Who is a dermatologic surgeon?

Dermatologic surgeons are physicians who have unique qualifications and experience in the use of a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical methods of treating the skin and preventing skin problems. Moreover, they are the "masters of your appearance," helping you to look good and feel good at any stage in life.

After completing medical school and a year of internship, Dr. Elizabeth Callahan received specialized education in the form residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  This accredited program includes a core curriculum in the therapeutic, reconstructive and cosmetic treatment of skin conditions. In short, a dermatologic surgeon demonstrates competence in the diagnosis, medical care and surgical management of:

•    Diseases and disorders of the skin, hair, nails, veins and nearby tissues
•    Benign and malignant growths and skin cancers
•    Aging and sun-damaged skin
•    Cosmetic improvement of the skin

Dermatologic surgeons are Board-certified dermatologists. After completing their residency education, candidates take an exam given by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), which is sponsored by the leading medical organizations in the field. Dermatologic surgeons are also members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a professional medical organization founded in 1970. The Society is dedicated to excellence in the subspecialty of dermatologic surgery and the highest standards of patient care. To advance dermatologic surgery as a scientific discipline as well as the knowledge and skills of each practitioner, the ASDS supports clinical and basic research grants and provides continuing education opportunities for its members.

Why Choose a dermatologic surgeon?

Historically, dermatologic surgeons have been the pioneers and leaders in the field of cosmetic and medically necessary skin surgery. In fact, the science of many of the cosmetic surgery procedures and skin cancer treatments performed today were either originated or enhanced by dermatologic surgeons. For example, these skin surgery experts invented laser surgery for birthmarks, liposuction using local anesthesia, hair transplantation, the use of many filler substances, most chemical peeling treatments, botulinum toxin type A therapy, laser hair removal, laser resurfacing for wrinkles, many leg vein treatments, microdermabrasion and more.