Several different skin disorders can benefit from minor surgery. Not all skin problems require surgery, and some may only be necessary in very severe cases. When do you know it’s required for your condition?
Here are a few important facts about minor skin problems that you should know:
What Are Minor Skin Problems?
Minor skin disorders are those that cause cosmetic concerns and may or may not be painful. They can be annoying but don’t usually pose a serious threat to your health. However, in some cases, they expose you to cancer risks.
Examples of common minor skin disorders are:
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Skin tags
- Moles
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Warts
Common Signs and Symptoms of Minor Skin Diseases
The following are some common signs and symptoms of minor skin diseases:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itching
- Scaling
- Crusting
- Blisters
- Bumps
- Growths on the skin
- Changes in skin color
- Changes in skin texture
When Is Surgery an Option for Minor Skin Problems?
In general, surgery is only considered for minor skin problems if the issue is causing you pain, discomfort, or distress. For example, you might consider venous insufficiency treatment when your veins are causing you pain. Additionally, surgery might be an option if the skin problem grows or changes rapidly.
In contrast, moles may not require surgery unless they are cancerous or at risk of becoming cancerous. Your doctor will likely want to keep an eye on any moles that change in size, shape, or color.
Other reasons you might opt for surgery include when:
- The skin problem is not responding to other treatments.
- The skin problem is growing rapidly.
- High risk of developing skin cancer
Types of Surgery for Minor Skin Problems
Numerous surgery types can be used to treat minor skin problems, including:
Excision
Excision is the removal of the entire growth or lesion. This type of surgery is typically used for moles, warts, and seborrheic keratosis. Your surgeon will numb the area and then cut out the growth.
Shave excision
Shave excision is similar to regular excision, but only part of the growth is removed. This leaves a smaller scar. Shave excision is often used for skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, and warts because these growths are often raised above the skin’s surface.
Curettage and electrodesiccation
Curettage and electrodesiccation are two-step processes used to remove superficial skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. First, the growth is scraped away with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument). Then, an electric current is passed through the area to stop any bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Laser surgery
This type of surgery uses a concentrated beam of light to remove the growth. This type of surgery is often used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles. It can also be utilized to treat more aggressive skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves freezing the growth or lesion with liquid nitrogen. This type of surgery is usually used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles.
Preparation for Minor Skin Surgery
Whatever type of surgery you will have, you can expect the following steps in the preparation process:
- A consultation with your surgeon. Your doctor will discuss your goals for surgery and assess your medical history to identify whether or not you are a good candidate for any procedure. For instance, they will explain the causes of melanoma if it’s your case.
- A physical examination. A physical inspection of the growth or lesion follows.
- Imaging tests. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may need imaging tests, such as x-rays or MRI scans. These tests help your surgeon have a better look at the growth or lesion.
- Blood tests. Your physician may also require blood tests to check for infection or clotting disorders.
- Anesthesia. Most minor skin surgeries can be performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the growth or lesion. General anesthesia may be necessary for some instances.
The surgery itself is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day. The length of surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed. For example, a mole excision can often be done in less than 30 minutes, while a more complex surgery may take several hours, such as laser surgery for skin cancer.
Recovery After Minor Skin Surgery
Some swelling, bruising, and soreness after your surgery are normal. But these side effects should improve within a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for the area after surgery.
Let’s say you had skin tag removal surgery. Your surgeon may tell you to:
- Apply an ice pack to the operation site for twenty minutes at a time, several times every day.
- As needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid doing strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.
Some types of surgery, such as laser surgery, may require special care after the procedure. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Also, it’s crucial to contact experienced surgeons, such as these skin tag removal Toronto professionals, to avoid any complications.
In general, most people heal quickly after minor skin surgery with no complications. However, it comes with some risks, such as infection and scarring, as with any surgery. Talk to your doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits before having any type of skin surgery.
In Conclusion
Minor skin surgery is a common and effective treatment for many skin conditions. However, it’s not always the best option. In some cases, other treatments, such as cryotherapy or topical medications, may be just as effective with less risk. On top of these, discuss all of your options with your doctor before deciding on a treatment plan.