Surgical Dermatology
Surgical Dermatology
At Central Minnesota Dermatology, Dr. Kristina M. Britton and her staff offer many in-office surgical procedures. As a board-certified physician, Dr. Britton has extensive training in the removal of skin cancer and benign skin growths, including moles, seborrheic keratoses, cysts, lipomas, and hemangiomas. We also offer several non-surgical treatment options, including the GentleCure Experience with image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT) and photodynamic (PDT) for the treatment of basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and actinic keratoses. Lastly, we work with SKNV compounding pharmacy to provide a compounded chemotherapy cream (fluorouracil/calcipotriene) for the treatment of actinic keratoses, which is available for purchase at the Brainerd and Pine River offices.
Surgical Procedures
SKIN BIOPSY
A skin biopsy is a procedure where a sample of the skin is removed and sent to a pathologist for examination under the microscope. It is often used to diagnose skin cancer and other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, drug rashes, and skin infections. There are several techniques to obtain tissue for a skin biopsy, including shave biopsy, punch biopsy, incisional biopsy, and excisional biopsy. Most skin biopsies that are routinely performed at our office are the shave biopsy and punch biopsy and these are often done the day of your visit.
SHAVE REMOVAL
A shave removal is like a skin biopsy; however, the intent is to remove an unwanted or abnormal growth. The removed tissue can be submitted for pathology or discarded. This procedure is often used to removal moles, seborrheic keratoses, angiomas, dermatofibromas, neurofibromas, and skin tags.
CRYOSURGERY
This minimally invasive procedure uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy precancerous cells, cancerous cells or unwanted tissue. Cryosurgery is often used to treat actinic keratoses, certain superficial skin cancers and benign skin growths including warts, seborrheic keratoses, and skin tags. It is not an appropriate treatment for moles. No numbing is required for this procedure. When used to treat certain superficial skin cancers, the cure rate for cryosurgery can range from 85 to 99%.
ELECTRODESSICATION & CURETTAGE
Electrodessication & curettage (ED&C) is a surgical procedure that is used to treat skin cancer, precancerous lesions and benign growths and is often referred to as a “scrape and burn” by Dr. Britton. The lesion is injected with a numbing medication then the abnormal or unwanted tissue is scraped away with a curette (curettage) and then a cautery device is used to destroy any remaining tissue and control bleeding. This process is repeated for a total of three cycles. No stitches are needed, and the scar is typically round in appearance. No tissue is submitted for pathology. When ED&C is used to treat basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers the cure rate is between 92 to 95%.
SURGICAL EXCISION
Surgical excision is a procedure to remove cancer or unwanted tissue with a scalpel or punch tool and is often referred to as a “cut and stitch” by Dr. Britton. The site is injected with a numbing medication and then the tissue is cut out and stitches are used to close the wound. Depending on what is removed, the tissue may be submitted for pathology or discarded. The cure rate for surgical excision in treating skin cancer ranges from 94 to 97%.
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized out-patient procedure performed by specially trained dermatologists for the removal of high-risk skin cancer or skin cancer located in high-risk, or cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas, such as the face, scalp, ears, hands and genitals. It involves precise removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer, with immediate examination under the microscope, ensuring complete removal of the skin cancer while sparing healthy tissue. Mohs is a very effective treatment for skin cancer, with a cure rate of over 99%. At Central Minnesota Dermatology we do not offer Mohs at our clinic, but we do work closely with several Mohs surgeons that offer this service. The follow up appointment after the Mohs procedure is often done at our clinic.
SCAR TREATMENT
At Central Minnesota Dermatology our providers can help improve the appearance of surgical scars or scars that are the result of an injury. Whether it involves topical therapy, injectable treatments, surgical excision, microneedling or laser therapy, our providers will work with you to achieve the optimal cosmetic result.
KELOID TREATMENT
Successful treatment of keloids often requires a multi-pronged approach. At Central Minnesota Dermatology we do offer topical therapy, intralesional Kenalog injections, surgical excision and treat with image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT). Superficial radiation therapy involves delivering low-energy X-rays to the keloid, targeting the cells that cause excessive scar tissue formation and preventing recurrence. The radiation is administered over three sessions, with the first treatment delivered immediately after surgical excision. The treatment is considered safe, minimally invasive and has a high success rate. For more information on IG-SRT, please click the IG-SRT button below.
RHINOPHYMA REDUCTION
We are excited to offer treatment for rhinophyma. We use a combination approach of topical and oral therapy, in addition to surgical debulking followed by treatment with our Alma Hybrid laser. This laser utilizes both CO2 (ablative) and 1570 nm (non-ablative) wavelengths to allow for a customized approach for the treatment of rhinophyma. The Alma Hybrid laser can remove excess tissue to reshape and reduce the size of the nose. It can also stimulate collage and elastin production to improve skin elasticity and texture. Additionally, it can target and reduce overactive sebaceous glands to minimize the oiliness of the skin. For more information on the Alma Hybrid laser, please click the Alma Hybrid button below.
STRETCHMARK TREATMENT
We are excited to offer treatment for stretch marks. We use a combination approach of both topical therapy and treatment with our Alma Hybrid laser. This laser utilizes both CO2 (ablative) and 1570 nm (non-ablative) wavelengths to allow for a customized approach for the treatment of stretch marks. The combination of both lasers can reduce the appearance of the stretch marks by breaking down scar tissue, tightening the skin and promoting new collagen and elastin production. Multiple treatments are required. For more information on the Alma Hybrid laser, please click the Alma Hybrid button below.
Non-Surgical Procedures
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial basal cell skin cancer and actinic keratoses. This FDA-approved treatment uses a light sensitive drug (photosensitizer) and a specific wavelength of light to destroy cancer and precancerous cells. At Central Minnesota Dermatology, we offer PDT using Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) with red light (RhodoLED XL) at the Brainerd office or blue light at the Pine River office. We often use PDT to treat areas that have a large number of precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses), such as the face, ears, scalp, chest, back, arms and legs. PDT has been shown to be just as effective as topical therapy with fluorouracil cream.
GENTLECURE EXPERIENCE WITH IMAGE-GUIDED SUPERFICIAL RADIATION THERAPY
Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT) is a non-surgical treatment for skin cancer and keloids. It uses low-energy X-rays guided by high-resolution ultrasound imaging to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. This targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The advantages of IG-SRT are no needles, no cutting, no stitches and improved cosmetic outcome. Additionally, there is no downtime or physical restrictions during treatment. At Central Minnesota Dermatology we are excited to partner with SkinCure Oncology to bring the GentleCure Experience to the Brainerd Lakes Area. GentleCure is covered by most health insurance plans. For more information on IG-SRT, please click the IG-SRT button below.
Missed Appointments & Late Cancellations
Missed appointments represent a cost to the clinic and other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify the office at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to provide 24-hour notice will result in a no-show fee.
Dermatology Visits
No-show fees are not billable to your insurance. A fee will not be charged for the first occurrence of a missed appointment or late cancellation. A second occurrence will result in a $25.00 no-show fee. The third occurrence will result in a $50.00 fee and the fourth will result in a $100.00 fee. If you no-show or cancel your appointment within 24 hours for a fifth time, we will discharge you from the practice.
Cosmetic, Women’s Health, Acne & Hair Loss Treatments
A valid credit/debit card on file is required to schedule any of these services. Missed appointments or failure to provide 24 notice of cancellation will result in a $50.00 no-show fee charged to the card on file.
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