Skin Problem : When to Go to a Dermatologic Surgeon

Skin problems can range from acne to severe skin blistering. But no matter what the problem is, general dermatologists and surgeons can help.

General dermatologists specialise in treating melanoma cancers, and non-melanoma cancers. With this expertise, they can detect and biopsy early signs of skin cancers.   

Though many might assume that a dermatologist and a dermatologic surgeon have the same function, dermatologist usually is experts in all aspects of skin, hair, and nails. They encounter common medical dermatological conditions that are seen on a daily basis. To differentiate, a dermatologic surgeon performs specific skin surgeries and excisions with medical training and physician expertise. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons, on the other hand, help you with your skin problems by providing options that fit your needs with the best and most natural results.

Understanding that your skin plays an important role in your life, skin checks should be part of your routine. In Australia, skin disorders and diseases are prevalent, with 2 out 3 Australians likely to develop skin cancer before 70 years old. For your skin problems, prevention is always better than cure. But when worse comes to worst, a procedure done by a trusted skin specialist in Sydney is always helpful. 

Dermatologic Surgeons Aid

You might be asking yourself, “When do I need to see a dermatologic surgeon?” This is really a GOOD question. It’s important to be vigilant and conscious about your health especially with your skin. 

A dermatologic surgeon comes helpful when:   

1. You have age spots or aging skin.  

Aging and its effects on appearance, such as lines and wrinkles, brown spots, and resistant fat deposits can be aided by dermatological surgery. Most case procedures are done for cosmetic and aesthetic value.  

2. You have severe sun damage. 

Getting those tans can be both a blessing and a curse. Too much sun exposure can cause sun damage, such as benign and malignant growths and tumors, broken capillaries, lines, and pigmentation problems.  

3. You have suspicious-looking marks.   

Most people aim for healthy, glowing skin. When you notice that your skin has abnormal growing bumps or disorders of the skin such as skin cancer, acne, moles, birthmarks and rashes, it’s best to seek a dermatologist’s advice. When these bumps need surgery, seeking help from a dermatologic surgeon is your best interest. 

4. You obviously need surgical reconstruction.   

Trauma or injury, and accidents that can cause relatively minor wounds and scars to more serious disfiguration. Most patients are even surprised that the size of the surgical wound is larger than expected. Skin cancer tumours can grow unpredictably large and removing them can cause serious surgical wounds.   

Removing skin cancer cells comes as the first goal of any dermatologic surgeon, next would be providing the best functional and cosmetic results for you. Through this reconstruction, surgeons will help you with the resultant scar offering an excellent result.

5. You acquired “the genes”.   

Genetics plays a huge factor in having great skin. For some, tendencies toward certain disorders such as hair loss, varicose veins, dark shadows under the eyes and resistant fat deposits are inherited. When you have “the genes”, a dermatologic surgeon will surely guide you through the options you can do to maintain youthful skin. 

Surgical Dermatology Treatments

There are different skin treatments a dermatologist can use in the fight against the disease. Surgery is an effective method to use when it becomes essential to remove potentially harmful growths before they do any permanent damage.

Our specialists are expertly trained in skin surgery and plastic surgical reconstruction techniques for the removal of skin cancers such as melanoma to benign skin lesions. Simple excisions closed side to side to complex flap and skin grafts are performed under local anesthetic in our state-of-the-art operating theatres.

Some of the surgical procedures are as below: 

Punch biopsy

Skin biopsy is one of the most important diagnostic tests for skin disorders. In a punch biopsy, a dermatologic surgeon uses a circular tool to remove a small section of the skin including deeper layers.  

Through this procedure, we can help diagnose and treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, suspicious mole growth etc.    

Shave Biopsy  

Shave biopsy is also a skin biopsy to diagnose a skin disorder. From its name, a doctor shaves off a small section of the affected skin.  

Curettage and Cautery

Skin lesions need proper treatment. Curettage and cautery are a type of electrosurgery in which a skin lesion is scraped off and heat is applied to the skin surface.  

This surgery is suitable when the skin lesions’ material being removed is softer than the surrounding skin. Skin disorders often treated with curettage are Seborrheic keratoses, viral warts, basal cell carcinomas and skin tags.   

Excision

When you are suffering from melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers, you are a strong candidate for surgical excision. This surgical treatment removes malignant moles, lesions and tumours from the skin along with a healthy margin around the tumour. 

Skin disorders have to be taken seriously. In fact, in consultation with a qualified dermatologist, patients have access to tools for monitoring their own skin condition and nipping any problems in the bud before they escalate.