Areas of Practice
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Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a minor yet advanced surgical procedure that removes basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers effectively using only local anesthesia. Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate. It is a very precise, highly detailed technique in which small layers of skin are sequentially removed and immediately examined by the physician under a microscope until the samples indicate that the skin cancer is completely gone. By removing only tissue where skin cancer is present, the technique allows for a very high cure rate with good preservation of normal skin. Dr. Thomas J Braza, Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon, will perform the Mohs skin cancer surgery in the office. When your tumor is removed, Dr. Braza will assess the wound and discusses options for reconstruction. This will most likely involve suturing the area to optimize the cosmetic result. Dr. Braza’s vast experience in surgical reconstruction enhances his ability to give patients the best possible cosmetic, post-operative result.
Additional information on skin cancer and Mohs surgery:
How to prepare for Mohs Surgery?
We let you know everything you need to know about the day of surgery. Click here to see our frequently asked questions with the answers.
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Skin Cancer Treatment & Screening
Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on the skin. It most often develops on areas of the skin exposed to ultraviolet light, from both the sun and tanning beds. Skin cancer affects people of all colors, races and ages.
Skin cancer is highly curable if it is treated early. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a monthly self-examination and annual visits with a Dermatologist for a head-to-toe body exam. There are essentially 3 types of skin cancer, Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. BCCs and SCCs are the most common type of skin cancer with over 3 million cases diagnosed each year in this country. Early diagnosis and treatment is important because they can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement and potential spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
For more information about skin cancer, we recommend the following resources.
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Skin Care Products
We are excited to announce we now offer both ZO Skin Health products and Elta MD Sunscreens.
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Cosmetic Procedures
Injectable dermal fillers provide a non-invasive and relatively inexpensive way to rejuvenate your face by lessening the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Bluewater Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center offers a variety of injectable/filler treatment options including:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into the muscles and used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe lines between the eyebrows and forehead in people 18-65. Effects last up to four months.
- JUVÉDERM® is a filler that instantly smooths away wrinkles around your mouth, lips and cheeks up to one year. This filler can correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds and be used for lip enhancement.
- VOLUMA® is a filler designed to add volume beneath the skin’s surface, which provides lift and contour to the cheek area. Results may last a year or more.