SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY IN BIG LAKE, MN

Beautiful You Dermatology offers surgical dermatology which involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and diseases through surgical procedures. The diagnosis helps guide surgical treatment that is necessary. Below are some common surgical dermatology services offered in Big Lake, MN and near Elk River, MN; Princeton, MN; Monticello, MN; and Zimmerman, MN.

It's important to visit with your provider about the diagnosis, potential treatment options, and benefits/risks to each approach taken.

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Surgical Dermatology Services

Skin Biopsy

A sample of skin tissue is obtained and sent to the lab (pathology) for analysis. The biopsy may either be a shave (using a razor blade), punch (using an instrument to remove a small, circular sample of skin) or excisional (using a scalpel). The method of biopsy helps to diagnose various skin conditions.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to remove skin cancers, especially those in sensitive areas or with high recurrence rates. The procedure would require referral to a surgeon who specializes in Mohs surgery. The procedure involves the removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer, with immediate microscopic examination, ensuring complete removal while maintaining healthy tissue.

Excision of Skin Lesions

Dermatology providers surgically remove various types of skin lesions, including moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, and benign growths. The procedure involves local anesthesia (numbing), excision of the lesion, and suturing to ensure proper closure and healing.

Surgery for Skin Cancer

Dermatology providers perform surgical procedures to remove skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Factors that play a role in the procedure include the type, size, and location of the cancer.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves using extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells, such as warts, actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), and other possible growths.

Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED & C)

ED & C involves the use of cautery (heat) and a small scraping tool (called a curette). A local anesthetic is injected to the treated area. The affected area is then scraped off with the curette and cauterized until the bleeding stops. The treatment may be repeated a certain number of cycles, if the growth is cancerous. This can be performed to select benign growths, precancers, and more superficial skin cancers.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Treatment performed in-office that includes the application of a light-sensitive medication. A light source is then used to activate the medication and help destroy unusual cells. In dermatology, this may be used to treat precancers (actinic keratoses) and certain types of skin cancer. Patients will be asked to avoid direct light for a set amount of time after the procedure. A sunburn reaction may occur with the treatment and additional side effects are reviewed with the patient.

PDT may be used for benign conditions, as well, including acne in which the photosensitizing medication may or may not be applied with treatment. Series of treatments may differ depending on the condition being treated.