Dermatologic surgery

Dermatologic surgery is performed by all dermatologists. Surgery is an integral part of dermatology residency training; thus all dermatologists are well trained in cutaneous surgery. In North America specialized training through a 1 year dermatologic surgery fellowship is available upon completion of the dermatology residency, and usually focuses on training in Mohs micrographic surgery. Most dermatologic surgeons who have a special interest in this field apply for fellowship status in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and educating these physicians.

Techniques available to a dermatologic surgeon include lasers, traditional scalpel surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, liposuction, blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), minimally-invasive facelift surgery (e.g., the S-lift), and a variety of topical and injectable agents such as dermal fillers including fat transfer and hyaluronic acid. Some specially trained dermatologic surgeons perform Mohs cancer surgery, which can be an effective method for the treatment of recurrent, indistinct, or difficult skin cancers.