Rapid Access
Surgical consultations and procedures are typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
Darabi Dermatology Provides Excellent Surgical Care in a Timely Fashion
Scheduling Patients Within Just 1–2 Weeks
Discovering a suspicious skin growth can be an anxious experience, but you shouldn’t have to wait months for expert answers. Under the leadership of triple board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kamruz Darabi, our team and providers uphold the highest clinical standards in surgical dermatology, Mohs surgery, and dermatopathology to ensure every patient receives elite-level care without the delay.
At Darabi Dermatology, we redefine surgical dermatology as a highly specialized discipline that extends far beyond simple skin procedures. For us, it represents the vital intersection of four areas of expertise:
Advanced Skin Surgery Techniques
Skin Oncology
Precise Skin Pathology
Expert Reconstructive Surgery
Top-Rated Dermatologist Serving the Greater Minneapolis Community
Our clinical standards, established by Dr. Darabi—one of the few triple board-certified dermatologists in the nation—ensure that every surgical intervention is approached with a deep understanding of surgical technique and aesthetic wound repair. Whether we are treating a complex skin cancer or performing a delicate excision, our goal is the complete removal of the skin cancer or skin lesion paired with the most functional and cosmetically pleasing wound reconstruction possible.
We believe that elite surgical expertise should be accessible without a long commute.
To better serve our patient community, we offer these comprehensive surgical services across two convenient Twin Cities and central Minnesota locations.
No matter which office you visit, you receive the same gold-standard care and the peace of mind that comes from a team dedicated to excellence in skin surgery.
Schedule an AppointmentOUR SERVICES
We specialize in the precise removal of benign and cancerous skin lesions, ranging from common cysts and moles that get traumatized to complex skin cancers.
Surgical consultations and procedures are typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
Every procedure is performed under the high standards set by Dr. Darabi.
Different levels of specialized surgical care available in Chaska and Hutchinson.
Our surgical suite is designed to provide comprehensive care for both medically necessary and elective skin procedures.
Because Dr. Darabi is triple board-certified in dermatology, Mohs surgery, and dermatopathology, our surgical approach is uniquely integrated; we don’t just perform the surgery—we understand the microscopic architecture of the skin and the most advanced techniques for aesthetic and functional reconstruction.
Our surgical services are centered on clinical excellence and patient comfort. Whether you require a routine surgical excision for a persistent growth such as a cyst, lipoma or traumatized mole or the gold-standard Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk skin cancer, our team ensures the highest cure rates while prioritizing the preservation of healthy tissue.
Surgery, Pathology & Reconstruction Under One Roof
A seamless, efficient experience that eliminates the need for multiple specialist visits.
Highest Cure Rates
While prioritizing the preservation of healthy tissue.
Triple Board-Certified Oversight
Dermatology, Mohs surgery, and dermatopathology, led by Dr. Darabi.
GOLD STANDARD FOR SKIN CANCER
As a board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Kamruz Darabi offers Mohs surgery for the most common skin cancers. By personally performing both the "layer-by-layer" surgical removal and the microscopic analysis in our on-site lab, Dr. Darabi ensures the maximum amount of healthy tissue is preserved.
Average cure rate for the most common skin cancers, with 100% of tissue margins examined microscopically.
This integrated approach minimizes scarring and optimizes aesthetic results for patients, making it the gold standard for treating skin cancer on the face, neck, and hands.
Learn more about Mohs surgery
PRECISE REMOVAL & RECONSTRUCTION
At Darabi Dermatology, we provide precise surgical excision for melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as the removal of traumatized moles, cysts, lipomas, and atypical moles. Our providers integrate mastery of surgical technique, dermatopathology, and reconstructive surgery to ensure complete tumor clearance while utilizing advanced suturing techniques. This specialized approach prioritizes minimal scarring and superior aesthetic outcomes for our patients.
The highest standard of skin cancer care requires a seamless connection between surgery and science. At Darabi Dermatology, our clinical standards are set by Dr. Kamruz Darabi, who holds a rare triple-board certification in dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and dermatopathology. This combination of expertise means your care is never fragmented.
Because Dr. Darabi personally reviews the majority of pathology slides in our in-house pathology laboratory, there is nothing "lost in translation" between the surgeon and an outside pathologist. This integrated approach eliminates the communication gaps common in larger clinics, ensuring the highest level of diagnostic accuracy and superior cure rates. For our patients, this means receiving results faster and achieving peace of mind sooner. When the person performing your surgery can communicate with the expert analyzing your tissue under the microscope, you receive a level of precision and accuracy that is truly unmatched in the region.
At Darabi Dermatology, we do things differently.
Because Dr. Darabi is a specialist in both clinical care and lab diagnosis, he can "close the loop" between what he sees in the exam room and what he sees under the microscope. In many cases, the same doctor who examines you is the one who reads your biopsy slide. If you see one of our other providers, they can easily talk to Dr. Darabi about your case before he looks at your biopsy. This teamwork leads to faster results and a much more accurate diagnosis, ensuring you get the right treatment right away.
HOW IT WORKS
Understanding the steps of a surgical excision can significantly ease the anxiety associated with this procedure. At Darabi Dermatology, we prioritize your comfort and clear communication throughout the entire process. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your excision procedure:
Your safety is our first priority. We identify the site with you first and draw out the area that needs to be removed and the final suture line. The skin surrounding the lesion is thoroughly cleaned with a medical-grade antiseptic solution. This critical step minimizes the risk of infection and ensures a clean environment for the procedure.
To ensure the process is completely painless, we use a very fine needle to inject a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, around the site. While you may feel a brief pinch, the area will quickly become numb. During the excision, you will feel no pain—only slight pressure or movement.
