An introduction to complete surgical dermatology services in five FAQs
At AVIVA Dermatology, our Houston, Texas, team offers complete solutions for all your skincare, haircare, and nailcare needs. Our dermatologists, Drs. Simone Stalling, MD, PhD, FAAD and Rosannah Velasquez, MD, do not limit the scope of their practice. They provide expert and comprehensive medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology services. Surgical procedures performed at our office in Houston, Texas, restore the health of your skin to improve the appearance and function of skin affected by cancerous as well as bothersome benign growths.Â
So, is surgery at your office not just for cancers?
While we perform expert surgical excision or removal of basal cells, squamous cells, and other skin cancers, we may also recommend surgery to improve the appearance of or eliminate scars, benign cysts, moles and other growths.
What types of scars do you treat?
Scarring may be caused by accidents, wounds, and injuries to the skin, as well as by inflammatory conditions. One of the most common types of scars we treat surgically is acne; specifically, we can remove deep or pitted scars with precision surgical techniques. To fade the scar, we excise or remove the affected tissue. Then, the areas accessed to remove the scarred tissue are closed or sutured back together again. The result is a smaller, more subtle scar that can heal naturally. Less invasive techniques may also treat and promote healing for shallow scars such as microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling.
Why would I need to undergo surgery for a benign condition?
Just because a trouble spot or area is benign (not cancerous) does not mean it should be ignored. You may be bothered by the appearance of a large mole, lipoma or cyst. Sometimes, these growths can also interfere with healthy function. They may brush up against fabrics or other folds in the skin. When this happens, tissue in the affected area is vulnerable to irritation and even infections. Some conditions, such as keloids, can grow large and be hard to miss. Removing or minimizing such visible tissues can tremendously impact your self-image, confidence, and well-being in these and other instances.
What cancers do you treat?
BCCs (Basal Cell Carcinomas) and SCCs (Squamous Cell Carcinomas) are the two most common types of skin cancer that we treat. It’s often said, “A chance to cut is a chance to ‘cure.'” By removing these cancers, we can stop their progression. We ideally want to detect and address these cancerous lesions before they have spread to other parts of the body. Our highly skilled dermatology surgeons are well versed in treating the most serious of skin cancers, melanoma, successfully. Additionally, we remove pre-cancerous growths or AKs (Actinic Keratosis). While it’s reported that 5% to 10% of AKs evolve into cancers, the majority of SCCs originate from these pre-cancers.
What can I expect from surgical treatment?
No two surgeries are the same. However, these procedures are generally well-tolerated with local anesthesia. There may be some minor discomfort or soreness as the treatment site heals. Prior to surgical treatment, we review everything to expect before, during, and after each procedure. If you are concerned about the appearance of or any other changes to an area of skin, do not hesitate to contact the AVIVA Dermatology team. Our office in Houston, Texas, is here to help. We can be reached at (713) 468-0303 today.Â