Excision of a vulvar lesion means cutting out a lump, mole, cyst or patch of skin from the vulva, usually under local anesthesia in an outpatient room, and closing the wound with fine dissolvable stitches. The removed tissue is sent for pathology to confirm what it is. Most women walk home the same day, and the skin usually heals in about 2–3 weeks.
- Duration
- About 15–45 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local; sedation for larger areas
- Stitches
- Usually dissolvable
- Back to desk work
- 1–2 days
- Pathology
- About 1 week
- Cost guide
- ₩150,000–2,500,000 (general guide)
Excision, biopsy or another treatment?
Not every vulvar lesion needs to be cut out. The approach depends on what the lesion is likely to be and how certain the diagnosis is. For an overview of lesion types and warning signs, see vulvar lumps and lesions.
| Approach | What it involves | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Punch biopsy | A 3–5 mm sample taken under local anesthesia | Patches or rashes needing a diagnosis |
| Excisional biopsy | The whole lesion removed with a small margin | Cysts, skin tags, moles, small uncertain lesions |
| Wider excision | Larger area removed after a confirmed diagnosis | Precancerous changes; may be planned with a specialist center |
| Cryotherapy, laser or topical treatment | Destroys or treats tissue without cutting it out | Typical genital warts |
| Drainage or marsupialization | Opening and draining a fluid-filled gland | Bartholin's cysts and abscesses |
How to prepare for the procedure
- Consultation first: the lesion is examined, photographed for your record if you agree, and the plan is explained in English.
- Timing: it is easier to schedule outside your period.
- Medicines: tell the doctor about blood thinners, supplements such as fish oil, allergies and any previous reaction to local anesthetic.
- On the day: wear loose cotton underwear and comfortable clothing. Shaving is not needed.
- Sedation: if planned, fast as instructed and bring someone to accompany you home.
The excision, step by step
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, most vulvar excisions are done in an outpatient procedure room.
- Marking The lesion and a small margin of normal skin are marked.
- Numbing A fine needle injects local anesthetic; you feel a brief sting, then pressure but not sharp pain.
- Removal The lesion is removed with a scalpel or fine electrosurgical instrument, usually in an elliptical shape so the skin closes neatly.
- Closing the wound Fine dissolvable stitches are placed in most cases.
- Pathology The tissue is placed in a labeled container and sent to the laboratory.
- Aftercare You receive written wound-care instructions in English and usually walk home shortly afterward.
- A lump, mole or patch of uncertain cause
- Rubbing or irritation from clothing
- Bleeding or a change in appearance
- Worry about what the lesion might be
- Lesion removed and sent for pathology
- A diagnosis explained in English
- A small wound that usually heals in 2–3 weeks
- A follow-up plan if further care is needed
Anesthesia and comfort
Most vulvar excisions are done under local anesthesia, which keeps the area numb for 1–3 hours. A numbing cream may be applied beforehand to reduce the sting of the injection. For larger or multiple lesions, or if you are very anxious, sedation can be discussed. After the anesthetic wears off, soreness is usually mild and managed with simple pain relief.
Recovery and wound care
- Day 0–2 Mild soreness and a little spotting. Rinse with clean water after using the toilet and pat dry.
- Day 3–7 Most discomfort settles. Avoid tight clothing, cycling and long periods of sitting on hard seats.
- Week 2–3 Dissolvable stitches fall out and the skin heals. Avoid intercourse, swimming and baths until healed, or as advised.
- Follow-up Wound check and pathology results.
Understanding your pathology report
Results usually arrive in about a week. Your doctor explains in plain English what the lesion was and whether anything else is needed:
- Benign result: no further treatment is usually required.
- Skin condition (for example lichen sclerosus): ongoing treatment and periodic checks are planned.
- Precancerous or uncertain change: further treatment or referral to a specialist center is arranged, and the report is provided in English for your home doctor.
If HPV-related changes are found, see our page on HPV.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, vulvar lesion excision ranges from about ₩150,000 to ₩2,500,000, depending on the size and number of lesions, anesthesia and pathology. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- Medically necessary removal may be covered for residents enrolled in National Health Insurance; purely cosmetic removal is not.
- Visitors can request English documents for travel insurance claims.
See all procedures in surgical gynecology.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will vulvar excision leave a scar?
A fine line scar is expected, but vulvar skin usually heals well and the scar often becomes hard to see over a few months. Larger excisions leave a more noticeable scar.
Can I walk and work after the procedure?
Yes. Most women walk out of the clinic and return to desk work within 1–2 days. Avoid cycling, intense exercise and tight clothing until the wound has healed.
Do the stitches need to be removed?
Usually not. Dissolvable stitches fall out on their own within about 2–3 weeks.
Can the lesion come back?
Completely removed cysts and skin tags rarely return in the same place, but new ones can form elsewhere. Skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus need ongoing follow-up.
Can I have this done on a short visit to Seoul?
Often yes. Small lesions can sometimes be removed within a few days of the first visit, and pathology results can be explained by phone or messaging and sent to you in English.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
Former Professor of OB-GYN, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine · Former editorial board member, AAGL · 11th President, Korean Society of Aesthetic Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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