skin

If you’ve been advised to undergo dermatologic surgery, it’s completely natural to feel a little nervous. Whether it’s to remove a suspicious mole, treat skin cancer, or improve a cosmetic concern, understanding what happens before, during, and after the procedure can ease anxiety and help you prepare.

This is a clear and useful reference of what you may expect at each step.

Why Dermatologic Surgery Might Be a Good Idea

Dermatologic surgery involves a lot of different skin operations, from simple mole removals to more complex treatments for skin cancer, such Mohs micrographic surgery. These operations are usually suggested when:

· A growth on the skin looks strange or like it could be malignant.

· If you have a verified diagnosis, such basal cell carcinoma, you need to get it removed.

· You're taking care of a scar, cyst, or cosmetic skin problem.

· After cancer removal, there is a need for tissue repair or reconstruction.

Based on your diagnosis, medical history, and personal concerns, your dermatologist will help you figure out what to do next.

Before the Operation: Your Consultation and Prep

The Consultation Before Surgery

Before any surgery, you will visit with a dermatologist or a dermatologic surgeon to:

· Go over your medical history

· Look at the area of concern

· If you haven't already, do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

· Talk about the many types of surgery, the risks and advantages, and what to do following the surgery.

Now is the moment to ask things like:

· How long will the treatment take?

· Do I require sutures or a follow-up visit?

· What kind of anesthetic will be used?

How to Get Ready

· Don't take any blood-thinning drugs (as your doctor says).

· Don't use makeup or lotion on the area being treated.

· If sedation or anesthesia will be required, make plans for transportation.

· Wear clothes that are easier to get to the therapy area.

What Happens During the Surgery

Most skin surgeries are done as outpatient procedures, so you can go home the same day.

Local Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is usually injected into the area to make the skin numb. You'll be awake, but you won't feel any discomfort.

The Process

What is being treated will determine the exact method. Here are some common procedures:

· Excisional surgery means cutting out the lesion and some good skin around it.

· Mohs surgery is the process of removing skin cancer one layer at a time and looking at each one under a microscope.

· Using laser or electrosurgery to focus energy on growths to treat or eradicate them

The procedure is quite accurate and usually takes less than an hour, but Mohs surgery can take longer.

Closing the Site

The area may be:

· Sutured (stitched) shut

· Left open to heal on its own (secondary intention)

· Fixed with a skin graft or flap for better esthetic results

You will get clear instructions on how to care for your wound and what to do at follow-up visits.

After the Surgery: Results and Recovery

Care After the Surgery

· As directed, keep the area clean and dry.

· For a few days, don't do anything hard or stretch the area.

· If your doctor tells you to or suggests that you use pain medicines, do so.

For the first few days, it is typical to have swelling, minor pain, and bruising.

Scarring and Healing

To help your scars heal faster, your dermatologist will suggest ways to care for them. As time goes on, the scar should fade and become less noticeable. Regular check-ups make sure that healing is going well and look for signs of skin cancer returning.

How to Make Sure the Best Outcome

To help the healing process and lower the risk of problems:

· Pay close attention to what your dermatologist says

· Stay out of the sun in the area that was treated.

· Go to all of the follow-up visits that are suggested.

Call your provider right away if you see any strange redness, bleeding, or indications of infection.

When to Call a Dermatologic Surgeon

If You Have:

· A mole or lesion that looks suspicious

· A skin cancer diagnosis

· Changes in your skin that won't go away

· A scar or growth that is bothering you

If so, you should talk to a skin doctor. Many dermatologic operations are not very invasive and can have big effects on both health and appearance.

Call to Make an Appointment for Your Dermatology Consultation Now

Want to learn more about skin surgery or get a second opinion on a recent diagnosis? Don't wait.

Call today to set up a one-on-one consultation with a skin expert. This is the first step toward getting your health and confidence back, one layer at a time.