Colorado Springs Dermatologist
Dr. Mentz completed her dermatology Residency at Tulane Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA, (Years 2006-2009) and completed her Internship in Internal Medicine, Louisiana Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 2003-2004. Before that, Dr. Mentz was a pre-med student and college athlete at Loyola University.A dermatologist is doctor who is specifically trained to analyze, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Our board certified physicians at Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic, P.C. are board-certified dermatologists and specialists who are vastly experienced, practiced, and trained in the latest medical and cosmetic procedures.Thanks and Kindest Regards, The Colorado Springs Derm TeamTo Schedule an appointment, please call. CALL (855)-471-3376
Dr. Ginger Mentz is a native of Southern Colorado originally from the San Luis Valley. Dr. Mentz has been Board Certified and practicing in Colorado for 12 years and is a partner at Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic. After completing her residency at Tulane University and becoming Board Certified, she became a permanent resident of Colorado Springs serving both the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas with her practice. Dr. Mentz served as Chief of the Cosmetic Clinic at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, and Dr. Mentz spent 3 years after Hurricane Katrina serving the poor and under-served population in South Louisiana. Dr. Mentz was previously a pre-med student and college athlete at Loyola University.
Patrick Sniezek, M.D. is the head physician for the Mohs Surgery and Skin Cancer Center at Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic, P.C. Dr. Sniezek grew up in East Tennessee and is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Tennessee School of Medicine, where he graduated with highest honors and was elected to the AOA Medical Honor Society, recognizing the top 1% of medical students in the country. After completing a surgery internship at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Sniezek served in the United States Navy as an operational flight surgeon. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of Iowa and then returned to active duty as a staff dermatologist at the National Naval Medical Center where he received the Staff of the Year Award for excellence in teaching. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Sniezek then had the privilege of receiving his fellowship training in Mohs Surgery and facial reconstruction in Pittsburgh, PA from John Zitelli, M.D., widely considered the premier Mohs surgeon in the country and David Brodland, M.D., the past president of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Sniezek is board certified in Dermatology and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. He is also an Associate in the American College of Mohs Surgery, a Fellow in the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. He has authored numerous articles and has lectured on skin cancer at both local and national meetings. When not working, Dr. Sniezek enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
What Makes It Different from a Regular Excision?
Mohs surgery is a highly precise dermatological procedure used for the removal of skin cancers, particularly the two most common forms, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. A form of micrographic surgery, Mohs surgery has been credited with bringing cure rates for these cancers up to an incredible 98 percent or higher, far exceeding the success rates of other treatments. Best of all, the surgery excises cancerous cells with minimal impact on healthy tissue, making it significantly more desirable than standard excision. The reason Mohs surgery is able to save most healthy tissue is the unique method of using detailed mapping techniques and microscopically examining tissue during the surgery instead of performing a biopsy afterwards. Rather than simply estimating how far the cancerous cells might extend, this procedure involves removal of one thin layer of tissue at a time, examining it immediately under a microscope for presence of cancer cells, pinpointing the exact location of the cells and continuing excision in that area.
What Happens During the Procedure?
During the procedure, the visible skin cancer is injected with a numbing agent and then removed, along with a thin layer of skin for microscopic examination. The process is repeated again and again all margins of the final tissue sample are cancer-free, at which time the surgery is completed.
Why is Mohs Surgery Better than Simple Excision?
Mohs surgery is preferred by dermatological surgeons because it is the most effective cure for many skin cancers and also causes minimal impact on healthy tissue. By removing only cancerous cells and knowing precisely where the cancer ends, the patient gets the best therapeutic and cosmetic results. Mohs surgery can even be used on some forms of melanoma and other rarer skin cancers. Generally, Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers that have recurred after previous treatment, have a high risk of recurrence, have hard-to-define borders, are larger or aggressive, or are located in areas of cosmetic concern, such as the face, hands, feet or genitals.
What Are the Risks?
Like any surgery, Mohs surgery carries some risks, though in this case they are relatively minimal. Problems can include bleeding from or into the wound, pain or tenderness at the surgical site or infection. Pain can be treated with pain relievers once procedure is complete, while infections can normally be treated with oral antibiotics. Rarer complications can include numbness around the surgical area, itching or shooting pain in the affected area or an enlarged scar, known as a keloid.
How Do I Prepare for the Surgery?
We recommend you bathe and wash your hair the morning of the surgery to minimize the risk of infection at the surgical site. Do not wear make-up, perfume or nail polish. You can have a normal breakfast. When you come in to the office, allow some time to complete a medical history form. It’s also helpful to bring along an up-to-date list of prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products as well as a record of previous illnesses and surgeries. You will need to get a ride to and from surgery, and it’s helpful to have someone there to sit with you in the waiting room while samples are examined.
Dr. Mentz has been elevated to leadership positions within the AAD American Academy of Dermatology. She is also a member and volunteer with various other national and local societies and charities. Dr. Mentz's articles, research and publications have been published in the major dermatology journals. Furthermore, Dr. Mentz co-wrote the chapter on Dermatology Cosmeceuticals in the textbook, Regional Approach to Aesthetic Rejuvenation. ISBN: 9780071494953, New Generation Cosmeceutical Agents.
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