Services

Dermatologic Surgery – Operative Dermatology

Our range of services includes:

• Surgical removal of malignant melanoma
• Sentinel lymph node diagnostics
• Removal of epithelial tumors (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease, among others), other tumors (Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans), and cutaneous lymphomas
• Micrographically controlled excision (margin control)
• Reconstructive tumor surgery using local flaps and free grafts
• Metastasis surgery, including radical lymphadenectomy
• Electrochemotherapy (for skin metastases of all tumor types)
• Removal of precancerous lesions: tissue changes with an increased risk of malignant transformation (cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy)

In addition, we surgically remove benign skin tumors using excision, shave excision, extirpation, curettage, laser ablation, or cryosurgery. These include:

• Moles
• Lipomas
• Atheromas, cysts
• Fibromas, seborrheic keratoses

For excessive sweating in the underarm area (axillary hyperhidrosis), we offer the following solutions:

• Various methods of sweat gland curettage (conventional, suction curettage)
• Botulinum toxin injections (for specific indications)

General Dermatologic Surgery

• Treatment of congenital nevi (total excision and serial excision, dermabrasion)
• Electrocautery procedures (genital warts, verrucae, neurofibromas)
• Modern ulcer surgery
• Surgical treatment of acne inversa
• Nail surgery (ingrown toenails, among others)
• Ablative CO2 laser therapy

Tumor Surgery

• Surgical treatment of skin tumors
• Differentiated, indication-based expertise
• Micrographically controlled surgery (MCS): precise analysis of excision margins ensures safe and complete tumor removal
• Reconstructive techniques for the best possible restoration: simple excision, advancement, transposition, and rotation flaps, and various grafting techniques up to pedicled flaps
• A broad range of additional therapeutic options, such as cryosurgery and laser treatment

Lymph Node Surgery

• Identification and removal of the sentinel lymph node (the first node affected in the event of lymphatic metastasis) as part of surgical tumor management for malignant melanoma (black skin cancer) and certain other malignant skin tumors
• If the sentinel lymph node is free of tumor cells, this suggests that the downstream lymph node stations are also free of tumor involvement

Depending on the extent of the procedure and any existing comorbidities, we perform all dermatologic surgical procedures on an outpatient or inpatient basis, or as outpatient surgery in accordance with Section 115b of the German Social Code (SGB V). The surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Dermato-Oncology

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Simulated Daylight PDT

• A highly effective treatment method recommended in dermatological guidelines
• Complication-free treatment of superficial skin tumors such as actinic keratoses (precursors to skin cancer), superficial basal cell carcinomas, and early-stage carcinomas
• Less painful than conventional photodynamic therapy
• Very good cosmetic results (scar-free healing and a skin-rejuvenating effect)
• Can be performed year-round, regardless of weather conditions
• A combination of cream treatment and targeted light exposure
• Promotes skin healing by activating highly reactive oxygen molecules that specifically destroy diseased skin cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected
• Photodynamic effect: tumor cells die off

Electrochemotherapy (ECT)

• A combination of chemotherapy and electrical impulses
• A targeted, effective, and relatively gentle treatment option for symptomatic skin metastases when other options (e.g. surgery or radiotherapy) have already been exhausted
• Depending on tumor type and size, 60 to 90 percent of skin metastases respond to treatment; the treatment can be repeated after a few weeks if needed
• After injecting a chemotherapy drug (bleomycin) and inserting an electrode connected to a probe directly into the tumor tissue, short electrical pulses create tiny pores in the membranes of the tumor cells. These porous cell walls allow the drug to enter the cells unimpeded, causing the tumors to shrink.
• Treatment takes about 30 minutes – performed under local or general anesthesia

Interdisciplinary Center for Skin Cancer

A cancer diagnosis raises many questions and concerns. At the Interdisciplinary Center for Skin Cancer, you will find not only state-of-the-art medical treatment options but also comprehensive support and guidance throughout every phase of your therapy. The center brings together experts from various medical disciplines who specialize in skin cancer. Dermatology, oncology, senology, surgery, radiology, and psycho-oncology work hand in hand to ensure you receive the best possible, holistic care. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to address your individual situation and offer treatments based on the latest scientific findings.

