Skin cancer refers to an abnormal growth of cells throughout different layers of someone’s. There are three main types of skin cancer. They are –
- Basal cell carcinoma – It is normally found on the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. Early warning signs include but aren’t limited to a flat lesion which may look like either a scar or a waxy bump. This is the most common form of skin cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – This type of skin cancer looks like a flat lesion in conjunction with a flat lesion with a crusted surface or a red nodule that feels firm when touched.
- Melanoma – Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body and often appears as a new growth of skin or a sudden change in an existing mole. It is one of the rarest forms of skin cancer and is also one of the most dangerous, but it is curable if detected in its earliest stages.
Surgery is usually the primary choice when dealing with skin cancer. More specifically, Mohs micrographic surgery is thought of as the best technique for treating the different types of skin cancers. While Mohs surgery is lifesaving, it does leave scars behind. Patients typically opt to undergo skin reconstruction to get rid of those irksome scars.
Choose A Trusted Surgeon to Help Deal with Skin Cancer
Having a successful skin reconstruction performed depends a lot on the skill and expertise of the surgeon or surgeons involved. Experienced surgeons create even and natural looking skin through reconstruction by removing scars and other defects they deem unnecessary.
One of the main goals of skin reconstruction is to make sure that the defects caused by Mohs surgery do not negatively affect the normal functioning of your body. When tissue is removed on a large scale, it can impair the function of facial features like the eyes and lips. In most cases, the surgeon can cosmetically repair the damage as well as restore any loss of functionality.
The Skin Reconstruction Procedure
The area being operated on is usually numbed before the treatment begins. The use of anesthesia and local anesthesia is greatly limited for medical safety reasons. The damage caused by the Mohs surgery can take anywhere between an hour to several hours to repair surgically.
Depending on the case, the surgeon may spread the skin reconstruction over several surgeries. He will make a decision based on how much tissue is affected and other related factors.
What’s Recovery Like After a Skin Reconstruction
Under normal circumstances, stitches are ready to be removed a few days after the surgery. If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort, the surgeon will prescribe medications to minimize these effects. Special creams may also be recommended depending on each individual case.
Post-surgical marks usually begin to fade a month after the surgery. The marks will fade considerably after a couple of months.
While the skin is healing, it is important to be very careful and protect it from any additional damage. Depending on your situation, you might need to avoid strong sunlight for a couple of days. After that, you must remember to wear sunscreen when ever you go outside.
Contact Our Office
A skin reconstruction surgery is best performed by a skilled surgeon who you can trust. At Wagner and Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Indiana, we believe in providing each and every patient exceptional care as we help solve the issues affecting your life.
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today!