Skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common forms of cancer in the United States. These cancers occur on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, neck, back, arms and legs. Restoring these areas can at times become complex and for this reason, many patients choose to have surgical defects created from skin cancer removal repaired by a plastic surgeon.

MOHS RECONSTRUCTION
The vast majority of skin cancers are treatable with removal. MOHS surgery is a popular method for removing skin cancer. A qualified dermatologist performs MOHS surgery. The advantage of MOHS surgery over a standard excision is that the edges of the removed cancer are carefully examined under the microscope at the same time as when you are having the cancer removed. This allows the MOHS surgeon to be certain that the entire cancer was removed without leaving any of the "roots" behind. The benefit of MOHS surgery in areas such as the face the amount of healthy tissue removed is kept to a minimum without compromising the removal of the cancer.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE CONSULTATION
The MOHS surgeon will send the patient for an initial consultation with Dr. Stephenson once the skin cancer has identified. During this appointment, evaluation of the location of the skin cancer is done. Various types of reconstructions are reviewed based on the location of the skin cancer and an estimation of the size of defect after the skin cancer is removed. Once the cancer is removed, Dr. Stephenson will evaluate the defect and determine the most appropriate surgical reconstruction to correct the defect. For some patients, reconstruction may require more than one procedure to achieve the best results.

SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
There are two general methods to repair defects from skin cancer removal. These methods require the use of grafts and/or flaps. The type of repair necessary is determined once defect is examined.

1. What is a graft?
A graft is a procedure that removes tissue from one area of the body and that tissue is used to repair or replace tissue in another area of the body. An example of this is a skin graft. The skin grafts are taken from your own body.
2. What is a flap?
A local flap uses the surrounding skin and soft tissue in order to close a defect. This is similar to putting a puzzle together. There are many different types of flaps that can be performed to repair skin cancer defects.

Click On Below To View 3D Animation of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION RECOVERY
The procedure is performed as a same day surgery meaning the vast majority of patients go home immediately after the procedure. At the completion of your reconstruction procedure, you will be placed in a surgical dressing and you will be given specific wound care instructions to allow for the best possible healing and outcome. Swelling and/or bruising are expected after skin cancer reconstruction. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve in 7-10 days after surgery, although this will vary between patients.

Visible scars soften over time but will always remain at incision sites. You may also expect texture, color or other visible differences of the skin in reconstructed areas. In some cases treating your skin cancer can be disfiguring to your appearance. Although every effort is made to restore your appearance as closely and naturally as possible, the most important factor is that your skin cancer is effectively removed and treated.?

SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION CREDENTIALS
Credentials matter. Dr. Stephenson is certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only medical specialty board for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Dr. Stephenson will be happy to answer any questions concerning skin cancer reconstruction.† To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephenson at Signature Plastic Surgery, call (770) 466-4700.