Dermatologic Surgery
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Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology, PLLC
Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist located in Laredo, TX
Dermatologic surgery is sometimes necessary if you have bothersome or cancerous growths on your skin. Expert surgical procedures are performed at Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology, PLLC in Laredo, Texas, by board-certified dermatologist Adaobi Nwaneshiudu Obasi, MD, PhD. The vast majority of dermatologic surgery cases are minimally invasive and easily done in the office. If you have questions about having a skin tag, mole, or cancerous lesion removed, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online tool.
Dermatologic Surgery Q & A
What are some examples of dermatological surgery?
Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology offers a variety of surgery techniques to resolve noncancerous and cancerous issues. The procedures that are available include:
- Excision of skin cancers
- Destruction of benign growths, such as cysts
- Removal of skin tags
- Biopsy of suspicious moles
The practice uses the latest technology to ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible and has minimal downtime and recovery.
How is an excision performed?
During excision, whether of a malignant or benign growth, your provider first numbs the area with a local anesthesia. Then they remove the lesion with a surgical knife. In the case of cancer, some of the surrounding normal skin is also removed to ensure all cancerous cells are cleared. They stitch the remaining skin back together. Excision can sometimes leave a small scar.
What is electrodesiccation and curettage?
Electrodesiccation and curettage is a treatment for precancers (actinic keratosis) and skin cancers. Your provider scrapes and burns away the unwanted growth to prevent it from spreading and causing disfigurement or other complications.
The best cancers for this procedure are thin and well-defined. Small cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are eligible. Electrodesiccation and curettage doesn’t require stitches and has a relatively quick healing time.
When should a mole be removed in dermatologic surgery?
Most moles are harmless, but they can sometimes appear in areas – such as your face or along your armpit – that make them unflattering or uncomfortable when they rub against clothing. These bothersome moles can be removed in a simple excision procedure in the office.
Suspicious moles, however, may become cancer or be cancerous. If you notice changes in a mole’s height, color, shape, or size, have it examined and possibly biopsied and removed by a skilled dermatologist.
During your regular examinations of your skin, become aware of moles that itch, bleed, or feel tender to the touch. These moles need evaluation. Characteristics of a cancerous mole are referred to as the ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry
- Border
- Color change
- Diameter
- Evolution
When caught early, malignant moles can usually be removed and the cancer contained – even melanoma.
When you need the help of a dermatologist to remove irregular skin growths, call Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology or schedule an appointment online.
