Surgical dermatology
Surgical dermatology
What is surgical dermatology?
Surgical dermatology is a specialised field within dermatology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions through surgical procedures. Dr Kunene, a distinguished dermatologist, has dedicated his practice to this field, combining his expertise in dermatology with advanced surgical techniques to address a wide range of skin issues.
When is surgical dermatology indicated?
Surgical dermatology may be recommended in various situations to address specific skin concerns. Dr Kunene utilises surgical interventions when:
- Skin cancer removal: Surgical dermatology is often employed for the removal of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Benign tumour removal: Non-cancerous growths such as moles, cysts, lipomas, and other skin tumours may require surgical excision for cosmetic or medical reasons.
- Scar revision: Surgical techniques can be employed to improve the appearance of scars resulting from injuries, surgeries, or previous skin conditions.
- Skin lesion removal: Dr Kunene may recommend surgery to remove abnormal or suspicious skin lesions for diagnostic purposes and to prevent potential complications.
- Electrosurgery and laser therapy: Surgical dermatology encompasses advanced procedures like electrosurgery and laser therapy to treat various skin conditions, including warts, skin tags, and vascular lesions.
- Mohs micrographic surgery: For certain skin cancers, especially those on the face, Mohs surgery may be recommended to ensure precise removal while preserving healthy tissue.
What does surgical dermatology involve?
Dr Kunene's approach to surgical dermatology involves a comprehensive and patient-centred process. The key aspects of surgical dermatology procedures include:
- Consultation and evaluation: Before any surgical intervention, Dr Kunene conducts a thorough consultation to assess the patient's medical history, skin condition, and the specific concerns at hand.
- Treatment planning: Based on the evaluation, a customised treatment plan is developed, taking into account the nature of the skin condition, its location, and the individual patient's needs.
- Surgical procedures: Dr Kunene utilises precise surgical techniques to perform procedures such as excisions, skin grafts, and Mohs surgery. These procedures are conducted in a sterile and controlled environment to ensure optimal results.
- Postoperative care: Following surgery, Dr Kunene provides detailed postoperative care instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications. This may include wound care, follow-up appointments, and ongoing monitoring.
- Scar management: For procedures involving incisions, Dr Kunene employs advanced techniques to minimise scarring. Additionally, he may recommend scar management strategies to further enhance the aesthetic outcome.
FAQ
1Are surgical dermatology procedures painful?
Dr Kunene takes measures to ensure patient comfort during procedures, typically using local anaesthesia. During the recovery phase, patients may encounter slight discomfort or soreness, both of which can be alleviated through the use of pain medications, either prescribed by the healthcare provider or available over-the-counter.
2What is the recovery like after a surgical dermatology procedure?
The recovery process varies depending on the procedure. Generally, patients are provided with postoperative care instructions, which may include wound care, limitations on physical activities, and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
3Will I have visible scars after surgical dermatology procedures?
Dr Kunene employs advanced surgical techniques to minimise scarring. However, the extent of scarring depends on various factors, including the type of procedure and individual healing characteristics. Scar management strategies may be recommended to optimise the aesthetic outcome.
