Fusiform Surgical Techniques: Risks to Minor Surgery

Skin disorders are a leading cause for visits to a dermatologist. With such an array of skin complications, many patients seek out the advice, diagnosis and treatment in hopes of improving the cosmetic appearance of their skin and also improving, and preventing, long term health complications.

When visiting with a dermatologist, there are a variety of skin disorder treatments that can be provided in the office. While most are not cosmetic in nature, i.e. Botox and microdermabrasion, there are some procedures that serve a medical purpose and, ultimately, lead to a cosmetic, or physical, improvement.

One procedure, commonly referred to as fusiform, involves the removal of lesions and some tissue, normally in the doctor's office. As a method for excising moles, warts and other lesions, your doctor can resolve the cosmetic appearance of the complication while also obtaining a biopsy for examination, all in one relatively minor procedure.

If your doctor has recommended the fusiform procedure in the office, there are some health risks you will want to be familiar with. As a general rule, these risks are negligible but should be discussed.

Risks associated with the fusiform dermatological procedure include a risk for excessive bleeding immediately after the procedure is complete. If bleeding is profuse during surgery, your physician will have some specific suture placements he can use to stop bleeding. After surgery, however, the complicated bleeding may result in the need to re-open the wound and make necessary tissue repair.

While infection risks are low, they are still a risk. To avoid infection risk, you will want to be certain your doctor has applied an antibiotic ointment to the sutured area immediately after the fusiform technique is complete. Additionally, before he begins the procedure, be certain an antiseptic is applied to the area.