patient for skin cancer removal

SKIN CANCER REMOVAL AND RECONSTRUCTION

Reducing The Scarring Associated
With Skin Cancer Removal

AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA is pleased to offer skin cancer removal and reconstruction surgery. The most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with over 1 million cases diagnosed each year. Furthermore, at least half of Americans will develop skin cancer by age 65. However, if caught early, it skin cancer is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

What Is Skin Cancer Removal And Reconstruction?

One of the most common treatment options for patients with skin cancer is surgery to remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading. Depending on the type of skin cancer and how much skin and tissue needs to be removed, you may also need reconstructive surgery to replace the skin and tissue and to minimize scarring.

AMG Plastic Surgery offers skin cancer removal and reconstruction surgery for those affected by precancerous and malignant skin cancers. We work closely with specialists to ensure complete removal of your skin cancer and optimal reconstruction.

Overview of Skin Cancer

Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells. Skin cancer can take three different forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and is usually found on areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun. In its early stages, basal cell carcinoma can look like a waxy bump or a flat lesion

  • In the early stages of squamous cell carcinoma, you may notice a firm, red lump or a flat lesion or sore with a crusted surface.

  • One of the first signs of melanoma is a mole that has recently changed in appearance or color or new skin growth. This can appear anywhere along the skin, including under the nails or inside the mouth. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but is also the rarest.

Skin Cancer Removal

One of the most common treatment options for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers is surgery to remove the cancer. However, surgery can vary from patient to patient based on the form of cancer, the size of the cancer and where the cancer is found on the body. There are two main types of surgery:

The tumor and some some surrounding tissue is cut out with a surgical knife. Most often, the remaining skin is then carefully stitched back together. This type of surgery will leave a scar.

During Mohs surgery for excision of a skin cancer, an open wound inevitably will happen. In order to close this wound or fill the defect, special reconstructive surgery is needed to optimize healing and restoring proper form and function to the area.

A good candidates for post-Mohs reconstruction are patients who have wounds that are the result from skin cancer removal that cannot be closed well just with simple stitches. Patients with wounds on their face following Mohs surgery frequently benefit from reconstruction.

Reconstruction

When skin cancer or precancerous lesions are removed, a portion of healthy skin around may also be removed causing scarring or skin irregularities. Skin cancer reconstruction rebuilds the treated area to restore a normal, unblemished appearance. If the surgery was necessary in the nose or mid-face, we also offer nasal reconstruction.

Sometimes, it may not be possible to stitch the edges of the wound together following this procedure. When this occurs, Dr. Ghaznavi can take healthy skin from another part of the body use it over the surgical wound to help it heal and to reduce scarring.

Whether Dr. Ghaznavi removes the cancer or your dermatologist or physician does, he is ready to help restore the area while providing the most aesthetic appearance possible.

AMG Breast Resensation

Recovery And Results

Following a skin cancer reconstruction procedure, recovery can vary from patient to patient. The amount of time needed to recover depends on whether the reconstruction was performed at the same time as the initial cancer removal procedure, how much skin needed to be removed and more. Once patients have recovered from skin cancer reconstruction, they can pursue other avenues of treatment such as skin resurfacing, fat transfer and dermal fillers to reduce the appearance of scarring and restore volume.

Benefits Of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Having skin cancer removed has the potential to significantly affect your appearance. Getting skin cancer reconstruction surgery can greatly improve the look of the treatment area. Dr. Ghaznavi is dedicated to achieving natural-looking outcomes and will take great care to minimize any visible scarring and noticeable skin damage.

CONFIDENCE IS POWER

Visit AMG Plastic Surgery to experience compassionate, personalized care from our board certified surgeon.

EMPATHY. EXPERTISE. EDUCATION.

gold swirls