Once the area is fully numbed, the lesion is precisely removed using a scalpel. We typically include a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of any abnormal cells. The depth and shape of the excision are carefully tailored based on the lesion’s type, surgical goal and its location on your body.
Our providers use advanced suturing techniques to promote optimal healing. Often, "deep stitches" are placed under the skin to dissolve over time, providing internal support that reduces tension on the wound surface to allow for better healing. This is followed by fine surface stitches to ensure the most aesthetic, minimal scar possible.
A sterile pressure bandage is applied to protect the site. Before you leave, we provide clear, written instructions for home care, which usually involves keeping the area clean and applying a thin layer of ointment (like Vaseline) daily to facilitate “moist wound healing.”
Depending on the location—such as the face versus the back—stitches are typically removed in 5–14 days or we may use dissolving stitches entirely. Because we process most pathology in-house or under Dr. Darabi’s direct supervision, you can expect accurate results and a clear plan for next steps usually within one to two weeks.
Getting expert care for a concerning skin growth is simple and fast. With two convenient locations, we make it easy to receive high-level surgical care close to home. We take pride in offering short wait times, typically getting you in within 1–2 weeks or sometimes even sooner.
A surgical dermatologist is a specialized "skin doctor" who has moved beyond the medical management of skin conditions to master the surgical and procedural techniques required to treat skin, hair, and nail diseases through physical intervention. While all dermatologists understand skin disease, a surgical dermatologist specializes in the physical removal of growths and the reconstruction of the skin after lesion removal. This expertise is particularly vital in the management of skin cancer. Surgical dermatologists are uniquely qualified to manage skin cancer because they possess a deep understanding of the skin’s physiology and microscopic anatomy. Whether removing a malignant tumor, a bothersome cyst, or performing advanced laser treatments and cosmetic procedures like upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a surgical dermatologist blends clinical precision with an eye for aesthetic results.
The distinction lies primarily in the method of treatment. Medical dermatology focuses on the diagnosis and non-invasive management of skin conditions, mostly with prescriptions. This includes treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections through topical medications, oral therapies, or light-based treatments. Surgical dermatology, on the other hand, involves active procedural intervention. It is the gold standard for removing skin cancers (such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma with Mohs surgery or standard excisions), as well as suspicious or bothersome growths like cysts, lipomas, and abnormal or traumatized moles. At Darabi Dermatology, we provide a seamless transition between these two, ensuring that a medical diagnosis is met with the highest level of surgical skill when necessary.
No, not all dermatologists are skin surgeons. While all board-certified dermatologists receive basic surgical training during their residency, some choose to further their training and skill to focus their practice on surgical or cosmetic dermatology. Choosing a clinic led by a triple board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon like Dr. Darabi ensures you are seeing a specialist who has dedicated his career not only to dermatology but also to the technical mastery of Mohs surgery, complex reconstructions, advanced cosmetic procedures, and dermatopathology.
A shave removal is a quick, in-office procedure used to remove raised skin lesions such as moles, skin tags, or benign growths. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the dermatologist uses a small surgical blade to gently shave the lesion flush with the surrounding skin. Because the procedure is superficial, stitches are not typically required. The site is cleaned, covered with a bandage, and allowed to heal naturally with daily home care—typically involving a thin layer of Vaseline and a small bandage—over one to two weeks.
Preparation is straightforward. Patients should eat normally and take their usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise by our clinical team. On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the surgical site. Most importantly, plan to rest the affected area afterward; you should avoid heavy exercise, swimming in unchlorinated water, or exposure to dirt or dust for a few days following the excision to ensure the best possible healing.
Once you arrive and are comfortably seated, the lesion is identified and outlined with a surgical marker to ensure precise margins. The area is thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant and numbed with a local anesthetic injection. You will remain awake and comfortable, feeling only slight pressure as the dermatologist surgically removes the lesion along with a small margin of healthy skin. You can engage in small talk or listen to music on your headphones. The wound is then meticulously closed with stitches and protected with a sterile dressing. You will leave with a clear aftercare plan and a follow-up appointment if required.
Post-operative care is vital for ensuring optimal wound healing and minimizing scars. We encourage daily showers to keep the skin clean—simply remove the bandage beforehand and allow mild soap and water to run over the wound. After showering, apply Vaseline and a fresh bandage. You must avoid strenuous activity or stretching the surgical site for 1–2 weeks. Stitches are typically removed in 7–14 days, though dissolving sutures may be used in certain areas, which naturally disappear within 7–10 days.
Initially, after the chafing-like wound has healed, the site will appear smooth and pink. Over several months, the color fades, typically resulting in a flat, permanent spot that is slightly lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Most patients find that shave removals heal with minimal, very manageable scarring that blends well with the natural skin texture over time. The small scar tends to shrink over time.
While the primary goal of surgery is the complete removal of a lesion, we prioritize your aesthetic outcome to ensure the best possible confidence and peace of mind. At Darabi Dermatology, we offer a proactive approach to scar management, starting with detailed aftercare instructions to maximize healthy healing and minimize scar formation. For maturing scars, we provide a range of advanced treatments including topical silicone therapy to soften tissue, vascular lasers (DermaV) and resurfacing lasers (CO2 laser) to reduce redness and improve texture, and microneedling to stimulate collagen. For more complex cases, we offer targeted steroid injections to flatten raised keloids or hypertrophic scars. Sometimes very large complex keloids require surgical debulking, steroid injections, and radiation therapy. Regardless of the treatment plan, we emphasize rigorous sun protection to prevent permanent darkening. Our providers will assess your healing progress and create a customized plan—utilizing our state-of-the-art technology—to ensure your surgical site blends seamlessly with the surrounding skin for a superior cosmetic result.
