Melanoma Excision and Scar
Current as of: May 3, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology
Surgery to remove (excise) melanoma removes the cancer and a border of healthy tissue. In the "Area of excision" picture:
If the excision is small, the skin may be closed with stitches after surgery. The "After surgery" picture shows the usual shape of the scar after surgery to remove a small melanoma.
If the excision is large, a skin graft may be needed.
Other ways of removing a melanoma can leave a round scar or a scar shaped a little like the letter "Z."
Current as of: May 3, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology
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