Skin Cancer Reconstruction – Monterey, CA
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers and its incidence continues to increase. Sun exposure, fair skin pigmentation, and genetics all play a role in the development of skin cancer. Although skin cancer is easily curable in most cases, early treatment gives the best cosmetic results and decreases the risk of needing more extensive treatment. This is because it is treated while it is smaller rather than trying to excise and treat it later after it has grown larger. Many of our patients are relieved that they had their skin cancers treated early.
All patients should have routine skin examinations with their dermatologists for the detection and early treatment of skin cancer. Should Dr. Wong happen to find a suspicious lesion, she may perform a biopsy that same day or refer to you a dermatologist.
Dermatologists perform Mohs micrographic surgery for the removal of skin cancers. This special technique is very precise and is designed for complete removal of skin cancers without having to remove unnecessary amounts of normal skin around it. As a result, your resulting wound (or defect) will be smaller while still getting out all of the cancer, the best of both worlds! After the procedure, you will have a defect that will need to be reconstructed. Dr. Wong has extensive experience in reconstructing Mohs excision defects.
Your Consultation with Dr. Wong
It is never certain exactly how large your anticipated defect will be, but knowing the location of the skin cancer and discussing your options before your Mohs procedure is always ideal. Dr. Wong will discuss the possibility of closing the wound with you. Options to close the wound may include: 1) direct repair, 2) making incisions nearby to move skin and tissue into the wound, or 3) reconstructing it with a skin graft from another part of your body.
Call Today to Learn More About Skin Cancer Reconstruction
What the Surgery Will Be Like
It is never certain exactly how large your anticipated defect will be, but knowing the location of the skin cancer and discussing your options before your Mohs procedure is always ideal. Dr. Wong will discuss the possibility of closing the wound with you. Options to close the wound may include: 1) direct repair, 2) making incisions nearby to move skin and tissue into the wound, or 3) reconstructing it with a skin graft from another part of your body.
Most skin cancer reconstruction can be performed in an office procedure room under sterile conditions. If the wound is relatively small, the procedure is usually less than an hour long. Dr. Wong will give you soft bandages to protect your incisions and keep them clean.
Recovery
Typically, the recovery for each of these procedures is anywhere from 1 week to 4 weeks, depending on how large the wound is and where it is located. If the wound is large enough or you have some medical conditions that require additional safety measures, your reconstruction surgery may need to be performed at a surgery center or in a hospital setting.
Call and schedule an appointment today! Dr. Wong will discuss the details and risks of skin cancer reconstruction and provide you with a highly individualized treatment plan. We look forward to meeting you!