Understanding Surgical Dermatology: What to Expect and When It’s Needed

Surgical dermatology is an essential branch of dermatology focused on diagnosing, treating, and removing skin lesions through medical or cosmetic surgical procedures. At Redwood Empire Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg perform a wide range of surgical treatments in a safe, comfortable, and patient-centered environment.

Whether you’re dealing with a suspicious mole, a bothersome cyst, or a confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer, surgical dermatology is often the most effective and long-lasting solution.

What Is Surgical Dermatology?

Surgical dermatology includes procedures that require cutting the skin to diagnose or treat a condition. These procedures range from simple biopsies to more advanced techniques like Mohs surgery.

Some of the most common conditions treated with surgical dermatology include:

Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
Suspicious or changing moles
Cysts and lipomas
Benign lesions such as warts, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses
Precancerous lesions requiring excision

Our dermatologists specialize in both medical and cosmetic outcomes, ensuring that treatment not only removes the problem but also supports the best possible cosmetic result.

Types of Surgical Dermatology Procedures

Skin Biopsies

A skin biopsy is often the first step when a mole or spot appears unusual. A small sample of skin is removed and sent to pathology for diagnosis.

Excision of Moles, Cysts & Growths

Excisional surgery is used to completely remove a lesion. This is often recommended when:

A mole looks atypical
A cyst is recurrent or painful
A growth is bothersome or cosmetically undesirable

This outpatient procedure is done under local anesthetic and typically requires only a short recovery period.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer is extremely common in Northern California due to high sun exposure. Early detection and treatment are critical.

Our providers perform:

Standard excisions for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers
Shave removal or curettage for select superficial lesions
Mohs micrographic surgery referral coordination for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas

Our Santa Rosa and Healdsburg dermatology teams work closely with trusted Mohs surgeons to ensure timely care.

Why Choose Redwood Empire Dermatology for Surgical Dermatology?

Patients throughout Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Oakmont, and the greater Sonoma County region choose our practice because:

Our dermatologists are highly trained in surgical techniques
We prioritize your comfort and safety during every step
Same-day or prompt appointments available for urgent concerns
On-site surgical equipment allows for efficient, high-quality treatment
Personalized scar-minimization techniques
Clear communication before, during, and after each procedure

We know surgery can feel intimidating—our job is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.

What to Expect After a Dermatologic Surgery

Most surgical dermatology procedures are quick and require minimal downtime. After your procedure, you may experience:

Mild swelling or bruising
Tenderness at the site
A small bandage for the first 24–48 hours

Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean the site, when to return for suture removal, and ways to minimize scarring. If you ever have questions or concerns, our staff is just a phone call away.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for a Surgical Evaluation?

Schedule an appointment if you notice:

A mole that changes color, shape, or size
A spot that bleeds or doesn’t heal
A new lump under the skin
A growth that becomes irritated or painful
A lesion previously diagnosed as skin cancer
A cyst that keeps coming back

Early evaluation is always safer—and often leads to simpler treatment.

Surgical Dermatology in Santa Rosa & Healdsburg

If you are searching for Healdsburg surgical dermatology, Santa Rosa skin cancer surgery, or 95448 dermatology, our team at Redwood Empire Dermatology is here to help. We proudly care for patients across Sonoma County and believe in delivering high-quality, compassionate dermatologic care at every visit.