Services & Procedures

Isotretinoin Acne Treatment Actinic Keratoses Wound Care & Dressings Age Spots Cyst Removal Full-Body Skin Exams Dermatology for Mid-life Skin Changes Geriatric Dermatology Hair Loss Treatment Hypertrophic Scar Treatment Lipoma Removal Melanoma Treatment Mohs Surgery Mole/ Growth Checks Mole Mapping/ Full Body Photography Mole Removal/ Birthmark Removal Photodynamic Therapy Phototherapy Psoriasis Treatment Skin Flaps/ Skin Grafts Rosacea Treatment Skin Cancer Treatment Skin Cancer Reconstruction Scar Revision

Skin Flaps/ Skin Grafts

Many patients with facial wounds seek reconstructive treatment after an injury, disease or surgery to restore the appearance and function of the skin in prominent areas such as the lips, nose, and eyelids. These treatments cover up unsightly scars and wounds, while also restoring flexibility to areas that may have stiffened as a result of scar contractures.

Skin grafts involve removing skin from another part of the body to be placed over the site of the wound. The graft is excised and then secured in place over the wound with stitches. Flaps involve lifting a flap of skin adjacent to the wound that can be neatly rotated into the wound site. Both flap and graft repairs are sometimes revised ("touched up") months to years after the procedure to enhance the aesthetic outcome.

These treatments help to reduce or eliminate the appearance of scars and expedite the healing process so that patients do not have to live with unsightly and often disfiguring wounds on their face. While some scarring will likely be visible, it will be much less noticeable than if the wound was not treated at all. Dr. Prystowsky will determine which type of treatment is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea - such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations - are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea, and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy or laser surgery.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.

Dr. Prystowsky routinely diagnoses and treats the most common skin cancers, which include:

1. Basal cell carcinoma - 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis.


2. Squamous cell carcinoma - 10% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the middle layer of the epidermis.


3. Melanoma - 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is a rare but very dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential in preventing the cancer from spreading. Dr. Prystowsky is also highly experienced in diagnosing and treating rare types of skin cancer and borderline lesions such as Merkel cell carcinoma, microcystic adeno carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, basosquamous cell carcinoma, desmoplastic trichocpithelioma, and Spitz tumors.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Most cases of skin cancer can be successfully and thoroughly removed through an excision procedure that removes the entire tumor and any roots. Despite its high level of efficiency, skin cancer excision often leaves behind large wounds or scars in prominent areas such as the face or hand. These deformities can be emotionally upsetting and a constant reminder of the skin cancer that once existed there. Fortunately, plastic surgery can be performed to repair the wound and restore your skin to a more healthy and natural appearance.

Skin cancer reconstruction can often be performed the same day or the day after the removal procedure. Reconstructive procedures are performed on an individualized basis, depending on each patient's wound, and can involve a skin graft, flap of skin, stitching or surgical closure.

While complete tumor resection is the main goal, Dr. Prystowsky also takes your appearance into consideration by leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. Skin cancer reconstruction uses this remaining healthy tissue to carefully restore the area for both effective and aesthetic results.

To learn more about about the medical services provided by Dr. Prystowsky, please contact us today.

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