Wide Local Excisions

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Summary Content

Wide Local Excision (WLE) is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous or abnormal skin lesions along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. This approach is commonly used to treat melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other suspicious lesions with the potential to become malignant. The goal of WLE is to fully eliminate affected tissue and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

At Rejuvenation Dermatology, Wide Local Excisions are carefully planned to ensure medical effectiveness while preserving cosmetic appearance as much as possible. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and may involve the use of fine sutures to support healing and reduce visible scarring. Once the lesion and surrounding tissue are removed, the sample is submitted to a pathology lab to confirm complete excision.

Recovery is generally uncomplicated, with most patients returning to daily activities soon after the procedure. WLE is a proactive, essential step in managing serious skin concerns and maintaining long-term skin health and peace of mind.

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What Is a Wide Local Excision?

Wide Local Excision is a surgical method used to thoroughly remove cancerous or potentially concerning skin lesions, along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. This approach helps ensure that all abnormal cells are eliminated while retaining as much unaffected skin as possible. It plays an important role in both treating skin conditions and preventing future complications.

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Benefits of Wide Local Excisions

Wide Local Excisions offer a safe and effective solution for removing skin cancers and high-risk lesions while supporting long-term skin health:

  • Comprehensive Cancer Removal: Targets and excises cancerous or high-risk tissue to reduce recurrence.
  • Precision-Based Approach: Ensures complete removal while preserving surrounding healthy skin.
  • Long-Term Health Support: Plays a critical role in managing and preventing skin cancer progression.
  • Cosmetic Consideration: Performed with techniques that promote optimal aesthetic results.
  • Trusted & Safe: A well-established, medically sound procedure when handled by skilled professionals.

Ideal for those requiring thorough skin cancer treatment, Wide Local Excisions prioritize both medical effectiveness and cosmetic outcome.

What Conditions Can Wide Local Excisions Address?

Wide Local Excisions are used to treat melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and high-risk or precancerous lesions with precision and care:

  • Broad Cancer Coverage: Effectively removes melanoma, BCC, SCC, and suspicious growths.
  • Recurrence Prevention: Significantly lowers the risk of cancer returning or spreading.
  • Thorough & Targeted: Ensures complete removal of affected tissue with clear margins.
  • Supports Long-Term Health: Plays a key role in proactive skin cancer management.
  • Cosmetic Focus: Techniques aim to preserve skin appearance while prioritizing medical success.

Ideal for those facing high-risk or confirmed skin cancers, Wide Local Excisions offer both comprehensive treatment and peace of mind.

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What To Expect During Your Wide Local Excision Session

Consultation and Consent:
Your dermatologist or surgeon will explain the procedure, discuss why the excision is necessary, and answer any remaining questions. You'll be asked to sign a consent form before proceeding.

Administering Local Anesthesia:
To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be injected around the treatment area. You may feel a quick pinch or sting, followed by complete numbness.

Excision Procedure:
The lesion will be carefully removed, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure full clearance. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure itself should be pain-free.

Closing the Wound:
The area will be closed using sutures, with techniques designed to promote effective healing and minimize scarring.

Bandaging and Home Care Instructions:
A sterile dressing will be applied, and you’ll be provided with detailed aftercare guidelines, including how to clean the area and any activity limitations during recovery.

Follow-Up Visit:
A follow-up appointment may be arranged to monitor healing, remove stitches (if needed), and discuss the 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 | Edmonton, Alberta

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