Procedural Dermatology

Procedural dermatology focuses on performing medical procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of skin conditions. It utilizes specialized techniques and technologies to address both common and complex skin issues, encompassing both cosmetic and medically necessary treatments.

Typically performed in outpatient settings without the need for general anesthesia, procedural dermatology includes treatments such as skin excisions, Mohs surgery for skin cancer, removal of benign skin growths, acne management, hair loss treatments, as well as cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Dr. Haberle specializes in the treatment and removal of a wide variety of benign and malignant skin conditions. Benign lesions include cysts, lipomas, moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia and milia.

Procedural dermatologists, or those specialized in surgical dermatology, are trained to use advanced techniques to enhance the health, function, and appearance of the skin, providing solutions that may not be achievable with topical treatments alone.

The surgical treatment will depend on the skin lesion you are seeking treatment for. Treatment options for skin cancer may include:

• Topical Chemotherapy Medication: There are two FDA-approved topical chemotherapy creams, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Imiquimod, used to treat actinic keratoses (precancers) and superficial basal cell carcinomas. They have also been shown to be effective in treating Bowen's disease, an early form of squamous cell carcinoma. 5-FU works by having a direct toxic effect on cancerous cells, while Imiquimod is an immunomodulator that stimulates the immune system to produce interferon, a chemical that targets and destroys precancerous and cancerous cells.

• Electrodessication & Curettage (E&C): A surgical instrument called a curette is used to remove abnormal cells by scraping down to a layer of healthy tissue. Electrosurgery is then performed with a small, metal instrument to widen the margin and cauterize the wound to minimize bleeding. The wound is left to heal without sutures and typically heals over several weeks.

• Excision: A scalpel is used to surgically remove the entire tumor/cancer with an appropriate safety margin to ensure complete removal. The wound is then closed with sutures (stitches). The tissue removed is sent to an off-site lab for analysis to confirm clear margins. Results typically take 7-14 days, and you will be contacted once they are received.

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This state-of-the-art procedure is used for the removal of skin cancers located on cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the head and neck, or for the removal of large or aggressive skin cancers.

At Metrolina Dermatology, our team specializes in procedural and surgical dermatology and can offer these treatments as part of your personalized care plan, if deemed necessary