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Surgical Dermatology


 

Surgical Dermatology

Whether seeking treatment for a recently diagnosed skin cancer or scar revision from a previous surgery or skin trauma our expertly trained dermatologic surgeon will work with you achieve the best cosmetic outcome.

Dr. Pooja Chitgopeker, a fellowship trained Mohs micrographic surgeon, performs a variety of dermatology surgeries at Medical Dermatology Associates. Treating recently diagnosed basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma lesions by Mohs surgery or excision, she is able to ensure clearance of the diagnosed skin cancer as well as an excellent cosmetic outcome. She also specializes in scar correction and torn earlobe repair.

 

Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is named after its inventor, Dr. Frederic Mohs and was developed to precisely remove the entire skin cancer without taking any more normal skin than is required. What is seen on the skin at the site of the skin cancer, does not often reflect the extent of the skin cancer and a microscope is required to examine the tissue and determine exactly how wide and/or deep into the skin the cancer goes. By precisely removing skin cancer, the surgeon is able to keep the wound the smallest size possible and spare surrounding normal skin. Mohs surgery involves a number of steps. After local anesthetic is injected, the first layer corresponding to the skin cancer is removed. The tissue is processed in the lab by a trained histotechnician allowing for all surfaces of the skin cancer to be visualized under the microscope by the Mohs surgeon. The Mohs surgeon then correlates the microscope findings with a map that corresponds with the patients wound.

Mohs Micrographic surgery offers cure rates of ~98% for skin cancers. Mohs surgery is a lengthy procedure that requires highly-trained personnel and a Mohs surgeon. Its use is most commonly reserved for skin cancers that are located on cosmetically sensitive areas where it is important to conserve as much normal skin as possible e.g. face, hand or foot, skin cancers that have been treated previously and recurred or large skin cancers that may need to be treated precisely to avoid excessive normal skin removal.

For additional patient information and what to expect pre and post surgery please visit our "Patient Resources" tab on the top right corner of our website.


Scar Revision

Our dermatology surgeon is able to treat and revise scars resulting from previous surgeries, trauma and acne.

Scars that result from trauma, surgery and acne, often benefit from treatment to improve the appearance and symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on the problem identified. Options include surgical revision, laser therapy, intralesional injections and topical treatments. Often a combination approach is used, and your physician will work with you to discuss what options are best to address your scarring concerns.


Surgical Excision

Surgical excisions used to treat a variety of skin lesions including skin cancers, benign moles, and cysts.

Surgical excisions are done on a variety of skin lesions including:

  • Skin cancer (such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) when appropriately located on the body
  • Benign (non-concerning) moles when a patients requests removal due to either appearance or discomfort due to location
  • Atypical / dysplastic moles
  • Cysts

Using local anesthetic, the lesion of concern is excised and the defect then repaired, all in office. The specimen is sent for review to a pathologist who confirms that the lesion was adequately removed and is not of concern.


Torn Earlobe Repair

Torn or elongated earlobes can fixed and strengthen with a quick, simple, in office surgery to repair the damaged earlobe.

With age and prolonged use of earrings patients may experience a weakening or tear in the earlobe. Torn earlobes can prevent wearing of earrings and repair and subsequent re-piercing can remedy this. Torn, weakened, or stretched earlobes can be easily repaired with a simple surgical procedure performed in-office under local anesthetic.

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