What is Surgical Dermatology?

Surgical dermatology is a dermatology subspecialty that treats skin issues through surgical procedures. These surgical procedures may target the uppermost skin layers or involve the underlying muscle or fat layers depending on the extensiveness of the condition being treated.

Dermatologic surgeons perform skin surgeries routinely. These specialized doctors receive advanced training in particular areas of surgical dermatology such as excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, and reconstructive procedures.

Accomplished board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides surgical dermatology treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and other towns and suburbs in this area of the interior part of the country.

Conditions Treated with Surgical Dermatology

Various types of dermatologic surgical procedures are available to patients. The dermatologist may choose to treat conditions on the skin’s surface in different ways, depending on the type of problem.

They may trim or snip growths off using a surgical scissor or scalpel, or they could eliminate them with a liquid nitrogen cold spray or a unique light beam through lasers, or choose to destroy them with electricity using special tools made for that purpose.

The dermatologist can use these technologies to treat non-cancerous conditions such as age spots, moles, skin tags, as well as cancerous conditions where the cancer is present only in the skin’s superficial layers.

Some conditions involve potentially deeper skin layers. The dermatologist will use surgical excision for such growths where they will be cut out, and the resulting wound is sealed using sutures.

Some examples of benign growths that warrant excision are specific moles, cysts, fatty tumors (lipomas), and birthmarks.

Types of Dermatologic Surgery

Excisional surgery is frequently used for skin cancers, particularly malignant melanomas.

Mohs surgery is a specialized excisional surgery used in the treatment of certain types of skin cancers.

Another form of dermatologic surgery is reconstructive plastic surgery. In our office, thousands of patients receive this surgery annually after the excision of their skin cancer via Mohs surgery. This type of surgery is also used in the treatment of various melanomas.

Safe, In-Office Procedures

Surgical dermatology procedures can usually be performed in-office using local anesthesia. Previously, such procedures were done under stronger sedation or general anesthesia. However, advancements in technology and local anesthetics have allowed these procedures to be performed safely on an outpatient basis.

When patients receive these treatments in an outpatient setting, they are at a lower risk for infection and can resume their routine faster. Furthermore, the recovery phase for most of these procedures involves minimal or moderate discomfort which can be managed with mild pain meds.

Post-Operative Recovery

Many patients develop a minor redness, inflammation, bruising, and itching around the wound which is normal. However, patients should call the surgeon immediately if the redness spreads to other areas or persists for over two days, or the wound starts to drain pus.

The dermatologist can offer guidance to the patient in case they have an itchy sensation in the sites where the adhesive tape has been placed. The bruising and inflammation should resolve after four to five days following the procedure. The patient can use cold compress in the initial 24 hours to reduce the inflammation.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for surgical dermatology.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Cancer Reconstructive Surgery in St. Louis

If skin cancer has affected a significant amount of tissue, the patient may have to undergo a more extensive cancer removal surgery.

The procedure can create skin deformities in the treated site if aggressive surgery has been performed. This can make the site look unattractive and may sometimes cause hindrances in performing certain activities.

Advanced skin cancer reconstructive surgery techniques now provide patients with the possibility to significantly improve the appearance, form, and function of the impacted area following the cancer removal procedure.

Skin cancer reconstructive surgeons are critical players in this process, providing patients with various surgical alternatives to get their confidence, self-esteem, and dignity back. Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides skin cancer surgery to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

Options for Reconstruction

The Mohs surgeon will be able to offer the patient insights into whether the reconstruction procedure will take place right after the cancer surgery or later. However, it may not be possible to determine the extent of cancer removal in advance.

Once the treated area is free of cancer and reconstructive surgery is necessary, the surgeon will go over the skin cancer reconstructive surgery alternatives with the patient. One of the following alternatives will be chosen depending on the tumor size, depth of roots and location:

The surgeon may allow small, simple wounds to heal on their own (a process called secondary-intention healing)
The surgeon may close more significant wounds with stitches in a side-to-side manner
The surgeon may use a skin graft from another region of the body or a flap to close more extensive or complicated wounds

Though rare, at times the surgeon may refer the patient to another reconstruction specialist.

