Soft Tissue
& Skin Surgery
Outpatient removal of cysts, lipomas, skin lesions, lymph nodes, and soft tissue masses — with minimal scarring and same-day discharge.
A growing lump or a changing mole deserves a careful evaluation by a board-certified surgeon — not a guess. Dr. Rios performs these procedures with the same precision he brings to every operation.
Small fluid-filled or keratin-filled lumps just beneath the skin. Often recur if not fully excised — including the cyst wall.
Soft, slow-growing fatty tumors. Usually benign, but should be evaluated when growing, painful, or located in unusual sites.
Removal of suspicious or symptomatic skin lesions with pathology to rule out skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Excisional biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes for diagnosis of infection, lymphoma, or metastatic disease.
Treatment of skin and soft tissue abscesses including those requiring complex packing or wound care.
Any palpable mass beneath the skin that requires diagnosis — including ganglion cysts, neuromas, and rarer tumors.
Most soft tissue and skin procedures are performed in the office or outpatient procedure room under local anesthesia. You will be awake but feel no pain at the surgical site. The procedure typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on size and location. Larger or deeper lesions may require light IV sedation or, rarely, general anesthesia in the hospital setting.
Dr. Rios uses careful incision planning, layered closure, and fine suture technique to minimize visible scarring. The removed tissue is almost always sent to pathology for microscopic confirmation of the diagnosis.
When to be evaluated: a lump that is new, growing, painful, or changing in color or texture deserves a surgical evaluation. Most are benign — but the only way to know for sure is to have it examined and, in most cases, removed and analyzed.
Yes — nearly all removed tissue is sent to a pathologist for microscopic examination. This confirms the diagnosis and rules out malignancy. Results typically take 5–7 business days.
All surgery leaves some scar, but Dr. Rios uses techniques designed to minimize visible scarring — careful incision planning along natural skin tension lines, layered closure, and meticulous suture technique. Most scars fade significantly over 6–12 months.
Most cyst, lipoma, and skin lesion removals are performed under local anesthesia in the office or outpatient procedure room. Larger or deeper lesions may require light sedation or general anesthesia.
Removal of symptomatic or suspicious lesions is generally covered by insurance. Removal for purely cosmetic reasons may not be. Our office will verify your coverage before scheduling.
Most patients return to work the same day or the next day. Avoid heavy lifting or stretching near the surgical site for 1–2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed at 1–2 weeks if non-absorbable.