Surgical Dermatology Services

 

Many skin conditions are treated with surgical excision, ranging from benign growths to multiple types of skin cancer. Dr. Eastman offers procedures performed in the comfort of a clinical setting under local anesthesia. We specialize in the removal of multiple types of skin cancer and benign growths, such as:

  • Basal cell carcinoma

  • Cosmetic mole removal

  • Cysts

  • Dysplastic (abnormal) nevi

  • Lipomas

  • Melanoma

  • Squamous cell carcinoma

 

What to expect in surgery

 

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Do not stop blood thinners prescribed by your doctors (eg. Xarelto, Plavix, Coumadin, etc.).

  • Discontinue aspirin and aspirin-containing products for 1 week before surgery, if approved by your physician.

  • Discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen-containing products such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, Celebrex) 3 days before surgery.

  • Discontinue Vitamin E and fish oil 1 week before surgery.

DAY OF SURGERY

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Your appointment will last approximately 60 minutes.

  • Please eat the day of the procedure. No fasting is required.

  • Take your regular medications except as instructed above.

  • The procedure is done with local anesthetic, you will not be sedated. You will be fit to drive, but you may feel more comfortable bringing a driver with you.

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You will leave the office with a pressure dressing. You will be scheduled for a suture removal 7-14 days after the procedure. Please try and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks after the procedure. You may resume your normal medications the day after the procedure.

After the procedure, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • Pain: The local anesthesia from the surgery will wear off after 2 to 3 hours. Most patients do well, but if there is any discomfort, Tylenol is all that is necessary. Avoid taking NSAIDs/aspirin-containing medications since they increase the risk of bleeding.

  • Bleeding: Occasionally post-operative bleeding occurs. If this happens, apply constant pressure to the wound for 20 minutes. You may also choose to use a cold pack in the area. These measures should stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, soaks through the pressure bandage, or if you experience extreme pain or sudden swelling call 907-398-3376 and choose option 2.

  • Bruising: Swelling and bruising at the surgical site is common. These will lessen naturally in the few days following your procedure. If there is excessive swelling or bruising call 907-398-3376 and choose option 2.

  • Wound care: Wounds left open to heal and those sutured closed will normally drain during the first week following surgery. It is very important to keep the wound clean and follow the wound care instruction sheet provided at the time of surgery.