Facial reconstruction following skin cancer

Some essential information about skin cancer

More than a million skin cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year with the number seemingly rising steadily.

In fact, more than 90% of skin cancer crops up on some highly visible body part like the ears, face, head, arms, hands and neck. The reason may be due to the fact that these parts are most exposed to the sun.


The early detection in a localized stage is the best news about the ailment, thus pointing out to a survival rate of nearly 99%.

This rate however, drops with the spread of the cancer at the time of detection as a result of which the importance of regular screenings becomes necessary.

Treating skin cancer

Lasers, cryotherapy (freezing), curettage and electrodessication or alternate burning and scraping of lesion and topically applied chemotherapy are some of the methods of treating a few kinds of skin cancer. Some others need surgical excision.

Mohs surgery is the best method for the accomplishment of skin cancer excision as it preserves much of the normal tissue.

After removing the cancer

After the completion of the Mohs surgery, still a lot may be left to do. Sometimes, the surgeon may close the wound after the excision, but it may be that a simple close may not be satisfactory for you. The face especially may need the assistance of a plastic surgeon so that your appearance can be as normal as possible.

Finding the correct surgeon for the reconstruction surgery

This reconstructive surgery should be most necessarily be executed by a specialized plastic surgeon. It is best if you recruit facial plastic surgeon instead of some general plastic surgeon, certified by the AAFPRS or American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You can ask for referral from Mohs surgeon.

Keys to get great effects

According to the opinions of professionals, a very experienced facial plastic surgeon with a thorough understanding of the anatomical facial structures should be the one conducting the surgery.

To get great results use a good matching skin donor site and maintaining good level of blood supply.

The disadvantages of skin grafting

Skin grafting is done to repair some types of injuries. However, it may not be ideal as matching the skin texture and color may be problematic. This should be the last resort in cases that the area is too large for using flap technique.

The timing of reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery can be done any time after the first excision surgery; it can be performed on the very same day as the excision surgery but it may be delayed for about a week.

Challenges posed by facial reconstructive surgery

There are some challenges posed by facial reconstructive surgery following skin cancer as there is a low amount of tissue which is well-matched.

If a large amount of facial tissue is excised there may arise the need for a flap taken from somewhere else in the body to use for the face. As a last resort, face transplant may be taken as an option.

Costs

A majority of the time, surgery after skin cancer is covered by health insurance plans. Although despite your insurance plan covering the costs, check the billing office of the surgeon to find out if your plan is acceptable by the practice.


The cost can differ according to the amount and type of reconstruction needed. Ask the fees for medications, anesthesia, lab work and facility fees along with the surgical fee of the surgeon.

More artciles:

Skin Grafting in Reconstructive Surgeries

History of Plastic Surgery

Body Dysmorphic Disorder