Minor Skin Procedures

To perform a skin biopsy, we numb and  remove a small amount of tissue from a potentially problematic area. Every effort is made to minimize the cosmetic impact of the removal while still capturing an adequate tissue sample. 

The purpose of the removal is to analyze the tissue and determine whether or not it is harmful or has the potential to become a problem down the road. All biopsies are sent away for microscopic evaluation by a board certified dermatopathologist. 

Early biopsy and diagnosis can be extremely important in the optimal treatment of the rash, lesion, or cancerous tissue.

Milia are a common problem with which many patients struggle. Usually appearing as small, white or skin colored bumps that appear around the eyes, nose, and lower half of the face, milia interrupt the texture of the skin, making it look and feel less smooth. 

These tiny cysts form when the internal oil glands fail to exfoliate properly and dead cells and sebum become trapped in the skin. Milia are removed by the physician using a precise and gentle needling technique that removes the trapped material from the skin without causing excessive inflammation or irritation.

Incision and drainage are the main ways to treat a cyst or abscess. 

The area is numbed and a small opening is created to allow the trapped contents to be removed.  In the case of a cyst, it is important to remove the cyst lining to prevent recurrence.  

Rarely, antibiotics may be recommended following the procedure.

An intralesional injection is when a therapeutic substance is injected directly into a skin lesion. This may be a large inflammed pimple or nodule, a thickened scar or other tissue we are trying to treat in a focused way.  

The goal of an intralesional injection is to deliver a high concentration of medicine directly to the problem area.  This is more effective than topically applied medications and has a lower chance of side effects compared to medications taken orally.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a commonly used ingredient in many chemical peel solutions.  In the case of Only Touch TCA and CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars)Technique, we use much higher concentrations of TCA than would normally be placed on a full face.  Instead, the solution is placed sparingly and specifically with a fine paintbrush to acne scars or other unwanted skin structures such as sebaceous hyperplasia, thin seborrheic keratoses, DPN (Dermatosis papulosa nigra or “Morgan Freedman spots”), angiofibromas and the like. 

Scars that appear to be stuck down or tethered into the skin can be treated with a procedure called subcision. With subcision, the bands that pull the scarred area down and cause the depression in the skin are interrupted. This creates space for volume restoration and contour correction with dermal fillers and also stimulates new, healthier tissue to grow.

Many patients attempt to remove their warts with at-home treatments. This is successful for some, but many times the warts fail to clear or they return after a short period of time. For patients who have not had success treating warts on their own, in-office laser treatment can remove the wart quickly and painlessly. 

While skin tags are harmless, they are also undesirable and uncomfortable. Skin tag removal is simple when performed by a professional.  In our office we can safely and effectively remove your tags virtually painlessly in a matter of minutes.

Excessive sweating can negatively affect so many aspects of life for patients who suffer from this condition. Avoid the stress and embarrassment of underarm rings and odor with an easy treatment of Botox or Dysport that can eliminate excessive sweating for 6 months or longer.