Treating skin cancer can be a difficult ordeal. Unfortunately, once the cancer is removed, there are other steps to complete. Removal of skin cancer creates an open wound and can lead to a permanent scar that reminds the patient of this difficult time.
One effective way to address these issues is to choose a suitable cosmetic procedure at Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery to cover up the traces left behind. Skin reconstruction surgery, performed after skin cancer removal, is an excellent choice.
Skin Reconstruction After Cancer Removal at Houston Oculofacial
After removal of most types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, patients can undergo a skin reconstruction procedure.
The patient will be advised to quit smoking and make other changes in lifestyle habits to ensure that the skin is able to regain its health in a timely manner. Continuing to smoke can lead to damaging side-effects.
During a consultation at Houston Oculofacial with Dr. Mirwat Sami, Dr. Sami will evaluate the skin and advise whether skin reconstruction can be performed for that particular type of skin cancer and whether the method would show good results.
What Is Done During the Reconstruction Procedure?
Some prefer having the skin reconstruction done soon after the cancer removal, while others prefer to wait for a time. Waiting for a short while gives an idea of how the skin is responding after the surgery. It also helps understand the success of the skin cancer removal surgery. The growth pattern of the skin can be evaluated after the surgery to plan the reconstruction better.
No matter when one chooses to get the reconstruction surgery, there is usually at least a few days of gap recommended between the cancer removal and skin reconstruction. During this time, the area will heal, and the cancer wound will have to be taken care of.
General anesthesia is given at the time of the reconstruction surgery. This helps avoid any pain and discomfort that might be caused. The number, size, and position of the incisions made will depend largely on the place where the cancer was removed and the size of the area of skin that was damaged by the cancer.
After the Procedure
Simple dressing of the treatment region will be all that is required after reconstruction. A thicker dressing will be applied if the candidate has received a skin graft during the reconstruction. The skin will need to be kept dry.
Gauze dressings, if required, might be applied and removed a day or two after the surgery. The dressings can be removed in a matter of a few days. Since there might be fluid collection at the treated sites, there could be tiny drains placed for a day or two.
Arrange Your Consultation with Dr. Sami at Houston Oculofacial
If you have a cancerous lesion or one that may be cancerous, contact the office of Dr. Mirwat Sami and set up a consultation date and time. Dr. Sami is an experienced board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
