Services
Surgical removal of skin lesions
In addition to their expertise in diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, the pediatric dermatologists at Children's Memorial have pioneered the surgical removal of skin lesions and laser treatment for a variety of vascular and pigmented skin lesions. They have been successfully practicing these approaches at multiple Chicago-area locations for more than a decade.
Whether the treatment needed is surgical or medical, the dermatologists apply their pediatric expertise and diagnostic skills to recognize and manage lesion treatment in children. The doctors and team of nurses and support staff trained in pediatrics offer the latest kid-care technologies at facilities designed to appeal to children. They also follow a comprehensive care philosophy that treats the "entire" child—and family.
For example, before surgery, families can take a facility tour (available at both Lincoln Park and Westchester), that gives them the opportunity to see, meet and even interact with their caregivers and equipment within the pediatric medical environment.
Laser treatment for vascular and pigmented skin lesions
Also available at Westchester, the hospital's laser program provides the least amount of risk using the most up-to-date technology. Laser treatments are available for the treatment of a variety of blood vessel abnormalities, such as spider angiomas, selected hemangiomas and pyogenic granulomas, and most importantly for port-wine stains. A series of laser treatments can also easily remove warts when medical therapy alone has been unsuccessful. This convenient alternative is an important option for parents when choosing a treatment route, especially since warts on the hands and face are often very difficult psychologically for children.
Non-invasive laser treatments are performed by Drs. Sarah Chamlin and Annette Wagner and supported by other skilled medical professionals who are trained exclusively to work with kids—very often with a parent in the room—to lessen a child's anxiety.
When compared to traditional surgery, the benefits of laser treatment are obvious, especially as they relate to children. Less painful than surgery, treatments are done on an outpatient basis without putting children to sleep, resulting in little to no recovery time. What's more, treatments leave a bruise as opposed to a wound, so there are no surgical dressings for parents to monitor or nurses to maintain—and no resultant scar.
To get an appointment for any of these pediatric dermatologic programs, visit Dermatology's Contact Information page or call 1.800.KIDS DOC directly.