Dermatological laser medicine

With the help of a laser, harmless but bothersome skin conditions such as warts, pigment spots, small blood vessels, and hemangiomas can be treated gently and with minimal pain, without damaging the surrounding tissue. Beyond aesthetic applications, we also use laser technology for medical treatments, such as for precancerous skin lesions. Before every laser treatment, in addition to consultation and patient education, we perform a thorough examination using dermoscopy and document the findings with specialized photography.

Vascular Laser

• Treatment of small red blood vessels, hemangiomas, and widespread redness (e.g. in cases of rosacea or couperose)
• A high-energy yellow laser beam (wavelength 577 nm) penetrates the skin and is absorbed by hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood
• The energy specifically absorbed by the laser causes the affected blood vessel to heat up and become inflamed, which closes it off
• Very low risk of scarring

Ablative Laser

• Treatment of unwanted benign skin conditions such as warts (including seborrheic keratoses), age spots, scars, or cholesterol deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma)
• Precise, low-pain removal using erbium-YAG and CO2 lasers: precision achieved through layer-by-layer removal of a fraction of a millimeter per pulse
• Laser wavelength in the infrared range – strongly absorbed by water in the skin
• Very low risk of scarring

Fractional Laser Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation and Scars

• Modern MicroSpot technique
• The upper layer of skin is removed in small spots – fractional ablation
• Most of the skin between the MicroSpots remains untreated – fewer side effects than treating the entire area
• Several sessions spaced a few weeks apart may be necessary for optimal results

Our clinic does not perform tattoo removal.

Phlebology – Disorders of the Venous System

Varicose veins, leg ulcers, spider veins: according to the German Society of Phlebologists, venous circulation disorders of the legs are among the most common conditions in Germany. A large-scale survey on phlebology, the Bonn Vein Study 2003, found that only about two percent of the population showed no signs of venous disease whatsoever. In over half of those examined, so-called spider veins were identified as indicators of venous disease. These should be treated as early as possible to prevent progressive congestion-related skin changes in the legs, up to and including a venous leg ulcer (“open leg”). Early signs of developing venous disease typically include heavy legs, often accompanied by swelling of the lower legs that increases throughout the day, and occasionally nighttime calf cramps.

In the field of phlebological surgery, we offer all surgical procedures. Minimally invasive vein surgery includes:

• Crossectomy and vein stripping procedures under general or local anesthesia
• Modern minimally invasive procedures (endovenous laser therapy)
• Miniphlebectomy (removal of side branches)
• Recurrence surgery

Scar Center

Whether from an accident or surgery – the memory fades, but the scar remains. In addition to the psychological burden, scars can also cause pain or itching, for example when keloid scarring occurs. Due to the wide variety of causes, presentations, and treatment options, scar correction is a highly complex field. The success of scar treatment therefore depends both on the personal experience of the treating physicians and on close interdisciplinary collaboration. Our specialists explain the expected results and treatment options and guide you through the process toward an inconspicuous scar. Patience is required, as treatment often needs to take place over an extended period of time.

Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dermatology

Feeling comfortable in one’s own skin is something not only people with skin conditions wish for. Today, many treatment methods are available to correct or modulate age-related skin changes as well as congenital or acquired deformities. When it comes to changing body shape or contour—whether for scar treatment, wrinkle treatment, or tissue transfer—we advise you based on the principle of maximum safety. A thorough evaluation of indications, along with a careful weighing of the benefits and risks of aesthetic corrective procedures, is given the highest priority at our clinic.

As a foundation for this, our treating physicians have completed further training as part of a standardized certification program offered by the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy (DGBT), earning the qualification “Certified Practitioner for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy” as well as the DGBT certificate “Aesthetic (Filler) Injection Treatments.”