Care for concerning skin lesions and bothersome growths—with attention to both your health and how your skin heals.
From cysts and lipomas to moles and skin cancer, Fox Valley Plastic Surgery helps you understand your options and take the next step.
You don’t need to know before you go. A consultation helps determine the appropriate treatment option.
BENEATH THE SKIN
Cysts are common, usually benign growths that develop beneath the skin. They may appear as small lumps and sometimes become inflamed, painful, or infected. Although some cysts do not require treatment, removal may be recommended when a cyst becomes uncomfortable, repeatedly inflamed, grows, or interferes with everyday activities.
PIGMENTED SPOTS
Moles are common skin growths that vary in size, color, and appearance. Most are benign, but a mole that changes in size, shape, color, or appearance should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Patients may also request removal of benign moles that become irritated by clothing, shaving, or everyday activities.
SOFT TISSUE GROWTHS
A lipoma is a usually benign growth composed of fatty tissue beneath the skin. Lipomas commonly develop on the back, shoulders, arms, neck, or torso. Although most lipomas are harmless, some become uncomfortable, enlarge, or create a noticeable bulge.
SMALL, SOFT SKIN GROWTHS
Skin tags can also be removed for cosmetic reasons, particularly when they appear in visible areas or become bothersome. We offer convenient office-based skin tag removal using techniques such as shave removal or electrocautery.
RAISED SKIN GROWTHS
Seborrheic keratoses are common, noncancerous skin growths that often develop with age. They may appear raised, rough, waxy, or wart-like. Patients sometimes request removal because of irritation, discomfort, or appearance.
MANY CONCERNS, ONE VISIT
Many patients have more than one bothersome skin growth they would like removed. Common concerns include benign moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cysts, and other noncancerous skin lesions.
SUSPICIOUS SKIN LESIONS
Early recognition and appropriate treatment of skin cancer are important for protecting your health. Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and risk characteristics of the cancer.
PAINFUL OR INFECTED LUMPS
A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus that may cause swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain. Some abscesses require incision and drainage, while others need additional medical evaluation or treatment.
PRECANCEROUS SUN-DAMAGED SKIN
These sun-damaged cells can multiply abnormally, producing rough, scaly patches that may be easier to feel than see. Some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Arrange an evaluation for a new or changing growth, a spot that repeatedly bleeds, or a sore that does not heal. A photograph alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
Call 920-233-1540 to arrange an evaluation.
Jason “Jay” Garrow, Physican Assistant-C
Surgical dermatology evaluations
With nearly 20 years of experience in surgical specialties and emergency medicine, Jay Garrow brings extensive procedural experience to Fox Valley Plastic Surgery.
Since joining the practice in 2022, Jay has assisted both plastic surgeons in the operating room and has taken a leading role in postoperative care and wound management.
As our lead surgical dermatology provider, Jay specializes in evaluating and treating common skin conditions, including skin cancer types (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma), moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and other skin growths.
His surgical background allows him to approach minor skin procedures with particular attention to wound closure, healing, and cosmetic outcomes.
Jay combines extensive surgical experience with a personalized approach to office-based skin procedures, emphasizing patient comfort, careful wound closure, and optimal healing.
Surgical dermatology is an important part of the care we provide at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery. Although we are not dermatologists, we work closely with local dermatologists who refer patients to us for the removal of skin lesions, cysts, skin cancers, and other growths, particularly when specialized surgical techniques or complex closures may be beneficial.
Our experienced providers offer convenient office-based procedures for both medical and cosmetic skin concerns, with appointments often available on short notice.
We take an individualized approach, considering your overall health, the size and location of the growth, potential scarring, and anticipated healing. During your consultation, we’ll discuss treatment options, answer your questions, and review anticipated costs.
Removing a skin growth is only part of the procedure. We also consider the size and location of the resulting wound, appropriate closure techniques, and the potential for scarring or changes in appearance. Our goal is to achieve effective treatment while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and function whenever possible.
Your care doesn’t end with the procedure. We provide clear post-op instructions to support proper healing. When appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for pathology testing to help establish a diagnosis and guide further care.
1. Evaluation: We examine your skin concern and discuss its history, including changes in size, appearance, discomfort, or other symptoms.