Flap Surgery

Many surgeons use flap technique to address the invasive effects of cancer surgery. The surgeon grafts living tissue and skin from a donor location on the patient’s body to the affected area. The flap may have its own venous blood supply. Alternatively, the surgeon may reattach small blood vessels to the new location via microsurgery.

Flap surgery has successfully addressed various cancer deformities offering dramatic cosmetic and functional enhancements to patients. Skin cancer reconstructive surgery is a delicate procedure. Therefore, the patient should identify a surgeon who has vast experience in the area of reconstructive surgery.

Post-Operative Management

The surgeon will set follow-up appointments after Mohs surgery to assess the patient’s recovery and detect any signs of cancer’s recurrence. Two out of five skin cancer patients will develop another skin cancer within a span of five years. Therefore, timely check-ups are crucial to detect any new lesions.

Emotional Impact of Reconstructive Surgery

Patients should speak to their reconstructive surgeon regarding how this procedure will impact their appearance and feelings. Understanding these changes will help patients seek proper support to manage their emotions regarding these changes.

When there are changes to the body, it is reasonable to experience changes in self-image as well. Patients can join a support group for people who have undergone similar changes. Learning from other’s experiences while sharing their own can have a cathartic impact on patients of reconstructive surgery.

Board certified dermatologist and judicious Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for skin cancer surgery.

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

What is Cosmetic Dermatology?

Cosmetic dermatology involves improving the skin’s appearance by addressing imperfections such as scars, acne, and wrinkles.

Cosmetic dermatologists provide treatment for skin problems that may not always be harmful but can adversely affect a person’s appearance and self-confidence.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides cosmetic dermatology treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities and towns in this region of the Midwest.

Body Skin Treatments

Non-invasive body treatments can take inches off the stomach and thighs; they can greatly reduce the appearance of cellulite and can make the skin look tauter and more toned.

These treatments do not involve significant downtime which makes them a popular choice for people who cannot take too much time off their work. Some sought-after body treatments include:

Stretch mark removal
Sclerotherapy vein removal
Laser tattoo removal
Laser skin tightening

Common Skin Aberrations

Various skin imperfections can affect the appearance of a person making them feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, there are non-surgical treatment options available to address these cosmetic issues. Commonly occurring skin flaws are as follows:

Acne
Rosacea
Wrinkles
Facial Skin Treatments
Hyperpigmentation (sun damage and age spots)
Scars

Non-surgical skin care procedures can help treat skin aberrations effectively. Usually, many treatments are required to accomplish the desired outcomes. However, a majority of dermatologists offer treatment packages. These facial treatments do not cause any scarring which is one of their most significant benefits.

Chemical peels
Laser skin resurfacing
Ultrasound-based body contouring
IPL photofacials

Cosmetic Fillers & Injectables

Dermal fillers and other injectables help mitigate the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. Botox and Dysport are used to mitigate the fine lines around the eyes and on the forehead.

Skin fillers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Some popular dermal filler injectable treatments are as follows:

Juvederm
RADIESSE
Restylane
Perlane
Sculptra

Hair Loss

Hair loss impacts men as well as women. But through the latest cosmetic dermatology treatments and technologies, a qualified dermatologist can successfully treat baldness or thinning hair offering aesthetically appealing outcomes.

Laser Hair Removal

Excessive unwanted hair could lead to a person feeling more self-conscious. The permanent removal of hair is advantageous in eliminating unwanted hair on the body. Lasers can be used in the removal of hair on almost any area of the body. The patient will require several hair removal sessions to attain their desired results.

Microdermabrasion

Routine wear and tear can leave the skin rough, uneven and dull. Microdermabrasion treatments offer a safe and efficient way to delicately slough off the topmost layer of the skin leaving it revitalized and more youthful looking.

Fractional CO2 Laser Eye Lift and Neck Lift

Fractional CO2 laser treatment offers an effective way to get the benefits of a traditional neck or eye lift without the incisions or downtime. This therapy treats a particular skin area at one time via targeted laser energy.

Dependable and board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for cosmetic dermatology.

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

What is Surgical Dermatology?

Monthly Archives: July 2018