Skin Surgery

What is skin surgery?

Skin surgery is any technique that mechanically removes some of your skin or skin cells, including an abnormal growth. Skin surgery can diagnose a condition, treat it, or both.

As a skin expert who’s board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cappel performs skin surgery and also analyzes the results of biopsies at DERMAGNIFY. That means that you get the precise and accurate answers you need about your skin condition and appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a type of skin surgery used for diagnostic purposes. If you have a rash or an abnormal growth, Dr. Cappel removes part or all of the lesion using the following techniques:

• Shave (tangential) biopsy
• Punch biopsy
• Incisional biopsy

He then is able to examine the pathology sample with a high-powered microscope to visualize the cells and make an accurate diagnosis that will determine your treatment plan. 

What is an incision?

An incision is a cut that your dermatologic surgeon makes into your skin and underlying tissue. Dr. Cappel may use incisions to sample abnormal skin growths or to drain a cyst or abscess. 

Some incisions are small enough to heal on their own. Some may require sutures to facilitate the healing process.

What is an excision?

An excision is a type of skin surgery that cuts into the tissue to completely remove an abnormal growth. Although some types of skin cancers may be removed through cryotherapy or shaving, a larger or deeper skin cancer often requires excision.

If Dr. Cappel removes a skin cancer through excision, he cuts around the tumor, removing some normal skin too. Creating a margin around the abnormal tissue increases the likelihood that all of the cancer cells are removed during the excision. 

What is nail surgery?

If you have an ingrown toenail or a damaged nail, Dr. Cappel may need to remove it partially or completely with nail surgery. Dermatologists may also sometimes perform nail surgery to remove a nail that’s chronically infected with and damaged by fungus.

You can also develop nail pigmentation or a growth under your nail — including skin cancer. Dr. Cappel surgically removes the nail to sample the abnormal pigment or growth.

Don’t ignore growths or changes to your skin or nails. Contact the experts at DERMAGNIFY for a skin surgery evaluation today by calling the office or reaching out online.