2. Treatment Planning: We review your removal options, discuss closure techniques when necessary, and determine whether pathology testing is recommended.
3. Treatment & Follow-Up: Many procedures can be performed in our office using local anesthesia. We explain what to expect during recovery, provide post-op instructions, and communicate pathology results when applicable.
Schedule a Surgical Dermatology Consultation
Email Fox Valley Plastic Surgery or call 920-233-1540 to be seen quickly by Jay and learn more about our convenient office-based skin procedures.
We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Contact our team to discuss your plan and request an estimate for your recommended care.
Coverage is not guaranteed. Cosmetic removal may not be covered. Ask whether your estimate includes pathology and follow-up, and verify network status with your insurer.
Whether a consultation is considered medically necessary or cosmetic depends on the condition being evaluated and applicable insurance coverage.
Insurance-Based Consultations
For medically necessary conditions that may be covered by insurance, your consultation will be billed to your insurance provider. Applicable copays, deductibles, and coinsurance are the patient’s responsibility, based on their individual insurance plan.
Cosmetic Consultations
For cosmetic or elective procedures not covered by insurance, a $100 consultation fee is required. Consultation fees are non-refundable and are not applied toward the cost of treatment or procedures.
Fox Valley Plastic Surgery understands that patients may have more than one concern about the health and appearance of their skin. In addition to surgical removal of skin cancers, cysts, lipomas, moles, and other skin growths, we offer complementary treatments that may help improve skin appearance and address additional cosmetic concerns.
If you have several bothersome moles, skin tags, cysts, or other benign skin growths, multiple lesions may be removed during a single appointment when medically appropriate. Our providers will evaluate each area and recommend an individualized treatment plan.
Patients seeking removal of benign facial growths may also wish to improve sun damage, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, or skin texture. Our Sciton BBL, MOXI, and laser resurfacing treatments may complement surgical dermatology by addressing separate cosmetic concerns after the surgical area has healed.
We recognize that the appearance of a surgical scar is important, particularly when lesions are removed from visible areas such as the face or neck. Our providers use appropriate surgical closure techniques and may recommend scar care or additional treatments to improve the appearance of a healed scar when indicated.
Our medical-grade skin care products and professional skin treatments can help patients establish a personalized skin care routine, improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, and protect their skin from further ultraviolet damage.
Yes. Qualified plastic surgery teams can evaluate and remove many cysts, lipomas, and other skin growths. The appropriate clinician and treatment depend on the lesion. We receive many referrals from dermatologists to treat advanced and complex cases.
Yes. Explain your concern when scheduling. Your provider will evaluate the area and discuss the next step.
In many cases, skin growths can be removed during your initial appointment. However, same-day treatment depends on the type of growth, the procedure required, insurance requirements, and appointment availability. If your insurance does not require prior authorization, we may be able to perform the procedure during your first visit, provided sufficient time is available.
For self-pay patients, many skin growth removal procedures can be performed on the same day as the consultation. Some conditions may require additional evaluation, a biopsy, or a separate appointment before treatment. Our goal is to provide convenient, timely care whenever possible while ensuring the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Some removals require sutures, while others do not. This depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the lesion.
Yes, any procedure that involves cutting or removing skin will leave some degree of scarring. Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process. The size and appearance of the scar depend on several factors, including the type of growth, removal technique, location on the body, and your individual healing response. At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, our providers use careful surgical techniques to minimize scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. Your provider will discuss incision placement, wound closure, and proper aftercare to help promote optimal healing. While scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time, completely scar-free results cannot be guaranteed.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we strongly recommend sending removed skin growths to a pathology laboratory for examination. Pathology testing helps confirm the diagnosis and determine whether a growth is benign, precancerous, or cancerous. When medically appropriate, patients may have the option to decline pathology testing after discussing the potential risks with their provider. However, certain suspicious growths should always be evaluated by a pathologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up care.
Pathology laboratory fees are billed separately from the removal procedure and may be covered by insurance, depending on your plan and medical necessity. If your specimen is sent for testing, our office will explain how and when you can expect to receive your results.
Recovery depends on the size and location of the treated area and how it is closed. You will receive specific instructions for wound care, activity and any suture removal.
Before & Afters