Surgical Dermatology
Surgical dermatology is a specialized branch of dermatology focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions through surgical procedures. It includes techniques such as excisions, biopsies, and Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Surgical dermatologists treat a wide range of conditions, including skin cancers, cysts, and moles. Their expertise combines medical knowledge with precision techniques to ensure both effective treatment and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
At Distinctive Dermatology, we perform these surgical procedures:
Skin Biopsy
Skin biopsy is removal of a skin lesion in the office. The skin is numbed and the lesion is removed. Tissue removed in-office is sent for evaluation by a dermatopathologist (an expert in the evaluation of skin conditions under the microscope).
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is treatment with liquid nitrogen. It is sometimes known as "freezing" or "burning" and is very cold. This treatment is usually sprayed on the skin. It can be used to treat actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, warts, and many other skin conditions.
Skin Excision
Skin excision is performed for skin cancers, melanoma, atypical moles, dysplastic moles, cysts, and other larger skin lesions. The skin is numbed, the lesion is removed, and the tissue is sent for evaluation by a dermatopathologist. This procedure is performed in-office.
Electrodessication
Electrodessication (electrocautery) is performed in-office as "electrodessication and curettage" to treat early skin cancers. Electrodessication can also be used to stop bleeding and remove skin lesions, for example seborrheic keratosis. This procedure is sometimes referred to as "burning" or "cauterizing.