Physician Surgical Procedures

Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction

Most lesions on the skin are benign, but sun damage can lead to development of skin cancer, especially on the face, neck, and arms.

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Diagnosis-Led Treatment

Face And Neck Reconstruction

Plastic Closure Focus

Insurance Often Applies

Physician Surgical Procedures

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Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction

Most skin lesions are benign, but sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms can develop skin cancer. Correct diagnosis comes first.Dr. Smith can biopsy concerning lesions and, when cancer is found, usually treat it with excision and plastic reconstruction in the office or in his private surgery center.Dr. Smith focuses on skin cancers of the face and neck, where reconstruction often requires plastic surgery for the least scarring. Evaluation, biopsies, cancer removal, and reconstructions are usually covered by insurance, including Medicare.

Indications for skin cancer removal and reconstruction

Most skin cancers can be removed surgically and will normally not recur in the same area.
The extent of skin removal depends on cancer type. Basal cell carcinomas often require smaller margins, while squamous cell cancers require larger margins and possible monitoring.
Reconstruction may be a simple suture closure or may require skin flaps or grafts for best plastic closure.

Why removal and reconstruction as opposed to scraping, burning, freezing, radiation, or Mohs surgery?

Removal of skin cancer can be curative. Scraping, freezing, and burning may not completely kill cancer cells and can have higher recurrence rates.
Complete removal can be documented after excision, and more tissue can be removed if needed.
Removal and reconstruction allow Dr. Smith to perform plastic closure for the best skin appearance.
Removal with immediate closure may be faster and less expensive than Mohs surgery, while Mohs remains useful in critical areas where preserving tissue is important.

What to expect after skin cancer removal and reconstruction

Healing incision. The area where the lesion was removed is closed with sutures. Sutures you see will probably need removal. Sutures deeper in tissue will dissolve over time.
Keep the incision clean of crusting and moistened with ointment. Several times daily, crust removal with half-strength peroxide and sterile water using a Q-tip is recommended. Keep the incision moist with antibiotic ointment.
Minimal pain. Tylenol as needed is usually all that is needed.
Suture removal is generally done in 7-10 days.

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