THERAPIES & TESTING
Precise & Comfortable Skin Condition Management
At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, we offer advanced therapies and testing options that treat specific skin conditions and support your skin health. Whether you are managing chronic skin conditions, looking to identify allergies or navigating a cancer diagnosis, we are here to provide you with answers, medical support and peace of mind through cutting-edge dermatology therapies and testing.
Photodynamic Therapy
We are proud to offer photodynamic therapy (PDT), one of our therapies and testing services that uses a photosensitizing agent and light to destroy damaged cells while preserving your healthy skin. Photodynamic therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option used to treat multiple different types of skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis, and some types of acne. If you are looking for a non-surgical way to treat a variety of skin conditions, Dr. Chang and our team are happy to help you determine if this procedure is a good choice for you and your skin’s needs.
Allergy Testing (Patch Testing)
Dealing with persistent allergy symptoms can be frustrating and uncomfortable. At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, we diagnose allergies through allergy testing, also called patch testing. This is an effective way to test for common environmental allergens such as mold, pollen, pet dander and more, though it may not be a great choice for detecting food allergies. The test works by placing different allergens on your back or arm to test for your body’s immune response, which indicates an allergy. Knowing what you are allergic to can help effectively treat your symptoms, which can include sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy skin.
Melanoma Genetic Testing (Castle Biosciences Genetic Testing)
Understanding your cancer is a key factor in effectively treating it. We use melanoma genetic testing through Castle Biosciences, called DecisionDx-Melanoma, to find out more information about a tumor, which helps guide an effective treatment plan. Alongside the traditional cancer staging tools, the test uses information at the biological level to help predict the risk of the cancer spreading (metastasizing).
This is a valuable tool in effective skin cancer treatment planning, particularly in treating cutaneous melanoma stages 1-3. We collect the test sample during your biopsy and send it off to a lab. In just a week or two we’ll receive your results, which Dr. Chang will review with you in detail before deciding on next steps.
The Importance Of Therapies And Testing
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and keeping it as healthy as possible is important for your overall health. Medical testing is a powerful tool for addressing the root cause of and understanding your diagnosis as a whole in order for our team to effectively treat it. For example, pinpointing your allergens allows for more precise treatment and lifestyle adjustments that can help you find effective relief from stubborn symptoms.
Navigating a skin cancer diagnosis can be scary, especially melanoma, which is the most rare but serious form of skin cancer. Understanding both essential staging information and the risk of recurrence and metastasis with melanoma genetic testing helps us map out the best possible path for treatment. This type of therapies and testing can help us make informed decisions about your skin cancer care, improving your treatment outcomes and giving comfort and all around peace of mind.
Advanced Therapies & Testing For Taking The Next Step In Your Skin Health
Our goal is to fully understand your diagnosis and support you through the treatment of it. Through our therapies and testing, we’ll be your number one advocate for your skin health and ultimately help you feel your best. We’ll walk you through every step of your diagnosis and treatment, from everything from acne and precancerous skin lesions to skin cancer. To learn more about therapies and testing with Dr. Chang and our team, call (757) 689-8183 or schedule an appointment online.
Your Skin Is Precious—Choose a Trustworthy Team
Ready to take the next step toward healthier skin? At Chang Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, we’re committed to exceptional care in general dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and preventative care—all with your comfort in mind. Whether you’re in Virginia Beach or nearby, our minimally invasive approach ensures effective, natural-looking results. Schedule your appointment today and experience patient-first care that sets us apart.
