All About Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Unfortunately, skin cancer is not an uncommon occurrence in the United States. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans over the age of 65 will suffer from it in their lifetime. When skin cancer is caught, and operated on, it can often lead to large areas of the skin removal. In such cases, many skin cancer survivors opt for skin cancer reconstruction.
Following detection of skin cancer, the cancer is usually removed by a qualified Surgeon or Dermatologist. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are most commonly treated with the Mohs microscopic surgery method. In new cases of skin cancer, it cures 99% of cases, and can cure 95% of cases in cancer that has recurred.
The cancerous area of skin is excised, and layers of skin are removed until no more cancer cells can be seen under the microscope. Depending on how serious the skin cancer is, and how much it has spread, there may be a fairly large amount of skin removed.
What Happens After Skin Cancer Surgery?
Following a successful Mohs procedure, the patient’s overall health, as well as cosmetic concerns, will dictate how the reconstruction will be handled. Any wounds that are relatively small will heal on their own. For wounds in sensitive areas, and for larger wounds, there may be scarring related to large amounts of skin removal.
Occasionally, more complicated wounds may require skin flaps, where healthy tissue from an adjacent part of the body is moved into the wound bed and stitched over the wound. Other options can include grafts, where different portions of the body are removed and stitched over the wound.
Following reconstructive surgery, the surgical site will be cleaned and bandaged, and the patient will be administered any necessary prescription medications. The plastic surgeon will go over any activity restrictions or follow-up appointments so that stitches can be removed.
What Happens After Reconstruction Surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you will need to have someone drive you home. You should try to get up and walking about as soon as possible. If you have had reconstruction surgery around the face area, avoid bending forward and try to rest your head at a 45-degree angle while sleeping. It’s important to consult your plastic surgeon regarding healing and activity restrictions.
For the first year, avoid exposure to the sun. After the procedure, some mild discomfort may occur, as well as redness and bleeding, but the chances of complications associated with reconstruction surgery tend to be low. However, it should be noted that infection, excessive bleeding, and scar formation are among the complications that may occur.
Remember, following your plastic surgeon’s recommendations and keeping your follow-up appointments are essential. To minimize scarring, additional procedures may be necessary, such as injections, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and graft touch-ups. Make sure that you are also keeping an eye out and following up with your Dermatologist to have your skin checked for reoccurrences of cancer.