Dermatologic Surgeon in Sarasota, FL
While it’s not difficult to find a dermatologist in Sarasota, Bradenton, Brandon, Siesta Key, Venice, or many other communities along the Florida Suncoast, the training required to become a dermatologic surgeon makes this type of physician a rare find. At SkinSmart Dermatology® our Founder and Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Callahan is not only a dermatologic surgeon, she is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has additional training in this specialized type of skin cancer surgery.
To learn more about Dr. Callahan, request an appointment or call the office of SkinSmart Dermatology® in Sarasota at 941-308-7546.
Specialized Training
Dermatologic surgeons are physicians who have unique qualifications and experience in the use of a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical methods of diagnosing and treating the skin, hair and nails.
After completing medical school and a year of internship, a dermatologic surgeon obtains further specialized education of at least three years of residency training in an accredited program that includes a core curriculum in the therapeutic, reconstructive and cosmetic treatment of skin conditions.
In addition to acquiring the above medical and surgical training, a Mohs fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon receives an additional one- to two-years of advanced Mohs micrographic surgery training through the American College of Mohs Surgery, and completes at least 500 surgeries under the supervision of an accredited Mohs surgeon. Dr. Callahan has performed more than 15,000 Mohs surgeries in her career.
What Makes Dermatologic Surgeons Special
When it comes to both medically-necessary and cosmetic skin surgery, the majority of advances have been made by dermatologic surgeons. Both cosmetic surgery procedures and skin cancer treatments were either developed or improved by dermatologic surgeons. These treatments include hair transplantation, tumescent liposuction, injectable wrinkle treatments and vein therapies.
Dr. Callahan’s Training
Dr. Elizabeth Callahan completed medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and one-year internship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation serving as chief resident her final year. In 2002, she completed a post-graduate fellowship in dermatologic surgery/cosmetics and Mohs micrographic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American College of Mohs Surgery, member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine.
When you choose a dermatologic surgeon like Dr. Callahan, you can be confident that you will receive the highest level of care when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of your medical skin condition and the cosmetic enhancement of your skin.
FAQs
When Should I See a Dermatologic Surgeon Instead of a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist handles general skin care and treats conditions like acne, rashes, and minor skin growths. However, a dermatologic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures. This includes the removal of skin cancers, cysts, and moles.
Dr. Callahan at SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, FL, is a highly skilled and experienced dermatologic surgeon. She is equipped to handle complex skin issues that go beyond the scope of standard dermatology.
How Do I Prepare for My Initial Consultation
Preparing for your initial consultation with a dermatologic surgeon at SkinSmart Dermatology involves a few key steps:
- Compile a list of medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Bring a detailed medical history, particularly any prior treatments for skin conditions.
- Write down any questions or concerns about your condition or the proposed procedure.
During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history. They will also examine your skin and outline the best treatment options for your needs.
What Types of Conditions Do Dermatologic Surgeons Treat?
Dr. Callahan treats a wide range of conditions that require surgical intervention. These include:
- Skin Cancer: Removal of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Benign Skin Growths: Excision of moles, cysts, lipomas, and warts.
- Scarring: Revision of acne scars, surgical scars, and keloids.
Dr. Callahan and her team always use the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
What Is a Mohs Surgeon?
A Mohs surgeon specializes in a procedure called Mohs micrographic surgery. This technique involves carefully removing cancer layer by layer while examining each one. The process ensures all cancerous cells get removed. It also saves as much healthy tissue as possible.
At SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Callahan, practices this meticulous approach to skin cancer treatment.
How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?
Mohs surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting. This means you don't have to stay overnight. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia. You're awake throughout the treatment, but the area being addressed is numb.
During the treatment, Dr. Callahan removes a thin layer of the cancerous tissue. She then looks at it under a microscope in an on-site lab. She repeats the process until no cancer cells are found. This careful method helps to remove all the problematic tissue while saving as much healthy skin as possible.
What Types of Skin Cancer Can Be Treated with Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery works well for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are the two most common types of skin cancer. It can also be used for some melanomas and rare conditions.
This procedure is especially good for skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue, like the face, ears, and hands, is essential. Dr. Callahan is highly experienced and has spent decades helping patients get the best results possible.
What Is the Success Rate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has a cure rate of up to 99% for new skin cancers. The cure rate for recurrent cancers is up to 94%. Although this procedure is incredibly time-consuming, it is also highly effective.
Why Choose SkinSmart Dermatology?
SkinSmart Dermatology, founded in 2005, offers a wide range of services, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Whether you need Mohs surgery or another service, you can trust us to provide excellent care in Sarasota.Â
Choosing us means getting treated by highly qualified specialists. Our team includes Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, the practice’s founder, and a group of board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and licensed medical estheticians.
Contact Dr. Callahan in Sarasota
If you're considering Mohs surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Callahan today by calling 941.308.7546, or by reaching out online. Dr. Callahan looks forward to meeting you!
