Many Options for Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Jan
12
Written by:
1/12/2010 1:56 PM
Skin cancer occurs in an estimated one million or more men and women each year. Surgical removal of skin cancer lesions may result in scars or disfigurement. Once these cancerous lesions are removed, you may need reconstructive plastic surgery to help restore the affected area to its previous, natural appearance.
With today’s advanced surgical techniques, a plastic surgeon has many tools and procedures available to repair or replace damaged tissue. Reconstructive techniques may be as simple as hiding your scars or as complex as requiring skin grafts or skin or muscle flaps. Often, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia in the physician’s office. In some cases, skin cancer reconstruction needs to be done in the operating room, where sedation or general anesthesia can be offered. Additional treatments, such as dermabrasion, chemical peels or facial fillers, may also help to create the most aesthetically pleasing result for your specific situation.
Whether cancer has affected your lips, eyelids, forehead, nose, cheeks, ears or scalp, it’s important to turn to a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform these delicate procedures. Only a plastic surgeon has the training and experience to affect repairs that preserve the functionality of your sensory organs, minimize and/or hide scarring, and help you return to your regular routine feeling healthy and confident.
It is important to know that the healing process may require several weeks or months. In some cases, it may be a year or more before incision lines fade to an acceptable degree. Additional follow-up procedures may also be required to complete or refine the reconstruction.
Your plastic surgeon understands your concerns and will guide you through treatment and explain the resulting effect on your health and appearance. Skin cancer reconstructive surgery is often covered by your health insurance plan.
Call us today at 636-812-4300 to learn more.
No one will know. Everyone will notice.