Trust the health and beauty of your skin to a skilled specialist: FAQs on common surgeries with an uncommon touch
As a Board-certified medical dermatologist with 10+ years of experience treating thousands of patients, Dr. Huayi Zhang of Bluebonnet Dermatology in McKinney, Texas, has developed significant expertise with surgical procedures. In fact, she has refined a special interest in treating a wide range of medical and cosmetic conditions with advanced surgical technologies and techniques.
What surgical procedures do you commonly perform ?
Depending on your needs, we may recommend that a small tissue sample be removed or biopsied. Since a biopsy technically involves removing a part of the skin (a process known as excision), it is still considered a surgery – albeit for diagnostic purposes. Some cancers and other growths may be precisely excised using Dr. Zhang’s exacting approaches. Additional methods to remove tissue and treat cosmetic and medical conditions include cryosurgery (or “freezing”) and ED&C (Electrodessication and Curettage).
Why would I need a biopsy ?
You may be concerned about changes to a mole or another part of your skin. Or, Dr. Zhang may take special note of a large, very dark, or otherwise irregular patch of skin during one of your routine professional skin checks. Whatever the case may be, anomalies warrant prompt and appropriate intervention. Sores that never seem to heal or growths that are itchy or bleed may be signs of pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. Additionally, a tissue sample may be examined under the microscope if it features one or more of the “ugly duckling traits.” That is, the spot may feature more than one color, stick out for its large size, and appear to be asymmetrical and/or with irregular borders. With more information about the concerning spot, we can move forward with treatment options to prevent the spread of cancer or to address any cosmetic concerns associated with a visible spot that might otherwise be harmless.
What conditions can be treated with cryosurgery ?
Also known as cryotherapy, this technique involves applying liquid nitrogen or other agents to freeze surface-level lesions. We have successfully treated everything from skin tags and warts to dark “sun spots” with such controlled freezing.
What is ED&C ?
This is shorthand for two techniques in one: Electrodessication and Curettage. The latter step involves using a special tool called a “curette” to abrade away diseased or damaged tissues. The former step involves applying heat to destroy damaged cells. It may be most appropriate for surface-level lesions, such as seborrheic keratosis and skin tags.
Why should I trust my skin and health to Bluebonnet Dermatology ?
Excision and other surgical procedures are highly technique-specific. Partnering with a skilled and qualified board-certified specialist like our own Dr. Huayi Zhang minimizes the outcomes and risk of undesirable complications such as scarring. If you are overdue for a skin check or are concerned about changes in the feel or look of your skin, schedule a consultation today. Our team in McKinney, TX, can be reached at (469) 663-5777.
