Surgical Dermatology
Our dermatologist at Hancock Dermatology treats a variety of skin conditions using surgical excision and other procedures. Skin conditions treated surgically include:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Cysts which are swellings filled with fluid
- Dysplastic or precancerous moles
- Fibromas which are collections of fibrous tissue
- Keratoacanthoma
- Keloids
- Lipomas which are collections of fat
- Malignant melanoma
- Skin tags
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Warts
Our skin specialists are trained to use state-of-the-art surgical therapies to treat numerous skin conditions. The choice of surgical dermatology procedure depends on the size and the site of the skin lesion, whether the skin lesion is suspected to be benign or malignant and whether it is superficial or it has infiltrated the deeper layers of the skin. Our surgical dermatologist considers all factors before recommending a procedure to treat your condition.
Surgical Dermatology Procedures
Electrodessication and curettage (ED & C) is a procedure which involves removing superficial skin lesions with a sharp spoon-like instrument known as a curette. This is then followed by using a light current of electricity to stop bleeding and to desiccate or destroy tumor cells.ED & C is used to treat the following conditions:
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Molluscum contagiousum
- Actinic keratoses
- Keratoacanthoma
- Superficial basal cancer
Surgical excision is a procedure which is done under anesthesia by numbing the area with a local anesthetic before the doctor cuts the skin to remove lesions which are usually in deeper layers of the skin.Once the benign growth or skin cancer is removed, our skin specialists reconstruct the area with their expert skill to give you the best cosmetic outcome. These reconstructions take into consideration the size, shape and location of the wound to ensure you get the best functional outcome.
Wound repair can involve a primary closure which is a simple side to side repair. It can also entail the use of a skin flap released from the side of the wound to cover it properly. In some cases, they can obtain healthy skin from another part of the body and use it as a skin graft to cover the wound.
Surgical excision is used to treat:
- Fibromas
- Cysts
- Abnormal moles
- Moles
- Birth marks
- Some skin cancers like malignant melanomas
Shave Removal is a procedure which involves using a surgical scalpel or blade to shave off lesions that are on the surface of the skin. Stitches are not required and the area usually heals in a couple of days.Skin shaving is used to treat:
- Large skin tags
- Warts
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Cutaneous horns
- Actinic keratosis
- Papillomatous nevi or moles
Skin snipping is a procedure which involves using a surgical scissor to cut off lesions that are on the surface of the skin. After snipping, the area does not need to be sutured or stitched and it heals in a short period of time.Skin snipping is used to treat:
- Skin tags
- Filiform warts
Skin biopsy is a procedure which involves removing a sample from a skin lesion and processing it by placing it in formaldehyde before sending it to the lab for evaluation. This examination is done to identify the cause of the skin disease and its extent. This is a relatively painless procedure since the area is numbed with local anesthesia.There are several methods for doing a skin biopsy and the choice depends on the size and location of the skin lesion. A shave biopsy which is done for superficial lesions while a punch biopsies or excisional biopsy may be done for deeper skin lesions.
Skin biopsies are done for:
- Psoriasis, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and other skin diseases whose diagnosis is not clear
- Skin cancers to confirm the diagnosis and determine the right treatment based on their extent.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a special type of surgery for removing skin cancers. A mohs surgeon is a dermatologist who completed extra training in removing skin cancers that are large or close to important structures like the eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. Mohs surgeons utilize a technique to minimize the amount of skin removed, while optmizing the odds that a skin cancer is removed completely and adequately.Dr. Sanford will refer you to a Mohs surgeon after she biopsies a skin cancer that requires this type of surgery. You will continue to see Dr Sanford for check ups after the Mohs procedure. If you have been referred for Mohs surgery, please follow this link for more information.
Request an Appointment!
Post-Surgical Advice
It is important after having a surgical procedure that proper wound care is followed. A wound that is not well cared for is at risk for infections and may heal poorly. Improper care can lead to delays in healing and potentially scarring.
Wound care instructions are different for each type of procedure and your should ask your doctor if you have any questions about how to care for your wound.
The staff at Hancock Dermatology is well versed to help you understand the best way to take care of your skin after a procedure. Sometimes an appointment may be scheduled to check your healing after a procedure. If you are concerned your wound is not healing well, you should see your doctor.
If you have sutures, an appointment 7-14 days after your procedure will be scheduled to remove the sutures. It is important to let the nursing staff or the doctor remove your sutures. Do not remove your sutures at home.