For your added convenience and to offer a more cost-effective treatment option, patients needing surgical dermatology procedures can actually have them performed right in Dr. Marshall’s new state-of-the-art offices; the only facility of it’s kind in Rexburg, Idaho.
Inside Alpine Dermatology Clinic, patients will find a sterile, safe, relaxing environment for surgical procedures to be done efficiently. Other doctors may suggest utilizing an outside and consequently more costly facility to undertake such procedures as the following:
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC CONTROLLED SURGERY
This is a process where Dr. Marshall will remove a tumor and examine the tissue under the microscope to determine the extent of malignant cells before more tissue is removed. While the procedure is time-consuming, it yields a very high cure rate and conserves as much normal tissue as possible. It is used for large or aggressive tumors and tumors located in areas of high risk for recurrence, such as on and around the nose.
SKIN CANCER EXCISION
Some non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, may be removed using a standard excision. This procedure removes the skin cancer as well as a small portion of the healthy tissue surrounding it. The area is then closed using stitches or, if the incision is large, a flap or skin graph. Although the standard excision cure rate is less than Mohs micrographic surgery, it is still appropriate for certain primary tumor types and locations.
CYST & LIPOMA EXCISION
Cysts are small closed sacs that contain fluid or solid material. They may be surgically removed to avoid problems such as inflammation and infection, or to improve cosmetic appearance. Lipomas differ from cysts in that they are primary composed of soft, fatty tissue. Lipomas are typically benign, easily movable and painless. Both cysts and lipomas may be surgically removed to avoid problems such as inflammation and infection, or to improve cosmetic appearance.
MOLE REMOVAL
Moles are normally harmless and quite common for most skin. These growths are usually tan or brown in color, sometimes raised, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Over time, some moles may change, becoming lighter in color, or bigger. Dr. Marshall may want to remove your mole by surgical excision or shave excision to stop irritation, to improve appearance, or to prevent the mole from becoming cancerous. A change in a mole can indicate a serious problem. If you have a mole that has become larger, changed color, is asymmetric, seems to have developed an irregular border, itches, crusts, bleeds, or is painful, consult Dr. Marshall immediately.
WART REMOVAL
Warts are pesky growths consisting of thick layers of skin that are caused by a virus. People of all ages may develop warts anywhere on the skin with varing degrees of discomfort. Warts may be removed by cryosurgery, curettage, electrosurgery, injections with chemicals, or laser surgery. Medical treatments are also available, so don’t put off an examination with Dr. Marshall, call today.
ACNE SCAR REDUCTION
This procedure can typically improve the way scars look by changing the size, depth, or color. However, no scar can ever be completely erased, and no technique will return the scar to its normal uninjured appearance. Patients are pleasantly surprised by how much smoother and lighter their skin looks after an acne scar reduction. Dr. Marshall will suggest the best approach after an examination.
SCAR REVISION
Scars can result from acne, chickenpox, accidents, or previous surgery. Dr. Marshall will examine your scar to determine the best plan of action. He and his technicians can often improve them with dermabrasion, or by using soft tissue fillers like collagen, collagen enhancers, hyaluronic acid, or fat injected into the skin to fill depressions. A complete excisional revision may also be used. Raised scars can be surgically leveled or flattened with corticosteroid injections.