Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery

What is Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery?

Skin and soft tissue surgery involves the removal or repair of growths, lesions, and other abnormalities affecting the skin and underlying tissues. This type of surgery aims to address issues such as tumors, cysts, infections, and other conditions that impact the skin’s health and appearance. It can range from minor procedures to more extensive surgeries depending on the severity and type of condition being treated.

Types of Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery

Various surgical techniques are used to treat different skin and soft tissue conditions. Some common types include:

Excisional Surgery: Removal of a skin lesion or tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.

Cyst Removal: Surgical extraction of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs beneath the skin.

Skin Grafting: Transplanting healthy skin from one area of the body to another to repair wounds or defects.

Common Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions

Skin Cancer: Surgical removal of cancerous lesions, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Benign Skin Lesions: Removal of cysts, lipomas, and other benign growths to improve comfort and appearance.

Chronic Wounds or Trauma: Surgical intervention to repair wounds that do not heal properly, often using advanced techniques like skin grafts or flaps.

Infections or Abscesses: Surgical drainage or removal of abscesses and infections that do not respond to medication.

When is Surgery Needed?

Skin and soft tissue surgery may be recommended in the following situations:

Persistent or Growing Lesions: When a skin lesion does not respond to other treatments or continues to grow.

Suspicious Skin Changes: When a lesion exhibits characteristics that may indicate skin cancer or other serious conditions.

Functional or Cosmetic Concerns: When skin or tissue abnormalities affect function or appearance, and surgical intervention can provide improvement.

Infections: In cases of severe infections that do not improve with antibiotics and require surgical intervention to clear the infection.

Procedure Overview

The exact procedure for skin and soft tissue surgery will vary depending on the specific type of surgery being performed. Generally, the process begins with the area being cleaned and numbed using a local anesthetic. In some cases, general anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.

During the surgery, the surgeon carefully removes the affected tissue while striving to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. This step ensures that the problematic area is addressed while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissues.

After the removal of the affected tissue, the incision is closed using sutures, staples, or adhesive, depending on the nature of the procedure and the location of the incision. This closure is crucial for proper healing and to prevent complications.

Post-operative care is essential for recovery. The patient will receive specific instructions for wound care and recovery, including how to manage the surgical site and any necessary restrictions on activities. Follow-up visits may be required to monitor the healing process and, if needed, to remove stitches and ensure that the area is healing correctly.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing discomfort from a skin or soft tissue condition, or require treatment for skin cancer, cysts, or chronic wounds, the team at Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.

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