Anyone Have Extensive Experience with Dermatologists?

[Sloopjohnbee]

Title edited: Important words to be capitalized. (Rule 9)

If you have had interactions with dermatologists over the years in regard to moles and their removal specifically and don't mind helping a younger member out please PM me. thanks

 

[Grangerous]

Doc thought I had a case of crabs once but only counted 23 of em.

 

[mso489]

I've had some moles take off by a general surgeon and went to a dermatologist for several Moh's procedures for basil cell spots on my forehead and beside my nose. I don't have any generalizations about Dermatology as a profession. Mine happens to be a skilled diagnostician. My wife started going to him for skin health, but he has been extremely informative on various health issues, not to treat them, but to help define them and steer her toward other good doctors. In terms of breadth of knowledge and the ability to communicate it, he's among the best among a number of doctors she's seen. A previous primary care doc of mine praised him as being a bold M.D. who wasn't afraid to do surgery when needed and who didn't send people elsewhere if he could do the treatment. It's worth asking around and finding someone who is generally respected.

 

[jewman22]

I've had a dozen plus moles removed, general surgeons do it, no need for a dermatologist.
My surgeon sent them to be checked for cancer anyway.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Anyone have extensive experience with Dermatologists?​

Not really, the very thought makes my skin crawl

Regards,

Jay.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Extensive? That sounds really bad.

 

[bayareabriar]

You just want to find one that doesn’t make too many rash decisions.

 

[jpmcwjr]

No emoji for a drum beat on a pun..... but: uh!

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

No emoji for a drum beat on a pun..... but: uh!

Aww come on, that was a good one!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

No emoji for a drum beat on a pun..... but: uh!

 

[pauls456]

Their practice styles vary widely. Some will biopsy every spot, others are more conservative. Some make extensive use of physician's assistants- I would be wary of those. It can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

 

[briarbuck]

Not something to be messed with. Malignant melanoma is no joke. Aggressive and will kill you quickly. I got lucky 2x, they just cut huge hunks out of my back

Having had to go to Derm's every year for a decade now, I would trust a PA as much as any Doctor. The nurses and DA's are really good.

...and wear sunscreen

 

[instymp]

Not something to be messed with. Malignant melanoma is no joke. Aggressive and will kill you quickly. I got lucky 2x, they just cut huge hunks out of my back

Having had to go to Derm's every year for a decade now, I would trust a PA as much as any Doctor. The nurses and DA's are really good.

...and wear sunscreen

My sister died from it. I go to a dermatologist every 6 months because of damage from too much sun in yesteryear. Have stuff cut out, froze and will keep on going.
Know several friends that had melanoma and are fine now because they caught it early.
Your regular DR. can tell you if something isn't right.

 

[hauntedmyst]

I haven't had extensive use a dermatologist. Just a few moles removed. My wife wants me to see a plastic surgeon if you guys know a good one. She says I look like Brad Pitt....if he died at see and floated for 2 months. She's a very cruel woman.

 

[captpat]

I’ve had several cancerous moles removed and several frozen, by my dermatologist in the office, pretty much pain free. I see him for a yearly skin check—been clear the last several years. I keep going back as I’m confident that he can distinguish those areas that are of no concern from those that need attention. Plus he maintains a detailed map that enables him to see if there any changes over time.

my experience has been positive.

I was originally referred by my primary doctor who was concerned about a mole, turns out that was benign, however the dermatologist identified others that were cancerous that my primary missed.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

One gentleman PM'd me and provded the information I needed - some other info on this thread was also quite good - I hope you all take good care of yourselves - After-all it is the skin you are in

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Wear hats!!! The very top of the head seems to be the skin cancer weak spot for men in my family.