Biopsy: The removal of a tissue sample for study
under a microscope. Used to diagnose diseases of the
skin.
Cosmetic surgery: Surgery for the purpose of
improving the appearance. Dermatologic cosmetic
surgery may include the removal of wrinkles around
the face and neck (rhytidectomy); injections to
reduce or eliminate spider or varicose veins (sclerotherapy);
removal of loose skin and tissue around the upper
and lower eyelids (blepharoplasty);
microdermabrasion to remove fine lines, tattoos,
discoloration, scars, and wrinkles; chemical peels
to treat acne, lines, and wrinkles; soft tissue
augmentation, such as collagen, to fill in wrinkles
and scars; removal of fat deposits under the skin
(tumescent liposuction); laser therapy to remove
unwanted hair and reduce the appearance of scars;
and hair transplant or replacement surgery.
Cryotherapy: The use of liquid nitrogen to
freeze a growth off the skin. Used to treat warts,
actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, birthmarks,
certain skin cancers, and other growths.
Curettage and electrodessication: The process of
using a sharp tool called a curette to scrape away
cancerous cells and tissues as well as short, high
frequency electric impulses to destroy any remaining
cancerous cells and tissues. Used to treat skin
cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
Electrodessication alone may be used to remove
growths on the surface of the skin.
Debridement: Surgical removal of dead or
contaminated tissue, or removal of dirt or debris
from a wound. Used for certain types of bacterial
skin infections that usually occur as a result of
puncture wounds or lacerations, or for burns.
Excision: The removal of a growth by cutting.
Used to treat cancerous and non-cancerous growths,
such as cysts, moles, warts, and tumors.
Laser
surgery: A laser is a device that emits a very
thin, intense beam of light. Can be used to remove
skin growths, such as hemangiomas, destroy tumors,
break up spider and varicose veins, remove tattoos,
and remove birthmarks, such as port wine stains.
Micropigmentation: The process of implanting
pigment into the skin. Skin pigment, called melanin,
is what gives color to the skin. Used to treat
conditions that result in hypopigmentation, such as
vitiligo, or where skin grafts or burn scars result
in a loss of pigment.
Mohs’
microscopically controlled surgery (also called
Mohs’ micrographic surgery): This procedure involves
removing a cancerous tumor, then continuing to
remove the edges of tissue around the tumor site.
After each bit of tissue is removed, it is examined
under a microscope for signs of malignant cells. The
doctor continues removing tissue around the tumor
site until there is no longer any sign of malignant
cells. Used to treat skin cancers.
Skin
graft: A procedure in which healthy skin is
transplanted to a damaged area. Used to replace
burned skin, dead tissue caused by infection, or
where large areas of skin have been lost to disease
or surgery.
Tissue
expansion: A procedure in which some type of
expander, usually a silicone balloon, is inserted
under the skin in the area that needs to be
repaired. The balloon is gradually filled with salt
water so that, over time, the skin stretches. Used
when surgery leaves a large wound because large
amounts of tissue must be removed, as well as to
treat skin damaged by births defects or injury. May
also be used as a treatment for baldness.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
