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Dermatologic Surgery

Dermatologists are both medical and surgical physicians and have been for over a century. Some of the most common surgical procedures were pioneered by dermatologists including Mohs micrographic surgery, certain reconstructive procedures, dermabrasion, chemical peels, ambulatory phlebectomy, laser surgery, liposuction using tumescent anesthesia, acne scar repair, and hair transplant surgery.

In addition, nearly all the filler agents to treat wrinkles and acne scars were pioneered by dermatologists, as were Botox treatments for facial rejuvenation. Solano Dermatology Associates were some of the very first in the Bay area to use Botox for wrinkles and to use the newest resurfacing lasers as they became available.

Dermatologic surgery is a critical and integral part of any dermatology residency. Surgical teaching in Dermatology residencies are orchestrated by fellowship trained Mohs and dermatologic surgeons such as Dr. Geisse and Dr. Fu, both of whom teach at the University of California San Francisco.

Board certification in Dermatology requires extensive expertise in dermatologic surgery including excisional surgery for both benign and malignant growths, reconstructive techniques including skin grafts and local flaps, laser surgery including lasers of different wave lengths to treat specific lesions and conditions.

Dermatologic surgeons learn the anatomy of the face to avoid injuring critical structures such as branches of the facial nerve and other important anatomic landmarks. We know advanced techniques in local anesthesia to provide a nearly painless worry-free surgery.

In summary, any surgical procedure of the skin can and should be performed by dermatologists who are expert surgeons deserving the title of Dermatologic Surgeon. Modern dermatologists are able to design surgical repairs and hide scars into pre-existing wrinkles or rhytids to provide patients with optimal outcomes.