The fusiform excision.

Abstract

The fusiform excision of a skin lesion is a common procedure in outpatient care. The appearance of the final scar is improved by orienting the excision parallel to resting skin tension lines with at least a 3:1 length-to-width ratio, undermining the lateral wound edges and using absorbable subcuticular sutures. A properly designed fusiform excision can be closed primarily and infrequently results in the formation of excessive mounds of tissue at the wound ends, known as "dog-ears."