Surgical & Medical

What Are Surgical and Medical Procedures in Dermatology?

Skin care is important for preserving your overall health. Dermatology is an area of medicine that involves medical and surgical procedures for the skin, along with other tissues such as the hair, nails, and the lining of the eyelids, nose, and mouth.

Unlike cosmetic dermatology, surgical and medical procedures are designed to treat skin ailments, manage symptoms of chronic conditions, and reduce health risks. Some common reasons patients see dermatologists for surgical and medical procedures are for the treatment of skin lesions, acne, skin rashes, discoloration or pigmentation, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Aside from care for medical or cosmetic issues that affect the skin, dermatologists can also identify signs of underlying medical conditions. We can successfully treat thousands of conditions with surgical and medical procedures.

One thing people who are interested in surgical and medical procedures for skin care are sometimes curious about is, “What is the surgical aspect of dermatology?” Dermatological surgery refers to the diagnosis and treatment and medical and cosmetic conditions that affect the skin. Surgical procedures are intended to repair or improve the skin’s function and sometimes its appearance. This may include minor or more extensive surgery. Dermatological surgical procedures will often involve the removal of skin lesions, skin biopsies, the removal of benign cysts or skin cancers, and reconstruction of the skin. This type of surgery might be done for medical reasons or aesthetic purposes.

Why Choose Us for Surgical and Medical Procedures?

Our experienced team has a particular focus on skin cancer, offering full body skin exams to detect cancers early and skin cancer treatments to provide the best results possible. We have two dermatologists on the team who are trained in Mohs surgery, a highly advanced and effective surgical excision strategy for certain types of cancerous lesions.

In addition, we work with patients who deal with everything from common skin problems to chronic conditions that negatively impact their quality of life.

What Types of Surgical and Medical Procedures Are Available?

Which surgical and medical procedures are used in dermatology?

After examining a patient and making a diagnosis, our physicians can treat conditions with very specialized surgical and medical procedures. Some of the most common procedures are excision surgery, Mohs surgery, mole removal, and vein treatment. We may also use injected or topical medications, light therapy, and cosmetic procedures.

Which Dermatology Conditions Can Be Treated with Surgical and Medical Procedures?

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Acne

The most common skin condition in the world, acne is a problem that impacts just about everyone at some point. We can help to clear up outbreaks, reduce chances of future pimples developing, and address scars left by cysts and nodes.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that speeds up the skin cell turnover cycle, leading to scaly buildups of skin on the surface. The resulting plaques can be managed with specific care.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Rosacea

Commonly marked by chronic facial flushing and redness, rosacea symptoms can be addressed to give patients a clearer complexion with fewer visible veins.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Eczema

The term for a large group of often itchy skin rashes, eczema has numerous possible triggers. Treatment typically depends on identifying causes of flare-ups, as well as resolving the dry, irritated patches.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Actinic Keratosis

An actinic keratosis is a lesion caused by sun exposure. Considered to be “pre-cancer,” it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Moles

Moles are very common, typically appearing as dark and slightly raised lesions. If a mole stands out due to an unusual appearance, large size, or changing look, it should be evaluated.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually (though not always) on sun-exposed areas of the skin. This disease is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural or artificial sources. There are two main types of surgical procedures for the treatment of skin cancer: non-blinded and blinded. Non-blinded approaches include Mohs surgery and simple excision. Blinded approaches for skin cancer treatment include radiation therapy, electrodessication, and curettage (ED&C), photodynamic therapy, and topical therapies.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Birthmarks

Patches of discolored or raised skin that are present at birth are known as birthmarks. Our team can identify different types of birthmarks and determine which surgical or medical procedures would make them less prominent.

Surgical and Medical Procedures: Other Skin Conditions

Other skin conditions we treat with surgical and medical procedures at the Dermatology Group of Arkansas include warts, visible veins, growths known as molluscum contagiosum, rashes, and more.

Which Types of Dermatology Treatments Are Available Beyond Surgical and Medical Procedures?

Dermatology Group of Arkansas not only provides surgical and medical options, but also cosmetic treatments to improve the look and feel of the skin. These include injectable wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers, laser and light devices, skin tightening options, and other skin rejuvenation techniques.

Injectable neurotoxins such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic and Dysport^® are wrinkle relaxers that minimize the facial lines associated with repetitive facial expressions. Hyaluronic acid and biostimulatory facial fillers add temporary volume to reduce wrinkles or improve contours. Laser and light devices such as laser skin resurfacing use light energy to enhance the general appearance of the skin by addressing wrinkles, discoloration, and other conditions to provide a more even tone.