The treatments at the core of our practice are to help patients go about their daily lives comfortably and confidently. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from skin lesions, you may have some questions about how we treat them. Getting answers starts at Envision with a consultation. Here’s what you should know about the remedies we recommend.
What is a lesion?
Cysts, scales, plaques, and cancers are all classified as lesions. Essentially, lesions are changes in your natural skin’s color or texture. To determine the type of lesions you have, our specialists will inspect your skin before developing a course of treatment.
Lesions We Treat
Before we get into the types of lesions, it’s important to know the two main classifications of skin lesions. These are important because they help us determine the severity and optimal treatment for your concern.
Malignant
These skin lesions are cancerous. We take a sample and send it to pathology to evaluate exactly what type of lesion it is. Even if we feel 99% sure the skin lesion isn’t malignant, Dr. Whipple will typically send almost all lesions to pathology to ensure no malignant lesion is missed.
Benign
Luckily most skin lesions we see are benign. Tumors and malformations can happen for any number of reasons. After ensuring your concern isn’t cancerous, our team shares your treatment options based on the specific lesion we’re dealing with.
Common Skin Lesions
Papilloma
Papillomas are benign tumors (non-cancerous) lesions that are usually skin colored and grow outward from the skin. Many times they do not cause problems but they can depending on their location. If they are growing on the edge of your eyelid and hanging down into your field of vision it can be a problem!
Hidrocystoma
Hidrocystomas are benign tumors of the apocrine sweat glands. That’s right! Who knew your sweat glands could grow into a cyst? Well they can and it can be very irritating because it’s so close to the eye.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis are benign, lightly pigmented lesions that grow on the skin. People tend to grow them as we age and usually they grow on sun exposed areas. But they are not cancer thank goodness! None the less, often times we removed them around the eye to keep them from affecting your vision.
Dr. Whipple is a licensed and experienced oculoplastic surgeon (meaning she is an ophthalmologist and a plastic surgeon) that specializes in treating these skin lesions in Rochester. She is highly respected by the community, so many times patients are referred to her by dermatologist, general plastic surgeons, and ENT surgeons when they have lesions around the eye.
Treatment at Envision
Finding the right specialist for your lesion is just as important as identifying it. Patients trust us with their skin lesions in Rochester because of our highly skilled, board-certified ophthalmologist; they come back to our office because of the personalized care they receive with every visit. Here’s what you can expect throughout your visit to Envision:
History and Physical Examination
Every patient that visits our office starts their journey with a conversation and examination. Regardless of your condition, our specialists will get to the heart of your concerns while also learning all about you.
Biopsy
“We’d ideally take care of it right away.”
– Dr. Katherine Whipple
Then, usually the same day, Dr. Whipple will take a small biopsy of the lesion of concern or if possible, remove the entire lesion together. If only a piece of the lesion is removed, it is called an incisional biopsy. If the entire lesion is removed it is called excisional biopsy. Local anesthetic is injected first to ensure you feel no pain throughout the procedure. It is then sent to the pathology lab for complete identification of exactly what cells are making up your lesion.
Treatment
Once we obtain the results from the biopsy, Dr. Whipple will see you in follow up to review your results and ensure you have healed properly. If your results are benign, then usually as long as you are happy and Dr. Whipple is happy, you are done with treatment. If the lesion is cancerous, Dr. Whipple will discuss your options, which is usually surgery, and answer all your questions and you will schedule surgery that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider treating your condition, it’s okay to have a few questions. We’re always happy to answer everything on your mind in your consultation. Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked before we remove skin lesions in Rochester.
Could it be cancerous?
We remain cautious with every lesion we treat at Envision. This is why almost all lesions Dr. Whipple removes are sent to pathology. We want to know EXACTLY what we are dealing with.
Is removal covered by insurance?
In short, the answer is yes. If there is a question about what we are dealing with and the lesion is causing trouble with vision, it is usually covered by insurance to have it removed. There are occasionally lesions that are not covered. When Dr. Whipple examines you she will be able to make a recommendation as to if the lesion would be likely be covered.
How can I prevent lesions?
Once a lesion is present, usually the only way to remove it is surgically. However, the best way to prevent many lesions is by following best practices to maintain healthy skin in general. Our recommendations include limiting UV exposure, regular cleaning, and maintaining healthy levels of moisture. Doing so can help you maintain healthy, happy skin.
Using sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing helps keep your skin protected from UV rays—or just daily life. Furthermore, regular use of a gentle daily cleanser and makeup remover can keep your pores clear and free of debris. We offer clinically proven products to maintain the health and beauty of your skin. They can help prevent skin lesions in Rochester and promote healthy healing after any removal procedure.
When you should see Dr. Whipple about your eyelid lesions.
Please do not think you have to come in every time you notice a lesion around your eyes because, as we said above, most are benign! However, if you notice the lesion is blocking your vision, is irritating your skin, or bleeding it is best to have it checked you. Additionally, if you notice that your lesion changes in size, shape, or color over time, you should schedule an appointment to be seen. . Lesions that are cancerous can change over time as abnormal cell growth spreads through your skin and other organs. Be cautious if you notice tan, black, brown or even blue lesions.
If you’ve had an open wound for more than a few weeks without signs of healing it would be best to have the area of concern examined.
Results You’ll Appreciate
No one should have to live with lesions that are bothering them.. In addition to quality results, our attention is why Envision continues to be trusted by thousands of people seeking treatment for skin lesions in Rochester.
We appreciate every patient who trusts us with their health and beauty. Our annual patient appreciation event is this September 18-22nd. That means customers get 20% additional credit towards most aesthetic treatments! Exclusions apply, so get in touch with our office, or schedule your consultation to learn more!