Dermatology in Vilnius

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on health issues affecting the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membrane. It is a specialty with both surgical and medical aspects. A dermatologist can address cosmetic issues, which can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin, nails, and hair. Being a dermatologist requires a great depth of clinical knowledge, including the variety of internal health problems that may cause skin symptoms. Dermatologists can treat over 3,000 conditions. Some of the most common are acne, dermatitis and eczema, hair loss, nail problems, fungal infections, warts, vitiligo, and skin cancer.

Dermatology has a number of departments and specialties, including:

• Cosmetic Dermatology – dermatologists have been the leaders in cosmetic surgery. Many dermatologists are trained on the use of fillers, botulinum toxin, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists also perform blepharoplasty, liposuction, and facelifts. However, most dermatologists limit their cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures.
• Dermatopathology – this field is a joint specialty of dermatology and pathology. It focuses on the study of cutaneous diseases at molecular and microscopic levels. Dermatopathology can make a definitive diagnosis of various skin diseases, including melanoma.
• Trichology – this is the study of the hair and the scalp. This field of dermatology deals with diseases such as hair loss, scalp changes, hypertrichosis, and hair abnormalities.
• Immunodermatology – this filed specializes in immune-mediated skin diseases, such as bullous pemphigoid and lupus.
• Pediatric Dermatology – pediatric dermatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in children, which include newborns and infants.

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to manage issues affecting the skin, nails, and hair. Many skin conditions can be treated by medications and noninvasive procedures, while others may require more invasive approaches. The following are several dermatologic procedures:

• Cosmetic injections – cosmetic injections can temporarily address scarring, wrinkles, and reduced facial fullness. A dermatologist can inject botulinum toxic (Botox) or fillers, such as fat and collagen. The results may last for a few months before you need another injection.
• Chemical peels – this procedure is used to treat some types of acne, as well as sun-damaged skin. It can also treat other cosmetic complaints, such as lines under the eyes and age spots. During chemical peels, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. This chemical solution causes a layer of skin to peel off, revealing regenerated skin beneath it that is typically a lot smoother.
• Dermabrasion – this type of procedure uses a high-speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and tattoos, scar tissue, and potentially precancerous areas of the skin.
• Cryotherapy – cryotherapy involves freezing skin lesions, usually with liquid nitrogen, to destroy the affected cells. It can be a quick treatment for a number of benign skin issues, such as warts.
• Hair removal or restoration – various methods can be used to address hair loss, such as hair transplants. On the other hand, dermatologists can use lasers to remove unwanted hair from the body.
• Excision of lesions – skin lesions may be cut away to prevent a disease from spreading, to improve symptoms, for cosmetic reasons, or to prevent reoccurring infection. Excision of lesions may be done under a local or general anesthetic.
• Laser surgery –can be used to treat a number of cosmetic problems or skin issues, such as warts, tumors, moles, scars, birthmarks, wrinkles, and unwanted tattoos.
• Tumescent liposuction – this procedure is used by dermatologists to remove fat. Large volumes of local anesthetic are injected into fatty tissue, then it is sucked from the body. Note that tumescent liposuction is performed to contour the body, not to treat obesity.
• Vein procedures – people with superficial leg veins, called spider veins, may want them removed. Several procedures can be done to remove them, but sclerotherapy is the most popular treatment. It involves injecting a special solution or a foam into the vein. The special solution and foam irritate the lining, causing the vein to become less noticeable or, in some cases, disappear completely.
• Skin grafts and flaps – missing skin can be restored using skin from other areas on the body. Dermatologists can also repair skin loss by making a flap of skin from a nearby area of the body. The flap of skin is then used to cover the damaged patch.
• Biopsies – a skin biopsy is usually needed to diagnose or rule out certain conditions.
• Mohs surgery – this procedure is a treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing layers of skin in order to get rid of cancerous cells. The removed skin layers are then examined under a microscope. Then, successive layers are removed until there are no more cancerous cells found in the skin.
• PUVA – Psoralen combined with ultraviolet radiation (PUVA) is a procedure to treat several skin diseases, such as vitiligo, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Psoralen is a drug that can make the skin more sensitive to radiation treatment.

How Long Should I Stay in Vilnius?

Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or stay for several days. For noninvasive treatments, such as chemical peels and cosmetic injections, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day and fly home within a couple of days. For invasive procedures, particularly to treat serious medical conditions, such as cancer, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days, and stay in Vilnius for at least 10 to 14 days. Your surgeon and/or medical travel team will advise you on this matter.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time will vary depending on the type of procedure you have, the reason why you have the procedure in the first place, and your general health. Your dermatologist will usually give you a detailed recovery timeline for each procedure. In general, recovery time for nonsurgical procedures is typically short and you should be able to resume your normal routine within a few days. For surgical procedures, it may take several weeks until you are allowed to return to your full daily activities.

What About Aftercare?

Your dermatologist will give you a set of instructions to care for yourself during the recovery period. The instructions will be different for each type of procedures, but they may include a diet plan, light exercises to follow, how to care for your surgical wounds or affected area, activities you can or cannot do, signs of complications to be aware of, and medication to take. It is important that you follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely in order to avoid complications and to obtain the best possible results.

