What’s a derm surgeon’s job?

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In simple terms, a dermatologic surgeon is a physician who performs surgical procedures on the skin and other closely related organs. Doctors who are only dermatologists can diagnose and treat skin-related disorders using medication or other non-invasive techniques, but cannot perform surgical procedures to cure these conditions. Dermatologic surgeons have their own organizations and set of criteria for membership.

A surgeon’s education begins with admission to medical school, which usually requires a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree, take preparatory courses, and take a standardized exam such as the MCAT. Upon graduation from medical school, prospective surgeons must complete a residency in dermatology and pass licensing exams as required by the local government. To be certified as a dermatologist, a candidate must take additional exams as required by the national association of dermatologists where he or she plans to practice medicine.

Procedures performed by a dermatologic surgeon not only treat skin-related conditions, but also deal with issues affecting other closely related organs. A surgeon treats skin cancer as well as cancerous growths that manifest on the skin and performs cosmetic skin procedures such as acne treatment. Other conditions with the nails, hair, and even veins that lie close to the surface of the skin can also be treated by a surgeon.

A dermatologic surgeon works with a variety of tools and techniques, depending on the condition he must treat. Traditionally, a dermatologic surgeon used a scalpel to perform procedures. In modern times, dermatologic surgeons may use lasers, various agents that are injected into the ski, or a light-emitting diode to perform photodynamic therapy. Even though the surgeon uses a scalpel to perform a procedure, he or she can make minimally invasive incisions, such as in an S-lift, also called a mini-lift.

To be considered a dermatologic surgeon, a dermatologist must be board certified and belong to an organization of dermatologic surgeons. An example of an organization of dermatologic surgeons is the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in the United States. A candidate may be required to take an exam and submit letters of recommendation to be considered a member of the organization.

Only certain dermatologic surgeons are certified to perform Mohs surgery, which requires additional training. Mohs surgery, also called chemosurgery, is a microscopic form of surgery used on patients with skin cancer. The surgeon must remove the cancerous skin tissue and examine it at a microscopic level, before finally performing reconstructive surgery to replace the removed skin tissue.

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