Procedural Dermatology

Physical Examination

Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of symmetry, borders, color, size, and whether a spot has changed over time. 

Your dermatologist will also look at texture, firmness, tenderness, and whether a lesion feels superficial or deeper in the skin. 

Surrounding skin matters too, especially signs of sun damage, inflammation, or patterns that point to an underlying issue.

Specialized Diagnostic Tests

When more detail is needed, your dermatologist may use dermoscopy, which combines magnification and polarized light to better evaluate pigment patterns and vascular structures. 

If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed confidently through an exam alone, a biopsy may be recommended. The biopsy technique is chosen based on what the clinician is trying to determine and the location of the lesion.

Lab Work 

Lab work is not part of most lesion evaluations. It may be considered when inflammation, concerns about healing, recurring scarring, or certain medical conditions could influence treatment choice or recovery. 

Your dermatologist will also review medications and health history to ensure the procedure plan is appropriate and safe.

Imaging and Additional Testing

For deeper bumps, certain cysts, or lesions in sensitive locations, imaging may be used to clarify depth, borders, and involvement of nearby structures. 

When scarring is recurrent or affects movement, a staged approach may be recommended. In some cases, care may be coordinated with other specialists to support both function and cosmetic outcome.

Biopsy Techniques

A biopsy provides diagnostic clarity. We select the method that best suits the lesion, its location, and cosmetic considerations. 

Common biopsy techniques include:

• Shave Biopsy: Removes the top layers of skin and a portion of the lesion for raised or superficial growths.
• Punch Biopsy: This technique involves removing a small, full-thickness core of skin and is used when depth is important for diagnosis. 
• Excisional Biopsy: It removes the entire lesion and is best used when complete removal provides diagnostic clarity.

You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions, and we will review the pathology results with you to ensure you understand what they mean and what to do next, if anything is required.

Lesion Removal

The best removal method depends on what the lesion is, where it is located, and how deep it extends: 

• Excision may be recommended when full-thickness removal is needed. 
• Shave removal is commonly used for raised benign growths. 
• Electrosurgery and cryotherapy can be appropriate for certain superficial lesions. 

We focus on safe technique, clean healing, and practical guidance for scar care afterward.

Scar-Focused Therapies

Keloids and hypertrophic scars often respond best to a combined plan. 

Intralesional steroid injections can help soften and flatten thick scars. Silicone gels or sheets support scar remodeling. Pressure strategies may be useful in select areas. 

We also set clear expectations, as scar improvement is typically a gradual process, and consistency is essential for achieving optimal results.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

SRT may be an option for select diagnoses and patient situations, particularly when location makes surgery less ideal or when other clinical factors support a non-surgical plan. 

When considering SRT as the best option for treatment, we review candidacy, expected response, potential skin reactions, and long-term monitoring to help you make an informed decision.

Injectables

Injectables can soften expression lines and support facial balance with minimal downtime. 

Neuromodulators are often used to treat dynamic wrinkles, while fillers and biostimulators can help support volume, contour, and structure. 

We plan based on facial anatomy and movement, then administer doses conservatively to maintain natural-looking results.

Microneedling and Resurfacing for Texture and Scarring

Microneedling and resurfacing stimulate collagen remodeling to improve uneven texture and scarring, including acne scarring and select surgical scars. 

Most patients see the best change with multiple sessions spaced out over time. We tailor technique, depth, and recovery expectations to your specific needs, taking into account the type of scar, your skin tone, and your tolerance for downtime.

Caring for Your Skin After In-Office Treatment

Smart Aftercare That Protects Healing and Minimizes Scarring

Caring for your skin after an in-office treatment starts with timing. When a spot is evolving, bleeding, not healing, or clearly different from your other marks, getting it evaluated early can protect both the diagnosis and the outcome. The same goes for precancerous lesions, which are often simpler to treat when addressed sooner rather than after they’ve persisted or spread across a wider area.

A procedure is only one part of the process. Getting the right treatment done matters, but how your skin heals afterward plays a major role in comfort, scarring, and overall results. That’s why you should expect a clear plan for what happens next, including what’s normal during symptoms, healing milestones, and when follow-up is needed.

Aftercare is where small habits make a visible difference. Protecting the site from sun exposure, avoiding friction and picking, and consistently following wound-care instructions can support smoother healing and reduce unnecessary discoloration. If you’re prone to thicker scarring, supportive strategies like silicone therapy may be recommended to help guide how the skin remodels as it heals.