Awake face surgery
Awake Skin Lesion Removal in Ottawa
Skin lesion removal takes out benign bumps such as moles, cysts and lipomas. This is a classic awake procedure done under local anesthesia.
Skin Lesion Removal at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 15 to 45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | A classic awake procedure |
| Typical return to desk work | Back to normal activity in days |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is skin lesion removal?
The area is numbed and the lesion is removed by excision or other methods, then closed with fine stitches. Tissue may be sent for pathology when appropriate.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with benign lesions they want removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons
- Those with lesions that are changing, which must be evaluated first
Why awake skin lesion removal may work
Local anesthesia is the standard approach for most lesion excisions. You stay awake, avoid a general anesthetic, and go home right away. A review of tumescent anesthesia in dermatologic surgery outside liposuction describes how the technique extends local anesthesia to larger skin procedures.
When awake may not be the right choice
Lesions that are suspicious for skin cancer need appropriate assessment and may require a different pathway.
Your awake skin lesion removal journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We examine the lesion and decide whether it needs pathology or referral.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The skin is numbed with small injections, the lesion is removed, and the wound is closed.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Mild soreness. Keep the dressing clean and dry. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Sutures removed. |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Scar is pink. |
| 6 to 12 months | Scar fades. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Observation, or non-surgical removal methods in some cases.
Risks
Scarring, infection, bleeding, recurrence, incomplete removal, and altered sensation.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake skin lesion removal
Will it leave a scar?
Yes, but it is placed carefully.
Do I need pathology?
Often yes. We recommend it when appropriate.
Will it come back?
Cysts can recur if not fully removed.
Can I go home right away?
Yes.
Related procedures
Pricing for this procedure is quoted at your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Uttamani RR, Venkataram A, Venkataram J, Mysore V. Tumescent anesthesia for dermatosurgical procedures other than liposuction. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2020;13(4):275-282. PMID 33911407
Starting from $1,000 for Lesion removal (CAD, before 13% HST). Your personalized written quote follows consultation. See pricing and financing.