Dermatologic Surgery in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is dermatologic surgery?
Dermatologic surgery is surgery on the skin and the tissue just beneath it, planned and performed by a dermatologist. It has two purposes: to take a sample that tells the dermatologist exactly what a skin problem is, and to remove a lesion completely, whether it is a mole, a cyst, a lipoma or a skin cancer.
What sets it apart is that the diagnosis of the skin guides the operation. The dermatologist examines the lesion, often with a dermatoscope, decides which technique suits it, and plans how much normal skin to take around it. The removed tissue is then examined in the laboratory, and that report completes the diagnosis.
Dermatologic surgery at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is performed in-house by the dermatology team. The skin lesion removal page describes minor lump removal through general surgery; this page covers skin procedures chosen and carried out by the dermatologist.
Who needs it
Dermatologic surgery is used when the skin needs a diagnosis or a lesion needs to come out:
- A rash or patch of skin whose cause needs confirming with a biopsy
- A mole that has changed, or one flagged during mole mapping
- A suspected skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma
- A sebaceous or epidermoid cyst that keeps becoming inflamed
- A lipoma, which is a soft fatty lump under the skin
- A lesion that catches on clothing, bleeds when knocked or sits where it is irritated
The alternatives depend on the lesion. Harmless lesions can often simply be watched, and some superficial skin problems respond to creams or other non-surgical treatment. The dermatologist explains the options for your lesion, how likely it is to need a laboratory diagnosis, and where the scar will sit, and the decision is made with you.
What happens
Dermatologic surgery is done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake and the area is numb. The technique is matched to the lesion:
| Technique | What it involves | Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Shave biopsy or shave removal | A raised lesion is shaved level with the skin | Heals like a graze, without stitches |
| Punch biopsy | A small round core of skin is taken for analysis | One or two stitches |
| Elliptical excision | The whole lesion is removed with a margin of normal skin | Stitches in layers |
| Cyst excision | The cyst is removed together with its lining | Stitches in layers |
The dermatologist marks the skin first. For an excision, the cut is drawn as a narrow ellipse, roughly three times as long as it is wide and lined up with the natural creases of the skin, so the scar lies flat. This makes the final line longer than the lesion itself, which is expected and helps it settle neatly.
The local anaesthetic stings briefly and then the skin goes numb, leaving only a sense of pressure. After the lesion is removed, small blood vessels are sealed, and deeper wounds are closed in two layers: dissolving stitches underneath take the tension, and fine stitches on the surface bring the edges together. A dressing goes on, and the tissue is labelled and sent to the laboratory.
Preparing for it
Tell the dermatologist about all your medicines. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and some supplements increase bleeding, so you may be asked to pause them; keep taking any prescribed blood thinner unless the doctor who prescribed it advises a change. Mention a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, because the device used to seal small blood vessels needs to be chosen with it in mind.
Tell the team if you form raised or keloid scars, since this affects how the wound is planned. Eat normally beforehand and wear clothing that gives easy access to the area. For surgery near the eye, arrange a lift home, because swelling can make driving awkward for a day or two.
If you are fasting during Ramadan, ask about timing, as local anaesthetic surgery can usually be booked at a convenient time of day.
Afterwards
Keep the dressing clean and dry for the period you are advised, then wash the area gently and pat it dry. Mild soreness is normal and simple pain relief is usually enough. Wounds on the back, shoulders and legs heal under more tension, so avoid stretching and heavy lifting that pulls on those areas while they heal.
Surface stitches are removed at a visit timed for the body site: the face heals quickly, while the back and legs need longer. Dissolving stitches disappear on their own. At the same stage, the dermatologist gives you the laboratory result and explains whether anything more is needed.
A new scar starts pink and gradually becomes paler and flatter over many months. Once the skin has fully closed, gentle massage and silicone gel help it soften. Protect the scar from the sun with clothing or sunscreen, because strong UAE sunlight can darken a healing scar. If a scar settles poorly, scar revision is an option later on.
Contact the hospital if the wound becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, if pus appears, if the edges separate, or if you develop a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away if bleeding soaks through the dressing and continues after firm pressure.**
Cost and insurance
Dermatologic surgery done for a medical reason, such as a biopsy, a changing mole or a suspected skin cancer, is usually covered by UAE insurance plans, often with pre-approval. Laboratory analysis of the tissue may need approval of its own. Removal of a harmless lesion purely for appearance is commonly excluded. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of dermatologic surgery?
Dermatologic surgery carries the risks of any skin procedure, including bleeding, bruising, infection, a reaction to the local anaesthetic and the wound edges separating. Every excision leaves a scar, and some scars stretch, thicken or change colour. A lesion can occasionally return, and a skin cancer may need a wider excision if the laboratory finds it close to the edge. The dermatologist explains how these risks apply to you.
What is the difference between a skin biopsy and an excision?
A skin biopsy removes a small sample of a lesion or rash so the laboratory can identify it, while an excision removes the whole lesion with a margin of normal skin. Sometimes an excision is also the biopsy, when a small lesion is taken out completely and examined.
Why is my scar longer than the mole that was removed?
The scar from an excision is longer than the lesion because the skin is cut as a narrow ellipse so the edges close flat without a pucker at each end. Lining the cut up with natural skin creases helps the longer scar settle neatly.
What happens if the laboratory finds skin cancer?
If the laboratory finds skin cancer, the dermatologist explains the type, whether the margins are clear and what comes next. Some skin cancers need a second, wider excision, and others need no further surgery; the plan depends on the report.
When are stitches removed after dermatologic surgery?
Stitches are removed at a follow-up visit timed for the part of the body treated. Stitches on the face are usually removed sooner than those on the back or legs, and the dermatologist tells you the timing for your wound.
Can dermatologic surgery be done on the face?
Dermatologic surgery can be done on the face, and the cut is planned along natural creases and lines to keep the scar as discreet as possible. Swelling near the eyes is common for a few days after surgery on the face.
Will I be awake during dermatologic surgery?
You will be awake during dermatologic surgery, because it is done under local anaesthetic that numbs only the treated area. You feel pressure and movement but should not feel sharp pain.
Departments
Book an appointment
Tell us your preferred day and time. Our team calls you back to confirm.