What is Dermatological Surgery?
Dermatological surgery is a unique medical specialty dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of both medically necessary and cosmetic conditions relating to your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes. Typically, the purpose of this treatment is to restore and enhance the look of skin tissue, often through the removal of birthmarks, growths and similar.
This kind of treatment can be medically necessary for persistent skin conditions that are not responding to more conservative treatments, or to remove cancerous growths.
Common dermatological surgery procedures performed at Premier Partners in Dermatology include:
- Surgical Excisions: Removal of skin lesions, growths, or tumors using surgical techniques to preserve healthy tissue.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing and removal of abnormal skin tissue, such as warts or precancerous lesions.
- Non-Cancerous Removals: Procedures that remove benign skin issues like skin tags, cysts, warts, and lipomas.
- Incisions: Carefully made cuts in the skin used for procedures like biopsies, removing skin lesions, and scar revision.
Signs and Symptoms That You Need Dermatological Surgery?
Your skin, being the body’s largest organ, can develop spots, marks, lesions, and other conditions over time.
At Premiere Partners in Dermatology, we stress the importance of early detection and prevention. This means keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms of potential medical skin issues that could require dermatological surgery.
Common medical conditions that may require dermatological surgery include:
- Skin Cancer: Suspicious moles or growths that are changing in size, shape, color, or texture. Dermatologic surgery, such as mohs surgery, may be necessary for the removal of skin cancer.
- Non-Cancerous Skin Growths: Skin growths like cysts, lipomas, or skin tags that are causing discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns may require surgical removal.
- Persistent Skin Conditions: Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema that do not respond to topical options may require more aggressive treatment.
- Skin Lesions: Unexplained or worrisome skin lesions, rashes, or sores that do not heal with conservative treatments may need further evaluation through biopsies or excisions.
- Skin Infections: Deep-seated skin infections, abscesses, or boils may require surgical drainage or debridement.
There are also a range of cosmetic concerns that our board certified dermatologic surgeons can help address.
Some of the common cosmetic concerns we see are:
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Cosmetic dermatologic surgery, such as facelifts or laser resurfacing, can help address signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Excessive Sweating: Conditions like hyperhidrosis can often be treated with minimally invasive surgical procedures like botox injections.
- Skin Discoloration: Pigmentation disorders or birthmarks that are causing distress or impacting self-esteem can be addressed through dermatologic surgery.
Early detection is key in managing skin conditions effectively and achieving a desirable outcome. If you’re concerned about any of the above, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today.
How Does Dermatological Surgery Work?
Dermatological surgery starts with a consultation with Dr. Stuckert, to discuss and plan the procedure.
Next, the surgical process begins, using minimally invasive procedures to allow for an outpatient experience. Meaning you’ll be on your feet and on your way home shortly after the surgery.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how Premiere Partners in Dermatology will approach your case.
- Consultation: During this appointment, you can discuss your concerns, and Dr. Stuckert, will evaluate your condition.
- Diagnosis: Dr. Stuckert, will examine your skin, ask questions about your medical history, and perform tests or biopsies if necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnosis, Dr. Stuckert will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. This could include surgical or minimally invasive procedures.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, you receive instructions on how to prepare, this may include fasting and discontinuing certain medications.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the procedure, local or regional anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the surgery.
- Surgery: Dr. Stuckert will perform the surgical procedure, which may involve making incisions, removing growths or lesions, or using specialized equipment like lasers or cryotherapy to treat the skin condition.
- Recovery: You receive post-operative care instructions, including wound care and any necessary follow-up appointments.
- Results: Over the coming weeks, you’ll notice improvements in the appearance and health of your skin.
