What We Remove
- Lipomas — benign fatty tumors under the skin. Common, usually painless, but may grow or become uncomfortable. Removed when bothersome, enlarging, or when the diagnosis is uncertain
- Skin lesions — suspicious moles, cysts, growths, or other skin abnormalities that need removal for diagnosis or treatment
- Sebaceous cysts — fluid-filled sacs under the skin that may become infected or enlarge
- Other soft tissue masses — any subcutaneous lump or mass that requires excision for diagnosis or symptom relief
All specimens are sent to pathology for examination. Results are reviewed with you at your follow-up visit.
The Procedure
Skin and soft tissue excisions are performed under local anesthesia at Gwinnett Surgery Center. The area is numbed with an injection, the lesion is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures or skin adhesive. Most procedures take 15–45 minutes. You are awake throughout and go home immediately after.
Preparing for Your Procedure
- Eat and drink normally before your procedure (local anesthesia does not require fasting)
- Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications: If you take any blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication, you will receive specific stop and restart instructions from our office. Common medications and typical guidance:
- Warfarin (Coumadin) — typically stopped 5 days before surgery; INR checked the day before
- Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Savaysa — typically stopped 1–3 days before depending on kidney function
- Plavix — stopped 5–7 days before; Brilinta — 3–5 days; Effient — 7 days
- Aspirin — may be continued or stopped depending on why you take it
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the surgical area
- You may drive yourself and do not need a companion (local anesthesia only)
Recovery
- Activity — most patients resume normal activity within 1–2 days. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks to allow the incision to heal
- Wound care — keep the area clean and dry. Specific instructions provided at your procedure
- Pain — mild soreness at the incision site. Over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen is usually sufficient
- Suture removal — if non-absorbable sutures are used, they are removed at your follow-up visit (typically 7–14 days)
- Pathology results — reviewed at your follow-up visit
When to call after your procedure
Call our office for: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision · fever · opening of the wound edges · any concerns about healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep?
No. Skin and soft tissue procedures are performed under local anesthesia — the area is numbed with an injection. You are awake but should not feel pain during the procedure.
Will there be a scar?
Any incision produces some scarring, but Dr. Kakarla places incisions along natural skin lines when possible and closes carefully to minimize scarring. Scars typically fade over several months.
How will I know if a lump needs to be removed?
Removal is recommended when a mass is enlarging, painful, cosmetically bothersome, or when the diagnosis is uncertain and pathology is needed to confirm what it is. Dr. Kakarla evaluates each case at your consultation.
Do I need a referral?
No. Call our office directly unless your specific insurance plan requires a referral.
