Reconstructive Plastic Surgery | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
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Congratulations — you’ve beaten skin cancer! That’s a feat all by itself and one to be celebrated by you and your loved ones.
While your health is always the foremost priority, you may be left wondering about your reconstruction options following your skin cancer removal, whether it was performed using Mohs surgery or another removal option.
Even if your skin cancer is small (for instance, the size of a small mole), it can still leave a significant scar or open space (to account for cancer and a margin of healthy tissue). Because of this, reconstruction after skin cancer is available to address areas across your face and body.
The Damage Invasive Skin Cancer Can Do
Never put off seeing your doctor if you find a suspicious mole, mark, or discoloration. The sooner you receive treatment, the better.
Invasive skin cancer has penetrated deeper than the epidermis (top layer of skin), into surrounding healthy tissue.
Skin cancer lesions must be thoroughly excised (removed) along with a healthy margin of tissue to ensure no cancer traces remain in the area. Usually, no other treatment protocols are necessary.
Even though skin cancer can be easily treated if found early, it can spread, which may result in the need for more extensive cancer-related treatments.
Aftereffects of Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer treatment is life-saving. Always follow your doctor’s advice and actively participate in your treatment team. After all, removing the cancer and returning to good health is your priority.
When possible, an advanced technique called Mohs surgery is used to remove skin cancers. This minimally invasive procedure removes tissue layer by layer, pausing to examine the removed tissue for cancerous cells between each pass.
By removing the cancer this way, your surgeon can minimize the amount of healthy tissue removed.
Occasionally, your surgeon may need a more aggressive removal method, resulting in a larger treatment area. This may require a more extensive form of reconstruction.
Regardless of the method used to remove your skin cancer, you must consider a reconstructive option. When the area is small, the skin can often simply be pulled together in a linear closure.
When the area is larger, you may need to consider more invasive reconstructive options like skin grafts.
What Areas of the Body Can Need Reconstruction After Invasive Skin Cancer?
Any area of the body can fall victim to skin cancer. Common areas that require reconstructive measures after cancer treatment include:
Any place you have skin can develop skin cancer; however, areas exposed to the sun are more prone to cancer than areas usually hidden under clothing or hair.
How to Find a GREAT Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon
Finding the ideal reconstructive plastic surgeon takes just a few simple but important steps.
Look for a reconstructive surgeon who:
- Specializes in post-cancer plastic surgery
- Is board-certified in Mohs skin cancer surgery
- Can offer testimonials from previous patients who have had surgery at their center
- Is ready to answer all your questions and sit down with you for a consultation
Dr. Vincent Hung is highly experienced in Mohs surgery, skin reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery. With him, you can feel assured that your cancer will not only be removed but also achieve cosmetically appealing results.
Your Health and Happiness Depend on the Right Plastic Surgeon
Don’t skimp on the above requirements. You will want to be as comfortable as possible with the reconstructive surgeon you choose.
Your happiness and health are closely linked. You’ve beaten skin cancer, and now it’s time to celebrate that success with a look you can be happy with. The right plastic surgeon can get you there!
To learn more about the treatments offered by Dr. Hung, call our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or fill out our online contact form.
