Surgical Dermatology | Réforme Dermatology
Surgical dermatology is a specialized subtype of dermatology that uses safe, effective procedures to remove various skin growths, whether it be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). After a careful biopsy process, if surgery is necessary, we deliver treatment that is right for you. For small cancerous lesions, your care may include a standard local excision. We also offer Mohs micrographic surgery, the most efficient and successful treatment for complex skin cancers.
Surgical dermatology requires expertise and specialized training to ensure the most effective and aesthetic outcomes. Double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile and her team use their advanced medical dermatology training and techniques to surgically remove skin abnormalities.
If you have a skin lesion, mole, cyst, or growth that is a cosmetic nuisance or you’re concerned it may be cancerous, contact Réforme Dermatology at (843) 974-1230 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation.
Skin Cancer Removal Surgeries
Surgical treatments are a common method for removing precancerous and cancerous skin cells. We offer a variety of procedures for non-melanoma skin cancers and specialized options for melanoma skin cancer.
- Excisions. Using a local anesthetic, the tumor or lesion is removed with a surgical scalpel along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are completely removed. The excised tissue is brought to a lab to be examined by a pathologist to ensure no more cancerous cells are in the area. If the lab reports indicate additional cancer cells exist, an additional procedure will be necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Types of skin cancer excision surgeries we provide include:
- Excisional surgery
- Wide excision
- Shave excision
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate for skin cancer and significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. Mohs surgery is only indicated for specific sites on the body and certain cancer types. The procedure involves removing one thin layer of the tumor at a time. Each layer is taken to a lab and examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon to see if any cancer cells remain. This process is repeated until a clear sample is found. While Mohs surgery can require several hours to complete, the results help ensure your overall health and the health of your skin, as well as the smallest possible scar.
Utilizing her specialized fellowship training, and experience performing Mohs micrographic surgery, Dr. Vasile and her team will create a surgical and reconstructive plan that is tailored to your specific medical and cosmetic needs. By carefully evaluating the natural contours of the treatment area, we can create a personalized plan that will result in the least intrusive scarring and maintained functionality.
Other Surgical Treatments
- Earlobe Repair: Earlobe tears often occur from continuously wearing heavy earrings, a traumatic injury, or wearing gauged earrings for an extended period of time. During earlobe repair surgery, the entire area is numbed using a local anesthetic. The dermatologist will then remove any scar tissue from the tear, and the earlobe is sewn back together using small sutures.
- Scar Revision: Severe scars that will not respond to non-surgical treatments, such as microneedling, injections, or topical creams, may require surgical revision of the area. During this procedure, your dermatologist will numb the area using a localized anesthetic before strategically operating on the scar so that the skin can heal in a more aesthetic and discreet way.
