Specialty Services and Procedures
Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment
With the inherent ultraviolet light exposure in Florida and resulting sundamage, the CCF Department of Dermatology offers expertise in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancers. Full body examinations are routinely performed to screen for abnormalities. Sun-associated abnormalities such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma are routinely diagnosed and treated. The department features a Mohs College fellowship trained board certified Mohs surgeon to surgically remove select skin cancers, offering the highest cure rate while preserving normal tissue. Radiation therapy is also available. For melanoma, the clinic implements a multidisciplinary team approach offering sentinel lymph node biopsy and oncologic consultation.
Dermoscopy
Also referred to as epiluminescence microscopy, dermoscopy is a noninvasive bedside diagnostic procedure whereby a hand held instrument is placed on the skin by the clinician to evaluate certain growths. This process greatly adds to diagnostic accuracy, particularly in the evaluation of pigmented lesions, and is a tremendous tool in the early detection of malignant melanoma.
Psoriasis
The department has expertise in the treatment of psoriasis. The latest advances are offered at the clinic including the use of biologic agents. An infusion center to administer intravenous medication for treatment is available allowing the patient to have all aspects of care provided at one facility.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to a technique used to treat sun-induced precancerous growths called actinic keratoses. This well-tolerated procedure involves application of a topical agent to the skin that is activated via a light and eradicates these growths. This treatment is gaining increased popularity in the Department of Dermatology due to its effectiveness, minimal downtime, and lack of significant discomfort in comparison to other modalities of treatment traditionally used.
Patch testing
Allergic contact dermatitis is a growing problem and occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance called an allergen to which the patient is allergic. This usually manifests as red itchy skin at the point of contact. Topical cortisones provide relief, but the mainstay of treatment is to identify and avoid the precipitating allergen. The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology offers patch testing whereby test strips are placed on the patient and interpreted to identify the responsible allergen. Avoidance of the identified allergen is critical in clearing the patient’s dermatitis.
Cosmetic Procedures
The latest in cosmetic procedures are offered at the clinic. This includes lasers to treat unwanted hair in all skin types, blood vessels, vascular birthmarks, varicose veins, brown age spots, and reverse the signs of sundamage. Thermage has also been added to noninvasively induce facial rejuvenation and skin tightening. Chemical peels are performed to improve skin tone and appearance.
Soft tissue augmentation to smooth facial lines, creases, and folds is available using such agents as Restylane® and Perlane®. Botox® is offered to smooth fine lines and wrinkles of the face. We provide a wide range of cosmeceutical products including our very own custom formulated skin care line. In order to maximize which options are best suited for you, our cosmetic dermatologists provide a one on one consultation. During this individual consultation, your cosmetic concerns are addressed and the proposed procedures are discussed at length.
The Department of Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic Florida offers all skin disorders including medical, surgical, and cosmetic services. We feature four board-certified dermatologists. Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer is performed solely by our Mohs College fellowship trained board certified Mohs surgeon.
Our dermatologists are rated as excellent to very good by 92% of our patients. In addition, 88% rate our quality of care as very good to excellent. The entire dermatology team is dedicated and committed to the well-being and best in care for our patients.
To promote quality improvement and measure clinical quality, Cleveland Clinic in Florida has created Outcomes books that contain a summary of surgical and medical trends and approaches, data on patient volume and outcomes and patient experience.
