If you have minor skin problems, you may be able to get rid of them with over-the-counter treatments. But sometimes, these skin problems can be more stubborn and require minor surgery to fix.

Here’s an overview of some common skin problems that may require minor surgery:

What Are Minor Skin Disorders?

Many minor skin disorders can be easily treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) products. But some skin conditions are more difficult to treat and may require intervention from a dermatologist or other skincare specialist.

This is different from how melanoma is treated. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is most often treated with major surgery.

Some common minor skin disorders include:

• Moles: Moles are usually benign growths on the skin that can be removed for cosmetic reasons.
• Skin tags: Skin tags are small, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin. They’re usually benign but can be removed for cosmetic reasons.
• Actinic keratoses: Actinic keratoses are precancerous growths that form on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They can be removed with minor surgery.
• Sebaceous cysts: These are non-cancerous growths that can develop on the face, neck, or body. They can be removed with minor surgery.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Minor Skin Diseases

Most minor skin diseases are benign, which means they are not cancerous. However, some can be cosmetically displeasing. The following are some common signs and symptoms of minor skin diseases:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Skin lesions

When Is Surgery an Option for Minor Skin Problems?

In general, surgery is only considered for minor skin problems if the issue is causing you pain, discomfort, or distress. For example, you might consider skin tags surgery if the skin tags are large, bothersome, or located in a visible area.

Moles, sebaceous cysts, and actinic keratoses can also be removed for cosmetic reasons. But, it’s important to note that surgery is not always necessary for these conditions. For example, moles can often be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) products or home remedies.

Other reasons you might opt for surgery include when:

• The skin problem is not responding to other treatments
• The skin problem is growing rapidly
• High risk of developing skin cancer

Types of Surgery for Minor Skin Problems

Numerous surgery types can be used to treat minor skin problems, including:

Excision

Excision is the removal of the entire growth or lesion. This type of surgery is typically used for moles, warts, and seborrheic keratosis. Your surgeon will numb the area and then cut out the growth.

Shave excision

Shave excision is similar to regular excision, but only part of the growth is removed. This leaves a smaller scar. Shave excision is often used for skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, and warts because these growths are often raised above the skin’s surface.

Curettage and electrodesiccation

Curettage and electrodesiccation are two-step processes used to remove superficial skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. First, the growth is scraped away with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument). Then, an electric current is passed through the area to stop any bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells.

Laser surgery

This type of surgery uses a concentrated beam of light to remove the growth. This type of surgery is often used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles. It can also be utilized to treat more aggressive skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery involves freezing the growth or lesion with liquid nitrogen. This type of surgery is usually used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles.

Preparation for Minor Skin Surgery

Before having minor skin surgery, you will likely have a consultation with your doctor. During this appointment, your physician will examine the growth or lesion and ask about your medical history.

They may also require a biopsy – a procedure to remove a small tissue sample for laboratory testing. This can help your doctor confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

After Your Surgery

Some swelling, bruising, and soreness after your surgery are normal. But these side effects should improve within a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for the area after surgery.

This may include keeping the area clean and dry and applying ointment to the wound. You should also avoid strenuous activity and exposure to the sun until the area heals.

Most people heal quickly after minor skin surgery with no complications. However, it comes with some risks, such as infection and scarring, as with any surgery. Ensure to talk to your doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits before having any type of skin surgery.

Is Surgery the Best Treatment for Minor Skin Problems?

Surgery is often an effective treatment for minor skin problems. However, it’s not always the best option. Ask your doctor about all treatment options you may have and the risks and benefits of each before deciding.

Also, it’s essential to look for an experienced surgeon, like these vein treatment Toronto professionals.