Best Dermatologist for Skin Excisions in San Francisco
What is Skin Growth?
Skin growths refer to any abnormal or excessive tissue that develops on the skin. These growths can vary widely in appearance, size, texture, and color. While many skin growths are benign (non-cancerous), some may be cancerous. Some common types of skin growths include benign skin growths such as moles, lipomas, warts, sebaceous cysts, skin tags, seborrheic keratosis and cancerous skin growths such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
What Causes It?
Skin growths can have various causes. The cause of most benign (non-cancerous) skin growths is unknown, while malignant growths on the skin are caused by a combination of genetic abnormalities, excessive sun exposure and exposure to UV radiation.
Can It Be Treated?
Most skin growths, both benign and cancerous, are amenable to treatment with surgical excision. At the California Center for Dermatologic surgery, cancerous skin growths on the face or other cosmetically sensitive areas where there is not a lot of extra skin, are usually treated with a specialized type of excisional surgery called Mohs micrographic surgery. In this procedure, a biopsy is performed in real time on the removed piece of skin to ensure that all the cancerous cells have been removed.
How Does Treatment Work?
Skin excisions at the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery are performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. The procedure involves making an incision in the skin, removing the targeted tissue plus a margin of normal skin surrounding the targeted lesion in the case of cancerous lesions, and then closing the incision with stitches. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area being treated before the procedure, to ensure that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure.
With a commitment to utilizing the latest advancements in dermatologic surgery for skin excisions, Dr. Carlson provides a comprehensive approach to addressing all of your skin concerns. With a focus on patient safety, comfort, and superior outcomes, our clinic offers a blend of expertise and compassion. Trust Dr. Carlson and our dedicated team to deliver individualized, evidence-based solutions tailored to your unique needs. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Do I Need Prepare for Treatments?
Here are general guidelines on how to prepare for your skin excision at the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery:
Schedule a consultation:
we offer pre-operative consultations to all patients to discuss the procedure, address any questions or concerns, and review our patients' medical history.
Medical History and Medications:
During your consultation visit with the doctor, you should prepare to provide your comprehensive medical history, including any underlying health conditions, allergies, and current medications (prescription and over-the-counter) that you take. Inform your healthcare provider about any blood-thinning medications or supplements, as these may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
Stop Smoking:
If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing smoking before the procedure. Smoking can affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
Blood Thinners:
If you are taking blood-thinning medications or supplements, follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding whether and when to stop these before the procedure. This helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the excision.
Arrange Transportation:
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, which means that most patients are fine driving themselves home. If you suffer from post-procedural anxiety, you should let your surgeon know ahead of time, for example, during your consultation visit, so that a sedative can be provided for you, to be taken 20-30 minutes before the procedure. If sedation will be used, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Sedation can impair your ability to drive safely.
What to Wear:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that you do not mind soiling on the day of the procedure to make it easier to dress and undress without disturbing the treated area.
Post-Procedure Care:
Post-procedure care instructions regarding how to care for the wound after surgery, will be provided to you after your surgery.
Is it Right for Me?
If a skin lesion is causing concern or if it has changed in size, shape, color, or texture, you should see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation of the lesion. Your doctor will formulate an appropriate treatment plan for you, which may include a skin excision.
Before and After Photos
Check out our gallery of Skin Excisions before and after photos.
Our Office Serves the Entire San Francisco Bay Area Including Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, the Peninsula and Beyond
San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Ekama Carlson offers Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, dermal fillers, anti-aging skin care products, cosmetic treatments, and medical dermatology treatments. Her office serves San Francisco, and the surrounding Bay Area.