Dermatologic Surgeons: Specialists Behind Skin Health

By: Apeksha Agarwal

A dermatologic surgeon is a physician who specializes in surgically treating and diagnosing conditions related to skin, nails, and hair. They perform various procedures ranging from repairing cosmetic or trauma-related skin damage to removing skin cancers. Though they work with small areas, their precision is key to the patient’s health, well-being, and confidence. Let's look deeper into their role in medicine. 

When people initially hear the word “surgeon,” their minds immediately go towards terms like cardiac, orthopedic, or general. While those surgeons operate within the body, dermatologic surgeons focus on the body’s most visible and largest organ: the skin. They treat many conditions, such as malignant melanoma, scars, cysts, benign growths, and squamous cell skin cancers. They participate in many specialized procedures, one of them being the Mohs micrography surgery, where they remove skin cancer layer by layer, trying to preserve as much of the healthy skin as they can. Dermatologic surgeons also practice cosmetic procedures such as scar revisions, laser treatments, and fillers. Their patients can range from babies with birthmarks to adults with cosmetic or skin cancer concerns. 

But to reach this level of practice, dermatologic surgeons must go through years of education and training. Firstly, they must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to medicine, such as biology, chemistry, or anatomy and physiology. Then they must attend medical school for four years, where they will be the basis of clinical care and medical science. After medical school, they will go through a three-year residency in the field of dermatology, where they will have focused practice in treating and diagnosing skin diseases. Further, students may also continue with a fellowship where they can specialize in dermatologic surgery or Mohs surgery, for example. Altogether, it takes approximately twelve to fourteen years to become a dermatological surgeon. 

Though performing surgery is a major part of their practice, dermatologic surgeons also assist their patients through whole treatments and recovery processes. They monitor healing, evaluate pathology reports, adjust treatment plans, and provide guidance regarding the prevention of future skin issues. Their role requires an eye for detail, precision, and an understanding of both cosmetic and medical outcomes. 

In conclusion, dermatologic surgeons are essential to the restoration and protection of our biggest organ, skin. From helping patients feel more confident to treating life-threatening tumors, their work plays a key role in patient well-being. Their mix of surgical skill, attention to detail, and medical expertise makes them an important part of the healthcare system. 

Works Cited

“Dermatologic Surgery information.” American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/about-asds/dermatologic-surgery. Accessed 3 December 2025.

“Dermatologic Surgery - Overview.” Mayo Clinic, 28 August 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/dermatologic-surgery/overview/ovc-20421196. Accessed 3 December 2025.

“How to Become a Mohs Surgeon: A Guide.” Dermatology and Skin Health, https://dermskinhealth.com/how-to-become-a-mohs-surgeon-a-guide/. Accessed 3 December 2025.