Skin solutions - blemishes, scarring and birthmarks

To remove a large lesion with the minimum possible scarring, Mr Gault uses the technique of serial excision, whereby the centre of the large lesion is removed and the edges of the defect which remains are brought together and sewn up.  

After about three to four months, or even less, depending on the body site and how the area heals, the centre of the remaining lesion (which is now already smaller) is again removed and the defect again sewn up. Sometimes lesions can be removed in two excisions, and sometimes three, depending on size, age, skin type and healing.

The surgery can be undertaken under local or general anaesthesia.  It usually leaves a fine linear scar but the intention is that it is significantly less obvious than the original lesion and that the surgery is very much worthwhile in general.  

You should allow the area to heal for a good 4-6 weeks before undertaking strenuous exercise which could stretch the scar.