Some cosmetic procedures may not be permanent, such as dermal fillers and Botox, so you will need to have regular treatments in order to maintain the results. For skin cancer treatment, you may need to attend follow-up checkups to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

Experienced and skilled dermatologists will be able to deliver a high success rate and satisfactory results. However, every type of procedure carries some risk, which may include infection, swelling, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and unsatisfactory results.

Are there Alternatives to Dermatology?

If you have any problems with your skin, going to a dermatologist is the only way to treat it. However, if the skin problem is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor or dermatologist will recommend you to see relevant doctors to treat it.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Before seeing a dermatologist, you may have a problem with your skin. You may not like the wrinkles on your face, or you may have a lesion that needs to be removed. After receiving treatment from a dermatologist, your skin problems should be addressed. You may be able to achieve your dream appearance, any disease you had before may be treated.

Dermatology in and around Vilnius

About Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and is also the largest city in the country, with a population of around 564,147. Vilnius was once referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of the north’ but the Jewish community was largely wiped out in WWII. The city does not hide its battle relics. Tourists will find museums dedicated to the Holocaust and preserved the KGB torture chamber. Other than its fascinating history, Vilnius also offers spectacular architecture, trendy bars, and hot-air balloons.

Vilnius is emerging as a medical tourism destination. Every year, medical tourism in Vilnius continues to expand and evolve. Medical treatments in Vilnius are gaining a powerful reputation among medical tourists. The vast majority of the medical tourists coming to Vilnius are from the Middle East, the United States, and Western Europe. Many tourists travel for Breast Augmentation or other cosmetic surgery. Kardiolita Hospital is one of the most popular medical facilities in the city. There are many reasons why local and international medical tourists come to Vilnius, including:

• Medical facilities with international standards such as JCI accreditation.
• Highly educated doctors and medical practitioners.
• Comprehensive diagnosis in just a single day.
• Foreign language speaking doctors and health care staff.
• Modern and secure equipment.
• Affordable prices for a wide range of medical treatment.

Popular Areas in Vilnius

Vilnius is a driving force behind Lithuania’s tourism sector. The city has affordable attractions, accommodations, and restaurants, Historical landmarks, extraordinary architecture, green spaces, and an array of cafes making the city a special place to visit.

• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is located in the heart of Vilnius. The building has a Renaissance, Gothic, and early Baroque architectural styles. The reconstructed palace is now transformed into a museum with 4 exhibition tour routes related to the historical functions. A guided tour is in English, Russian, and German is available for tourists.
• Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum) is a museum with the darkest history in Vilnius. It is located in the former KGB building and preserved exactly how the KGB officers left the building. A museum is an excellent place for tourists who want to learn more about history.
• Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius is arguably one of the most interesting graveyards in Europe. The cemetery is the final resting place of Lithuanian leaders and locals lost to war. The most notable monuments are the Memorial of Red Army Soldiers and the monument of the victims of January 13, 1991.
• Gediminas’ Tower of the Upper Castle is the remnant of a brick castle built by the Duke of Lithuania, Vytautas Magnum. Tourists can get onto the top of the Gediminas Hill by foot or by the provided modern lift. While in the modern lift, tourists can see panoramic views of Vilnius along with the River Neris.

Weather and Climate in Vilnius

Summers in Vilnius is warm and dry, with occasional showers and chilly days. Summers are short, lasting for around two months from June to August. The average temperature in the summer is around 11 °C to 22 °C. Summers are usually the busiest time for the city’s tourism.

Although autumn is exceptionally beautiful and has many sunny days, the temperature will cool down rapidly during this season. It can get as low as -1°C in mid-November.

The winters are freezing when the average temperature plummets to -9°C. The temperature will remain below zero until March. Winters in the city can be an amazing time. However, it can be difficult in rural areas.

Spring usually arrives late in April and does not last very long. The temperature in Spring is cool and the green spaces are blossoming.  

Getting Around in Vilnius

Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania that connects the country with European cities. It is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. The airport serves many major airlines, as well as budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Tourists can take the airport taxis to the city center. The taxis can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. A ride to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is another option to travel to Vilnius city center. It is more affordable than taxis, with a single ticket costs around 1EUR.

Walking is the best mode of transportation for exploring the Old Town. A good portion of Vilnius’s attractions is located within walking distance. Buses and trolleybuses are also available, tickets cost 1 EUR which can be paid directly to the driver. Taxis are not very recommended because many taxi drivers are known to cheat foreigners. Uber is available.

Tourist Visas in Vilnius

European Union citizens, American, Canadian, Australian, and British can stay in Vilnius for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania

The country is part of the Schengen Area, tourists who already hold a Schengen visa does not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Since Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015, the official currency is the euro. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are mostly accepted in hotels and restaurants. Tourists can tip 10% in restaurants if the service is good. Always tip in cash even when you’re paying with credit or debit cards.
3. Local Language: The official language is Lithuanian. Most people in the tourism area and the younger generation can speak English fluently. A large number of the population also speaks Russian and Polish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity (specifically Catholic) is the major religion in Vilnius. Small groups of the population follow Judaism, Islam, and other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Vilnius celebrates major Christian religious holidays. The city also hosts many annual festivals such as Capital Days in September, Culture Night and Trakai Medieval Festival in June, Street Musician’s Day in May, and Independence Day of the Republic of Uzupis in April.