Surgical Procedures

Surgical procedures are used to remove benign or malignant skin lesions and to improve the appearance of the skin.

Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy is used to remove a small piece of skin for examination under the microscope for making a histo-pathological diagnosis. 

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery includes destruction of skin layers by freezing the site using liquid nitrogen which has a temperature of -270C.  The treated site may look like a bad bug bite, get red and swollen, scab over, and  fall off leaving a pink smooth surface.  Healing usually takes 2-4 weeks. 

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision involves cutting into the skin to remove the benign or malignant growth, and closing the wound with sutures.

Curettage and Electrodessication

Curettage and electrodessication invloves scraping away malignant or benign growths with a sharp surgical instrument called a curette.  An electrosurgical unit may be used to cauterize and stop the bleeding.