Dermatologists are medical specialists trained to treat a wide range of skin, hair and nail conditions — from simple rashes to complex skin diseases and cosmetic concerns. This guide highlights the many surgical and treatment options a dermatologist can offer, helping you understand what’s possible, when to consider treatment, and what to expect.
Table of Contents:
- What Does a Dermatologist Do?
- Common Minor Procedures & Skin Surgeries
- Advanced Skin Treatments & Cosmetic Procedures
- How Dermatologists Choose Treatment Options
- Safety, Regulations & Patient Suitability
- What to Know Before a Dermatological Procedure
- FAQs
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
A qualified dermatologist diagnoses and treats skin, hair, and nail conditions — and performs both non-surgical and surgical procedures when needed.
They manage:
- Dermatological diseases (eczema, psoriasis, acne, infections, skin cancers)
- Cosmetic concerns (scars, pigmentation, hair removal, unwanted lesions)
- Diagnostic procedures (skin biopsies, lesion examination)
Common Minor Procedures & Skin Surgeries
Dermatologists often perform minor but effective procedures that address a variety of skin issues:
Skin Biopsy & Lesion Removal
- Punch biopsy, shave biopsy, excisional biopsy — remove a small or larger piece of skin for diagnosis. Useful for suspicious moles, rashes, or unexplained lesions.
- Excision of warts, skin tags, benign lesions, cysts, and benign growths — removal under local anaesthesia for comfort and safety.
Cryotherapy
Freezing unwanted lesions (warts, benign growths, precancerous spots) using liquid nitrogen or other cold-based methods — quick and widely used.
Electro-surgery / Curettage & Cautery
Used to remove skin lesions by scraping (curettage) and cauterising to prevent bleeding — helpful for warts, certain skin lesions, and small growths.
Dermabrasion & Skin-Planing Procedures
For surface-level scarring, acne scars, superficial skin irregularities — controlled removal of top skin layers to improve texture.
Advanced Skin Treatments & Cosmetic Procedures
For aesthetic concerns, chronic skin damage, or deeper conditions, dermatologists offer advanced therapies:
Laser Therapy & Laser Resurfacing
- Ablative and non-ablative lasers (e.g. CO₂, Erbium) — treat acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation, wrinkles, and some pre-cancerous lesions.
- Stimulates collagen formation for smoother, rejuvenated skin.
Chemical Peels & Light-Based Treatments
Chemical peels to remove damaged outer skin; phototherapy or photodynamic therapy for pigment issues, lesions, or chronic skin conditions.
Vein & Vascular Treatments
For spider veins, small visible veins or vascular lesions — treatments like sclerotherapy or laser / light-based vascular laser.
Hair Removal / Unwanted Hair or Tattoo Removal
Laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, or removal of unwanted pigmentation or marks.
Skin Grafts / Flap Surgery & Reconstruction
For larger lesions, scars, or after skin cancer removal — skin grafts or flaps to restore appearance and function.
Acne Scar & Scar Revision Treatments
Through laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or combined therapies — to improve appearance and texture of scarred skin.
How Dermatologists Choose Treatment Options
When deciding on a procedure, dermatologists evaluate:
- Skin condition type (benign lesion, acne scar, pigmentation, cancer, benign growth, etc.)
- Skin type, colour, sensitivity, healing potential
- Amount of tissue to remove or treat
- Risks vs benefits (scarring, downtime, side effects)
- Patient’s health status and history
They may start with the least invasive options (topicals, light therapies) before progressing to surgery or laser — ensuring safety and minimal side effects.
Safety, Regulations & Patient Suitability
- Procedures are performed under local anaesthesia when possible for comfort and safety.
- Clinics follow strict sterile surgical protocols to prevent infection or complications.
- Not all procedures suit everyone — factors like skin colour, healing capacity, underlying conditions influence the choice of treatment.
- Informed consent, realistic expectations, and aftercare are vital for good outcomes.
What to Know Before a Dermatological Procedure
- Understand the purpose — diagnosis, cosmetic improvement, removal of harmful lesions.
- Ask about downtime, risks, scars, aftercare, and cost.
- For cosmetic treatments (scars, pigmentation, ageing), expect multiple sessions sometimes.
- Always ensure it’s done by a qualified dermatologist or dermatosurgeon — not a non-medical provider.
FAQs
Q1: Can a dermatologist remove moles and skin tags safely?
A. Yes — dermatologists routinely remove moles, skin tags, cysts, or benign lesions under local anaesthesia, with minimal scarring.
Q2: Are cosmetic procedures like laser available from dermatologists?
A. Absolutely — lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and light therapies are standard dermatology treatments for scars, pigmentation, and rejuvenation.
Q3: Is a skin biopsy always needed before removing a suspicious mole?
A. Not always — but for suspicious or changing lesions, a biopsy or excision ensures accurate diagnosis and safer removal.
Q4: Will I need anaesthesia for dermatological surgery?
A. Usually, local anaesthesia is enough. For small lesions or surface procedures, it’s painless and quick.
Q5: Are dermatological surgeries safe?
A. Yes — when done by experienced, qualified dermatologists under sterile conditions, risks remain low.
