Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with non-melanoma skin cancers representing about half of all cancers diagnosed in this country. These cancers often present themselves on the face, neck and head, due to the increased sun exposure that these areas receive. Early detection and removal of cancerous growths greatly increases your chances of preserving your health and appearance.

Minimal Tissue Loss, Optimal Results

At Medical Specialists, our board-certified dermatologists are highly skilled in identifying and treating skin cancer with the most advanced methods available. Our use of Mohs Micrographic Surgery for the removal of basal and squamous cell cancers offers the highest possible cure rate – up to 99% for most primary cancers, and slightly lower for recurrent cancers – while minimizing the loss of normal tissue. This innovative treatment is only performed by highly specialized physicians, and at Medical Specialists, your skin cancer surgeon will also act as pathologist, and in many cases, reconstructive surgeon.

Since skin cancer commonly occurs on the face, it is essential that the maximum amount of healthy tissue is left untouched in order to minimize facial scarring. Our dermatological surgeons receive specialized training in the most effective, least disruptive approaches to skin cancer removal, as well as state-of-the art reconstruction techniques.

By preserving the greatest amount of normal tissue, our dermatologists have a better foundation for successful skin cancer reconstruction. In some cases, the cancer removal will leave only a small scar that does not require reconstruction. Our patients who do require skin cancer reconstructive surgery receive the high quality care and results that are typically associated with major medical centers.

Reconstruction Options

Depending on the size of the tissue mass removed, skin cancer reconstructive surgery in Indiana may be necessary to prevent deformity. Our surgeons who perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery are trained extensively in skin cancer reconstructive surgery, which in many cases allows for the entire removal and reconstruction process to be completed at once. This shortens overall recovery time and eliminates the inconvenience and discomfort of multiple procedures. However, if certain functional anatomic structures are involved, such as the ears or nose, your dermatologist may need to perform your reconstruction in stages. At our dermatology practice, your health and appearance are always top priorities.

The extent of the reconstruction required may be unclear until the actual skin cancer surgery. It is difficult to know how much of the cancer lies beneath the skin until the procedure is performed. In some cases, the area can be reconstructed with a local flap of skin, which is repositioned to cover the wound. In other cases, a skin graft may be required, which repositions healthy skin from another part of the body over the wound. In any case, our highly trained and board certified dermatologists in Indiana will skillfully reconstruct the area to minimize the cancer's effect on your appearance.

If you would like to learn more about skin cancer treatment or schedule an appointment,
please call 219-934-2495.