Dermatological surgery in Paris 16 — excision of skin lesions

Dermatological surgery covers the excision and reconstruction of all skin tumours, benign or cancerous, as well as tumours of the non-visceral soft tissues.

It combines two requirements: removing the lesion completely, and closing the resulting defect while preserving the function and appearance of the region concerned. It is this second requirement that belongs to plastic surgery.

What is dermatological surgery?

It consists in removing a skin lesion with a safety margin appropriate to its nature, then reconstructing the operated area. On the face in particular, the reconstruction determines the functional and aesthetic result: the eyelid, the nostril rim or the lip do not tolerate closure under tension.

Which skin cancers are treated?

The commonest procedures concern:

• basal cell carcinomas, the commonest skin cancers, which develop locally;
• squamous cell carcinomas;
• melanomas, which require specific excision margins and coordinated management.

Which benign lesions are treated?

The commonest are the lipoma, a benign fatty tumour, and the sebaceous cyst. Moles whose appearance has changed are also removed for analysis.

Why is pathological examination systematic?

Every lesion removed is sent for pathological examination. This has two objectives: to confirm the exact nature of the lesion, and to check that the excision is complete — that is, that the margins are clear.

Where the margins are not clear, further surgery is necessary. That is why no lesion is removed without analysis, including where it appears benign to the naked eye.

The result generally arrives within one to two weeks and is given to you in consultation.

How is the wound closed?

Several methods can be used according to the size and site of the defect:

• direct suture, where the edges can be brought together without tension;
• a flap, which moves neighbouring tissue while preserving its blood supply — the technique of choice on the face;
• a skin graft, taken from elsewhere;
• guided healing, where the wound is left open and closes gradually with dressings over several weeks.

How does the procedure work?

Most of these excisions are carried out under local anaesthesia, as day surgery. Extensive lesions or those requiring complex reconstruction may warrant general anaesthesia.

What is the recovery like?

It depends on the site and on the method of closure. Local care, when the stitches are to be removed and what precautions to take are set out for you at the end of the procedure.

What follow-up after the excision of a skin cancer?

Regular dermatological follow-up is necessary after the excision of a skin cancer, in order to detect local recurrence or the appearance of a new lesion. Sun protection is an integral part of that follow-up.

Is this surgery reimbursed?

Yes. The excision of a suspicious or cancerous skin lesion, like that of a symptomatic benign lesion, is medical care and is covered by French health insurance.

Last updated: August 2026 · Medical content reviewed by Dr Benjamin Pulvermacker, board-qualified plastic surgeon in Paris 16.