Dermatological surgery encompasses a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applied to the skin to address various dermatological problems. This area of dermatology focuses on surgical techniques to diagnose and treat changes in the skin, nails, and hair. Dermatological surgeons are dermatologists specializing in surgical procedures, able to provide comprehensive care to patients.
- 1. Skin exams: Dermatologic surgeons perform thorough skin exams to identify potentially dangerous changes, including moles, changes in color, size, or texture. These examinations allow early detection of potentially serious skin conditions.
- 2. Dermoscopy: As part of the diagnostic process, dermatological surgeons use a dermatoscope, an instrument that allows for enhanced observation of the skin. Dermoscopy is particularly useful in analyzing moles and other pigmented changes to identify early signs of melanoma or other malignant lesions.
- 3. Treatment of acne: Dermatological surgeons deal with acne, from mild to severe forms. This includes solving complex cases, removing cysts and treating scars resulting from long- term acne.
- 4. Hyperpigmentation: Dermatological surgeons approach the treatment of hyperpigmentation, which can result from a variety of causes, including scarring, hormonal changes, or excessive sun exposure. Procedures such as chemical peels and laser therapies can help reduce dark spots on the skin.
- 5. Rosacea: Treatment of rosacea involves a combination of medical and aesthetic approaches. Dermatologic surgeons use topical and oral therapies, and sometimes lasers, to reduce redness, dilated blood vessels, and other symptoms of rosacea.
- 6. Electrocautery: This technique involves the use of electric current to precisely remove pathological changes on the skin. Dermatologic surgeons often use electrocautery to remove warts, fibroids, or other benign lesions.
- 7. Nevus surgery (Mole surgery): Nevus surgery involves the removal of a mole or nevus for a variety of reasons, including suspicion of malignancy, changes in appearance, or patient preference. The procedure usually involves excision of the mole, and in some cases a biopsy is performed to determine whether the mole is benign or malignant.
- 8. BCC - Basal cell carcinoma (Basal cell carcinoma): Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises in the basal cells, the lower part of the epidermis. It is the most common form of skin cancer. Surgical excision is the primary treatment of BCC, with the goal of complete removal of cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- 9. Squamous cell carcinoma (GLN): Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common type of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells. Similar to BCC, surgery is often the preferred treatment for SCC. The goal is to cut out the cancerous tissue and, if necessary, perform additional procedures to ensure complete removal.10. Local flaps for the reconstruction of skin defects are used after the removal of lesions or tumors on the skin, especially in cases where a significant part of the tissue is removed. These flaps involve moving adjacent healthy skin to cover the defect, preserve blood supply, and improve the cosmetic result.
- 11. Thiersch operations (Thiersch operations): Thiersch operations refer to various surgical techniques introduced by Karl Thiersch, a German surgeon. One of the significant procedures is Thiersch grafting, a type of skin grafting. Skin transplantation involves taking a piece of skin from one part of the body (the donor site) and transplanting it to another area (the recipient site). Thiersch operations, including skin grafting, are used for reconstructive purposes, such as in cases of extensive skin loss due to trauma, burns, or tumor removal.
These surgical procedures play a key role in dermatologic surgery, dealing with benign and malignant skin conditions and contributing to the overall health and well-being of patients. Specialized training and experience in dermatologic surgery is essential for healthcare professionals performing these procedures. All these dermatological surgical methods aim to improve the health of the skin, both functionally and aesthetically, and are adapted to the individual needs of patients. Patients are advised to consult with specialists to understand their options and develop personalized treatment plans. This integration of medical and surgical approaches provides holistic care that meets a wide range of patient needs in the field of dermatology.
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