title: 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."
authors.affiliation: National Procedures Institute, Midland, Michigan.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Zuber
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Dewitt
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods