In this Shave excision procedure, your dermatologist uses a thin, razor-like tool to carefully slice away the mole. A device with a tiny electrode at the end may be used to perform electrosurgical feathering. The feathering helps minimize the appearance of the excision by blending the edges of the wound with the surrounding skin. Stitches are not needed after a shave excision.

 

Surgical excision. This procedure is deeper than a shave excision and more like traditional surgery. Your dermatologist cuts out the entire mole and below to the subcutaneous fat layer, and stitches the incision closed. The mole will then be examined for cancer cells.