Surgical Dermatology

Our Services

Dr. Greenberg also specializes in surgical dermatology, providing expert care for the removal of skin growths, lesions, and other conditions requiring precise medical intervention.

Biopsies

A skin biopsy is a surgical procedure that extracts cells from the surface of the skin to diagnose a variety of skin disorders and symptoms.

Cyst Removal

Cysts are tiny vesicles beneath the skin that become swelled up from dead skin cells and feel like small lumps under the surface layers of the skin.

Mole Removal

Patients who are concerned about the color, size, or texture of a mole or don’t like the location or appearance of the mole can have it surgically removed.

Skin Cancer Screening and Surgery

Skin cancer can appear in a variety of forms and Dr. Greenberg uses the most advanced procedures and techniques to screen and remove precancerous and cancerous skin cells from the body and prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas.

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Patient Testimonials

Take a look at what our amazing clients have said

Lily Chen Greenberg, MD - South Pasadena Dermatologist

4.9

Based on 36 reviews

review us on

Pamela Honish

21:17 14 Feb 25

Thorough, professional, a good listener and excellent medical skill.

Steven Vega

20:34 13 Feb 25

I have been coming to her for sveral months now and she is wonderful, knowledgeable, understanding, compassionate. I truly enjoy her professional approach. She's patient and very nice. She does a great job all around!

D Bynoe

19:14 07 Feb 25

Dr. Greenberg is extremely competent and caring. She demonstrated deep knowledge of my issue, thoroughly explained everything to me and prescribed the treatment. I highly recommend her.

Emma Paynter

18:27 07 Feb 25

Very professional and I received the treatment I needed quickly.

Eddie Loussararian

18:38 06 Feb 25

Dr. Chen was very thorough in her examination. She patiently answered my questions, explaining in detail as she went along, while maintaining a positive attitude. I would HIGHLY recommend this office. The staff (especially Maria) was friendly and welcoming. I will definitely return. Eddie

S A

18:15 23 Dec 24

Very nice staff! Dr. Greenberg is great! She is super nice and attentive. She truly pays attention to you and tries to find the source of your skin problem. The office is very nice and professional. There is parking at the side of the building but you will have better luck parking on the street.

Bill Urban

02:47 25 Nov 24

Dr Greenberg is personable, through, and, important to some but not medical, on time. She found cancers on both my wife and me that our previous dermatologists had missed. Recommend her highly.

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Any questions?

Surgical dermatology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on maintaining the health of your skin by diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions through surgical procedures and techniques that are safe and effective.

While dermatologic surgery is often used for removing certain types of skin cancer, as well as moles, warts, and other abnormal skin growths, it can also be an effective solution for restoring appearance through the use of reconstructive techniques.

What are some common conditions treated with dermatologic surgical procedures?

Are these procedures painful?

Patients are given a local anesthetic prior to the start of a dermatologic procedure. The surgery site is numbed with a small injection so there is no pain or discomfort. Once the surgery is complete, you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort and swelling, but these symptoms typically subside after a day or two and are easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does it take to complete a dermatologic surgery procedure?

The time it takes to complete a procedure depends on the procedure and the condition being addressed. A standard mole removal could take as little as fifteen minutes, while reconstructive surgery or a Mohs procedure could take as long as a few hours. A consultation with Dr. Lily will include a diagnosis of the skin concern you would like to address and she will review your treatment options with approximate timelines for performing the recommended procedures.

What can I expect from the recovery process?

The recovery process can vary based on the procedure. A small excision of tissue may take one to two weeks to fully heal while larger procedures may require the removal of stitches, routine dressing changes, and follow-up visits to monitor the healing process. In every case, a quick and successful recovery process requires that you maintain the cleanliness of the surgical site, reduce strenuous activity, and take any prescribed medications as directed.

Should I expect to have a scar at the surgical site?

While scarring is a potential risk with any invasive surgical procedure, Dr. Lily is highly-skilled in utilizing precision techniques to minimize the appearance of any scarring at the surgical site. The risk of having a scar can depend on a variety of factors including skin type, the location of the surgical site, and your ability to follow the recovery instructions.

What should I do in preparation for my surgical procedure?

We will review all of the steps you should take before and after your procedure. However, it’s important to inform us about any medical conditions or medications you are taking and stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen prior to surgery. Be sure to consult your physician prior to changing any prescribed medication regimen. You may also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What are the potential risks of dermatologic surgical procedures?

Surgical dermatology is typically a safe and effective method for treating a variety of skin conditions, however, much like with any type of surgery, there are some risks involved. The most common associated with the dermatologic surgery include bleeding, scarring, slow healing of the wound, allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during the procedure, and the potential for infection of the surgical site. Dr. Lily is trained to reduce these risks and ensure a successful outcome of your procedure.

If my procedure includes a biopsy, how long does it take to get my results back?

Most biopsy results can be ready for review in five to ten business days. However, if there is an urgency for learning the results, some labs can have them back in a day or two. Mohs surgery is the only procedure that allows for live analysis of tissue in order to confirm the elimination of cancer cells at the surgery site.

Are there post-surgery symptoms to avoid?

Recovery and downtime may vary based on the type of procedure you have received. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as fever or chills, increased levels of pain or discomfort, increased bleeding, pus drainage, redness and swelling, or a foul odor at the surgical site, you must contact us immediately to seek medical attention as these symptoms could be indicators of an infection or other post-surgery complication.

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