What Exactly Is Dermatologic Surgery? An Overview

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is also the most visible. Dermatologic services are performed for both therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. In addition to the skin itself, dermatologic surgery can be used to treat conditions of the nails, hair, veins and mucus membranes. Therapeutic surgery is performed for medical reasons such as the removal of a cancerous or pre cancerous growth. Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve the appearance of skin. For instance, the removal of a birth mark is an example of cosmetic dermatologic surgery.

21st Century Dermatology Surgery – Minimally Invasive & Less Recovery Time

Today, most dermatology surgery is minimally invasive due to technological improvements in diagnostic and surgical equipment. Minimally invasive surgery requires less recovery time and can often be performed under a local anesthetic. In fact, some conditions that were once treated surgically can now be treated with alternative therapies.

The development of surgical lasers is largely responsible for the less invasive techniques used in surgery today. Laser surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions including:

• skin cancers
• acne scars
• spider veins & varicose veins
• moles
• rashes
• wrinkles
• age spots

The hair is part of the skin as well, and hair transplants are a dermatologic surgical procedure. Of course, laser surgery can also be used to permanently remove unwanted hair.

Chemical peels, dermabrasion, soft tissue implants and injectable fillers are also used in the treatment of age related skin complaints and acne scarring. However, the most common cause of skin damage is exposure to UV light. Using a sun screen and avoiding artificial UV light will minimize skin damage. Skin with dark pigmentation is not immune to the damage caused by UV light. UV skin damage occurs in all races. Changes in the color or texture of skin should be seen by a certified medical dermatologist in NYC as soon as possible.