9910-806 No authors
[No authors listed]
Current issues in dermatologic office-based surgery. The American Academy of
Dermatology Joint AAD/ASDS Liaison Committee. Dermatol Surg. 1999 Oct;25(10):806-15.
Erratum in:
Dermatol Surg 2000 May;26(5):508.
Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons have played major roles in the
development and refinement of many office-based cutaneous surgical procedures.
The comprehensive scientific education in the structure and function of skin
that dermatologists receive during formal residency training programs has
contributed directly to these advances. This long tradition of comprehensive
training and strong basic research activities in skin biology has supported a
scholarly approach to cutaneous surgery. As a result, many pioneering cutaneous
surgical techniques have been created by dermatologists and dermatologic
surgeons. One example of this creativity can be seen in the field of laser
surgery where techniques to effectively treat tattoos, benign pigmented lesions,
port-wine stains and other vascular conditions, premalignant and malignant skin
lesions, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin, and excess or unwanted hair were
developed by dermatologists. Some of the most innovative procedures, like
tumescent liposuction, have focused primarily on improving patient safety while
preserving the highest standards of care. Virtually every aspect of cutaneous
surgery, including Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancers,
hair replacement surgery, sclerotherapy of leg veins, the correction of scars
and sun-damaged skin with the injection of filler materials, dermabrasion or
chemical peels, and new anesthesia techniques, have been favorably impacted by
the unique education and skills of many dermatologists and dermatologic
surgeons. This article reviews the important historic role that has been played
by dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons in developing and improving
outpatient cutaneous surgical procedures and examines current issues and future
directions in credentialing, privileging, and accreditation.
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