Background: Removal of skin lesions is one of the most common surgical procedures, with the number increasing progressively since the 1980s.
Objective: We tried to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients after removal of skin lesions and to identify the factors influencing it.
Study design: The study group consisted of 138 patients who had skin lesions removed by shaving or primary excision and closure. They were evaluated 1 year after the procedure. Two questionnaires were completed independently by the patient and the surgeon.
Results: The main indication for the procedure was suspicion of malignancy, functional disturbance, or aesthetic reason. The satisfaction level (general and specific areas) for patients who had a malignant tumour removed was similar to those who had a benign tumour removed. Females were less satisfied than males (P = 0.05). Younger people were less satisfied with the aesthetic results (P = 0.007). Patients who had at least one significant side-effect were less satisfied than those who did not mention any side-effects (P = 0.038). The higher the level of patient satisfaction, the higher the level of surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.012).
Conclusion: Skin lesion removal, although considered to be a minor procedure, leaves scars that sometimes disturb the patient. According to our study, the most prevalent population for dissatisfaction is females and young males.