• Address

    3668 North Harbor Lane,
    Boise, ID 83703

    Phone

    (208) 600-1330

Request Appointment
  • Address

    3668 North Harbor Lane,
    Boise, ID 83703

    Phone

    (208) 600-1330

Request Appointment

Procedures & Cosmetics

Shave Biopsy and Shave Removal

A shave biopsy or shave removal is a type of skin biopsy procedure in which a thin layer of skin is removed for examination. The procedure is typically performed to diagnose skin conditions such as skin cancers and rashes, but can also be used to remove irritated or unwanted skin growths such as moles.

During a shave biopsy or removal, the skin will first be anesthetized (numbed) using a very small needle. Next, the dermatologist uses a sharp blade to shave off the surface of the skin lesion, and then uses either a liquid or heat to stop the bleeding. This piece of skin is then examined under a microscope. This procedure will leave a small flat white scar.

Wound care after a shave biopsy or removal includes gently cleansing in the shower daily, followed by application of Vaseline twice daily. It is important that the site does not form a hard scab as this slows the healing process and can be more tender. It is also important to know that a shave biopsy will develop a small ring of redness around the edge and the center will develop a yellow jelly-like covering while it is healing. Shave biopsies and removals generally take 1-2 weeks to completely heal.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy is a type of skin biopsy procedure in which a small, circular column of skin is removed for examination. The procedure is typically performed to diagnose skin conditions such as skin cancers and rashes, but can also be used to remove irritated or unwanted skin growths such as moles.

During a punch biopsy, the skin will first be anesthetized (numbed) using a very small needle. Next, the dermatologist uses a sharp, circular tool (a punch biopsy instrument) to remove a small, circular sample of skin. The size of the sample can vary depending on the size of the lesion and the type of biopsy being performed. This piece of skin is then examined under a microscope. After the sample is removed, the dermatologist will place a suture to close the biopsy site. This suture will typically be removed in 1-2 weeks. This procedure will leave a small linear scar.

Wound care after a punch biopsy includes gently cleansing in the shower daily, followed by application of Vaseline twice daily until the sutures are removed.

Cryotherapy With Liquid nitrogen

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a dermatologic procedure in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells, such as warts, some benign growths such as seborrheic keratoses, and precancerous growths called actinic keratoses. During cryotherapy, the dermatologist sprays a mist of liquid nitrogen to the affected area causing rapid cooling. This controlled freeze results in death of the outer skin cells. Over the next 1-2 days, the frozen site will become puffy and may blister, then the skin will scab and peel off revealing healthy new skin underneath.

Cryotherapy is a quick, simple, and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a dermatologist's office. It is typically well-tolerated, and recovery generally takes 1-2 weeks. Cryotherapy may cause some temporary side effects, such as pain, redness, and blistering, and in some cases, permanent changes in skin color or texture may occur. The dermatologist can advise on the best course of treatment based on the individual's specific needs.

Excision

Excision is a dermatologic procedure in which a skin lesion is removed by cutting it out with a scalpel. The procedure is typically performed to remove skin lesions such as skin cancers, cysts, lipomas, moles, and other benign growths.

During an excision, the skin will first be anesthetized (numbed) using a very small needle. Then, using a scalpel, the dermatologist removes the entire lesion, along with a margin of normal skin around it. The size of the margin of normal skin removed will depend on the type of lesion and the reason for the excision. The tissue removed during the excision is then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope, which can help the dermatologist determine the type of skin lesion, its cause, and if it was completely removed or if further treatment is needed.

Excision is a more invasive procedure than other types of skin biopsy or removal procedures, such as a shave biopsy or punch biopsy. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, and the resulting scar will depend on the size and location of the lesion, as well as the patient's individual healing characteristics. Wound care after an excision includes gently cleansing in the shower daily, followed by application of Vaseline twice daily until the sutures are removed. As with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of excision with a dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized dermatologic procedure used to treat skin cancer, most commonly used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. To learn more, click here.

Photodynamic Therapy (Blu-U Light Therapy)

Photodynamic therapy is considered a field therapy treatment and is used to treat a broad area of precancerous growths called actinic keratoses (or AKs). Approximately 1 in 1000 AKs can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing medication that causes the precancerous cells to become sensitive to a specific wavelength of light. This medication is applied to the treatment area and allowed to incubate, or soak in, for 1-3 hours. Then the treated area is exposed to a special light for just over 16 and a half minutes. The abnormal precancerous cells react to the light and cause damage, ultimately leading to destruction of the AKs. Recovery typically takes 1 week and consists of redness, peeling, and sometimes scabbing and sensitivity. Strict sun avoidance during this week is important for recovery.

Cosmetics

We offer elective procedures and a spectrum of cosmetic services to our established patients. To be eligible for cosmetic procedures, we require patients be seen once a year by our Dermatologist for a routine skin cancer screening. For our patients safety, all of our cosmetic services will be performed by or directly supervised by our board certified Dermatologist.

Patients interested in cosmetics will be scheduled for a cosmetic consultation appointment. Unfortunately, since insurance carriers do not cover cosmetic procedures, this appointment will require a $100 cosmetic consultation fee. This entire amount will go towards any procedures that are done. 

Procedures We Offer:

  • Toxin injection - Botox, Dysport, Xeomin
  • Spider vein treatment - sclerotherapy, pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment, Nd:Yag treatment
  • Rosacea - pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, Nd:Yag treatment
  • Lentigines (age/sun spots on face, chest, arms) -intense pulsed light treatment, pulsed dye laser treatment
  • Poikiloderma (discoloration on neck, chest, outer cheeks) - intense pulsed light treatment, pulsed dye laser treatment
  • Cherry angioma and spider angiomas (small red dots on skin) - pulsed dye laser treatment

*Please inquire if wanting a procedure that is not listed above. We are always considering adding additional services, and we can provide recommendations to providers in town that may do procedures we do not yet offer.

It is our promise that we will never force, push or pressure patients to do any cosmetic procedures. We will only discuss cosmetics when patients inquire, either about certain treatments specifically or if it is an effective treatment for a certain condition in question.

Laser