Dermatologic Procedures

We routinely serve our patients with many different types of treatments and procedures to treat a variety of skin conditions and minor injuries.

Mole, skin tag or wart removal

Mole, skin tag or wart removal are common minimally invasive procedures. Mole removal is often performed when a benign, typical mole causes discomfort or irritation or an atypical mole presents as irregular or unusual. The reason these atypical moles are removed is because they are more likely than ordinary moles to develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is one of the most deadly cancers, mainly because people assume that a mole or lesion is merely a benign freckle or normal mole. The cancer can spread from the surface of the skin down into the inner tissues, to the muscles and bones and into the blood, where it can then spread to other parts of the body undetected for years.

Typical moles are very common and people may develop new moles from time to time until about the age of 40. These benign, typical growths on the skin are usually brown, tan or pink and can either appear flat or raised. They are most often round or oval and usually are usually small in size. It is important to note that if you are ever uncertain about a mole, spot or what appears to be a freckle that you contact our office for further evaluation.

If you should find a mole or growth that is irregular in shape, is different shades, has changed in outline or color, is asymmetrical or seems to have grown larger suddenly, make sure that you contact our office as soon as possible for an evaluation appointment and to discuss possible mole biopsy and excision options.

A wart is a hardened, bumpy, or rough piece of skin that grows faster than normal. Most warts are harmless, but the virus that causes warts is contagious and can be spread by direct contact with others. Warts may develop anywhere on the body, including the bottom of the feet, palm of the hands, fingers, and genitals. Warts are typically brown or flesh-colored, although genital warts may also appear pink or red.

Lacerations and Sutures

It is not uncommon for people during the course of their lifetime to have a handful of lacerations that required wound dressing, bandages or even sutures along with medical attention. Our practice is equipped with the very latest in laceration care technology, supplies and treatment procedures to ensure that when their patients need prompt medical attention for this type of wound care, they are able to properly, effectively and quickly clean, dress and repair or bandage lacerations.

Wounds that cover a large area of the body and appear to be very deep can cause rapid blood loss and require quick medical attention. Serious lacerations and other wounds that remain untreated for too long may become infected, leading to even more serious systemic infections that can spread throughout the body. Any type of wound that appears to be infected also requires medical attention to prevent the spread of infection. An infection can be characterized by swelling at the site of the laceration, itching, irritation, pain and even a fever in some advanced cases

You should also contact our office immediately if a wound will not seem to heal or close, if you cannot stop the bleeding and if you cannot remove any foreign substances that may have become lodged in the wound. We know that taking care of wounds, lacerations and similar injuries is always uncomfortable, and our doctors take great care to ensure that through your entire procedure you remain as pain-free and comfortable as possible.

If you are ever unsure whether or not a laceration or injury is serious enough for medical assistance in healing or you cannot determine on your own if a laceration has become infected, it is very important that you call our office for an appointment to further evaluate your signs and symptoms. Prompt medical attention can prevent more serious complications and issues.