Mole Removal
What is a mole?
A mole (melanocytic nevus, also known as "Nevocytic nevus") is a type of lesion containing nevus cells (melanocytes).
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of moles appear during the first two decades of a person’s life, while about one in every 100 babies is born with moles. A mole can be either subdermal (under the skin) or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of a type of cell known as a melanocyte. The high concentration of the body’s pigmenting agent, melanin, is responsible for their dark color.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the vast majority of moles are benign. Nonetheless, the U.S. National Cancer Institute estimated that 62,480 new cases of melanoma and 8,420 related deaths would appear in the United States in the year 2008, meaning moles should be taken seriously.
How is the mole removed?
First, a diagnosis must be made. If the lesion is a seborrheic keratosis, shave excision, electrodesiccation, or cryosurgery may be performed, usually leaving very little if any scarring. If the lesion is suspected to be a skin cancer, a skin biopsy must be done before considering removal. This is unless an excisional biopsy is warranted. If the lesion is a melanocytic nevus, Dr. Glafkides will decide if it is medically indicated or not.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is typically performed on an out-patient basis in Dr. Glafkides’ office or at a nearby out-patient surgery center.
Anesthesia and Medication
Topical and local anesthesia can be applied to the skin prior to the procedure.
Recovery
There is a minimal recovery period. Most patients return to the work and most normal activities, including moderate exercise, the day after the procedure.
Mohs Surgery
What is MOHs?
A mole (melanocytic nevus, also known as "Nevocytic nevus") is a type of lesion containing nevus cells (melanocytes).
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of moles appear during the first two decades of a person’s life, while about one in every 100 babies is born with moles. A mole can be either subdermal (under the skin) or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of a type of cell known as a melanocyte. The high concentration of the body’s pigmenting agent, melanin, is responsible for their dark color.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the vast majority of moles are benign. Nonetheless, the U.S. National Cancer Institute estimated that 62,480 new cases of melanoma and 8,420 related deaths would appear in the United States in the year 2008, meaning moles should be taken seriously.
How is the mole removed?
First, a diagnosis must be made. If the lesion is a seborrheic keratosis, shave excision, electrodesiccation, or cryosurgery may be performed, usually leaving very little if any scarring. If the lesion is suspected to be a skin cancer, a skin biopsy must be done before considering removal. This is unless an excisional biopsy is warranted. If the lesion is a melanocytic nevus, Dr. Glafkides will decide if it is medically indicated or not.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is typically performed on an out-patient basis at a nearby out-patient surgery center.
Anesthesia and Medication
Local anesthesia prior to the procedure.
Recovery
There is a minimal recovery period. Most patients return to the work and most normal activities, including moderate exercise, the day after the procedure.
Scar Revision
What is a scar revision procedure?
Scars are visible signs that remain after a wound has healed. They are unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing may contribute to scars that are obvious, unsightly or disfiguring. Even a wound that heals well can result in a scar that affects your appearance. Scars may be raised or recessed, different in color or texture from surrounding healthy tissue or particularly noticeable due to their size, shape or location.
Your treatment options may vary based on the type and degree of scarring and can include:
Simple topical treatments
Minimally invasive procedures
Surgical revision with advanced techniques in wound closure
What to expect
Scar revision surgery is meant to minimize the scar so that it is more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture.
Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely erased.
Where is it performed?
Scan revision surgery is typically performed on an out-patient basis, either in Dr. Glafkides’ office or in a nearby day-surgery center.
Anesthesia and Medication
Local anesthesia can be applied to the skin prior to the procedure, and occasionally sedation is required.
Recovery
There is no recovery period. Most patients return to the work and most normal activities, including moderate exercise, within a few days.
Chemical Peel
What is a chemical peel?
Sun exposure, acne or just getting older can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, spotted or scarred. If you want your skin to look smoother and younger, consider a chemical peel, which uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers.
A chemical peel, or derma peeling, is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of your skin. Although chemical peels are used mostly on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on your neck and hands. You can improve:
Acne or acne scars
Age and liver spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Freckles
Irregular skin pigmentation
Rough skin and scaly patches
Scars
Sun-damaged skin
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is performed in Dr. Glafkides’ office. Dr. Glafkides works with licensed aestheticians who perform skin care therapies.
Anesthesia and Medication
None is necessary.
Recovery
There is no recovery period. Most patients return to the work and most normal activities, including vigorous exercise, the day of the procedure.