, angiomas, actinic keratosis, or early-stage skin cancers.
Has a family history of skin cancer or personal risk factors such as fair skin, frequent sun exposure, or tanning bed use.
Needs tissue samples for an accurate diagnosis of a potential skin disease.
Before & After Your Appointment
Before Your Treatment:
Avoid medications that increase bleeding risk.
Follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by your dermatologist.
After Your Treatment:
Healing may involve minor redness, swelling, or scabbing.
Most patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Follow-up visits must be scheduled to track recovery and go over the biopsy results if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgical removal painful?
Local anesthesia is typically used for most procedures, minimizing discomfort. Some mild soreness may occur after treatment.
How long does it take to heal?
Recovery varies by procedure and lesion size, but most patients experience healing within a week or two.
Will there be scarring after surgery?
Scarring is minimal with expert technique, and cosmetic results are considered in the planning of each procedure.
Can all lesions be treated surgically?
Most superficial and some deeper lesions can be addressed. Your dermatologist will recommend the safest and most effective approach for you.
How soon will I know the results of a biopsy?
Biopsy results typically take between 1 and 7 days. Your dermatologist will discuss the findings and outline the following steps during your follow-up appointment.
Schedule Your Consultation
Protect your skin and your confidence with expert surgical care in Richmond, VA. Contact Commonwealth Dermatology today to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized treatment plan for safe and effective results.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Get In Touch
To request an appointment, please fill out the form below and we will contact you about availability. Please allow us up to 48 hours to process your request.