Reconstructive Skin Cancer Surgery

What is Reconstructive Skin Cancer Surgery?

While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous. Complete surgical removal (excision) is the most successful and the most common treatment for melanoma. The lymph nodes may also need to be removed (lymphadenectomy) in stage III melanoma. Metastatic melanoma is also treated with surgery to remove the primary melanoma and cancer from nearby tissue or lymph nodes.

Who is a Good Candidate for Reconstructive Skin Cancer Surgery?

The different techniques used in treating skin cancers can be life saving, but they may leave a patient with less than pleasing cosmetic or functional results. Depending on the location and severity of the cancer, the consequences may range from a small but unsightly scar to permanent changes in facial structures such as your nose, ear, or lip.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Reconstructive techniques- ranging from a simple scar revision to a complex transfer of tissue flaps from elsewhere on the body-can often repair damaged tissue, rebuild body parts, and restore most patients to acceptable appearance and function. Complete surgical removal is the most effective treatment for melanoma. Thin, local melanoma (melanoma in situ) may be treated with microsurgery, such as Mohs microscopic surgery. Your plastic surgeon, however, can't prevent a recurrence. It's up to you to reduce your risks by changing old habits and developing new ones.

List of Physicians Who Perform Reconstructive Cancer Surgery

For details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages:

Planning for Your Surgery

The first step is to schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is crucial in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to express your goals and the results you'd like to achieve. Together, you and your surgeon will reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and the long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During the initial consultation, you should expect:

  • To provide a complete medical history, including information about previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
  • Your surgeon to conduct a complete physical examination.
  • To discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications (particularly coumadin or aspirin). Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

Your procedure will take place at the University of Michigan Hospitals which provides state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.

Types of Anesthesia

You'll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In some cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for many patients.

After Your Surgery

Click here for information about how to care for yourself after the surgery and what to expect during your recovery. It is very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions in order to promote healing and progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all follow-up appointments scheduled so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.