Medical Dermatology
Common Skin Conditions
Skin Cancer
Dermatologic Surgery
Dermatologic Surgery includes procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, veins and mucous membranes. These treatments can be medically necessary, cosmetic, or both. The purpose of dermatologic surgery varies from the removal of skin cancer or atypical moles to anti-aging treatments. Examples of dermatologic surgery procedures performed at the Dermatology Center of Rockland include:
- Excisional Surgery (atypical moles, skin cancers)
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery (skin cancers)
- Reconstructive Flaps and Grafts
- Cryosurgery (keratoses)
- Electrodesiccation and Curettage (skin cancers)
- Botulinum Toxin Treatments
- Injectable Soft Tissue Fillers
- Laser Surgery
- Microdermabrasion
- Vein Therapy
- Chemical Peels
- Acne Surgery
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- MICRONEEDLING
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is state of the art treatment for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The procedure involves a systematic microscopic search that traces skin cancer down to its roots, allowing removal of the entire tumor while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. Of all treatments for skin cancer, Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest cure rate and is the most exact and precise method of tumor removal.
The procedure was initially developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs and has been continuously refined over the past many years. Mohs is performed by specially trained surgeons who have completed additional fellowship training. (Dr. Ingrid Olhoffer completed a Mohs Micrographic Surgery fellowship at the Yale School of Medicine.) The physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. In general, Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the treatment of choice for: skin cancers in an area of the body where is it important to preserve healthy tissue (eyelids, nose, ears, lips, fingers, toes, genitals); large cancers; and skin cancers that have recurred after previous treatment.
Click on the forms below for Pre and Post-Op instructions.
» Click here for more information on Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) an effective, non-invasive, irradiation-free light therapy to treat Actinic Keratosis (AK’s). In principle PDT uses light and a photosensitizing gel, Ameluz. The gel is applied to the area being treated and after an incubation time determined by the doctor, the area is treated with a specific wavelength of light to activate the gel.
This treatment will remove sun damaged pre-cancerous lesions called Actinic Keratosis (AK’s). AK’s often occur as multiple lesions on skin areas frequently exposed to the sun such as the face, scalp, neck, ears, hands and chest.
Actinic Keratosis is the most frequent pre-cancer which can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.
Treating AK’s during the early stages is a safe and effective way of reducing the risk of actinic keratosis progression to skin cancer.
Several treatment sessions may be necessary spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
PDT is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans.
Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy
Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy administered in the office can provide safe and effective treatment for patients with psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and other skin conditions.
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Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis
Patch testing is used to determine the cause of contact dermatitis, a skin condition caused by a reaction to certain substances. This test is performed by placing several different chemicals onto the skin of the back. The chemicals are kept on the skin with tape for 48 hours. After being removed, the area is then examined for signs of a reaction and it is rechecked in an additional 24 to 48 hours.
» Click here for more information on Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis.