Surgical Dermatology

Surgery is often necessary to remove cancerous lesions from the skin but can also be used to remove benign irritating lesions such as cysts or lipomas. At Redwood Empire Dermatology in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Oakmont, California, the board-certified dermatologists perform many types of in-office dermatologic surgery, including Mohs surgery, to keep your skin healthy and free of harmful lesions. Call Redwood Empire Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about surgical dermatology.

What is surgical dermatology?

Surgical dermatology is an area of dermatology that involves removing skin lesions through excisions or laser therapy. Dermatologic surgery is performed in the office which offers  advantages of  convenience, cost savings, and increased safety as compared to having surgery in a hospital. Your dermatologist at Redwood Empire Dermatology may recommend an in-office procedure to treat a medical or cosmetic condition.

What can surgical dermatology treat?

Surgical dermatology can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including:

Non-melanoma skin cancers

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. While melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it’s not the only type. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) make up most skin cancers. 

Although BCC and SCC typically aren’t life-threatening, they can penetrate deep within your skin tissue. SCC can also spread to other areas of your body. Surgical excision or Mohs surgery can remove non-melanoma skin cancers before they grow and spread.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that can spread throughout your body. Most melanomas begin as abnormal moles. A mole that grows, changes color, or develops uneven borders can indicate melanoma.

Moles

Moles are collections of melanocytes. Most moles are harmless, but some can turn cancerous over time. Your dermatologist may recommend removing an abnormal mole to prevent cancer. You can also choose to remove a mole that is a cosmetic concern.

Cysts

Cysts are a collection of dead skin that is trapped under the skin. It often presents as a hard nodule and can sometimes become painful and inflamed. When this happens people will generally seek medical or surgical help with a dermatologist.

Lipomas

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that present as mobile nodules under the skin.  Lipomas can be removed by our dermatologists.    

What are the different types of surgical dermatology?

Redwood Empire Dermatology offers several types of surgical dermatology, including:

Mohs surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a skin cancer treatment that involves removing and examining each layer of the lesion until your dermatologist no longer sees cancer cells.

Surgical excision 

While less precise than Mohs surgery, surgical excision can remove an entire growth or cancerous lesion in one procedure.

Laser therapy

Your dermatologist may use a laser to perform your surgery with precision. Laser therapy can also improve the appearance of your skin if you have scarring from surgery.

Call Redwood Empire Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about surgical dermatology.