Take the Next Step. Request a Surgical Consultation.
A consultation with our oculoplastic surgeon can determine which reconstructive procedure is right for you. Consider these questions:
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from a consultation with our skin cancer reconstruction team.
Skin cancer reconstruction is tailored to each patient based on the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as the surgical procedure used for removal. Our surgeon coordinates closely with your Mohs surgeon or dermatologist to plan the most effective reconstructive approach.
Step 1: Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Your surgeon evaluates the surgical site, reviews your cancer diagnosis and pathology, and discusses your treatment options. This assessment determines whether reconstruction will follow immediately after Mohs excision or be performed as a separate reconstructive procedure.
Step 2: Anesthesia and Preparation
Depending on the complexity and location of the defect, the surgical procedure may be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Most facial reconstructions are completed comfortably in the office or operating room using local anesthesia.
Step 3: Reconstructive Technique
Your surgeon selects the most appropriate technique based on the defect. Options include direct closure, skin grafts, bilobed flaps, nasolabial flaps, and other transposition flaps. The chosen approach preserves blood supply to the surrounding soft tissue and restores natural facial contour.
Step 4: Recovery and Healing Process
Most patients experience swelling and bruising that resolves within one to two weeks. Your surgeon monitors recovery closely with follow-up visits to assess healing, remove sutures, and ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome. Final results continue to improve over several months.
Understanding Your Diagnosis: Your surgeon reviews your pathology, the type of skin cancer (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma), and the method of cancer removal to determine the ideal reconstructive approach and reconstructive options.
Medical History Review: Certain conditions and medications, particularly blood thinners, active infections, or previous radiation therapy, can affect surgical outcomes. Your surgeon reviews your health history to confirm you are a good candidate for the reconstructive procedure.
Alternative Treatments: Some patients benefit from allowing small defects to heal by secondary intention. Others may require staged reconstruction. Your surgeon discusses all treatment options, including whether dermatologic surgery techniques may optimize your results.
When skin cancer affects your face, you need a surgeon with specialized expertise. Our fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon brings a level of precision to skin cancer reconstruction that sets us apart from a general plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon.
As both a cosmetic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Mahan brings dual expertise that ensures your reconstruction accounts for both functional restoration and aesthetic results. This is especially critical for periocular skin cancer, where errors in reconstruction can affect eyelid closure, tear drainage, and vision.
What is the difference between Mohs surgery and reconstructive surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise dermatologic surgery technique used to remove skin cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until all cancer cells are eliminated. Reconstructive surgery is a separate surgical procedure performed afterward to repair the wound and restore appearance. Our oculoplastic surgeon typically performs the reconstruction after your Mohs surgeon completes the cancer removal.
How long does recovery take after skin cancer reconstruction?
Recovery varies based on the type of reconstructive procedure performed. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks, with sutures typically removed within seven to fourteen days. Final cosmetic results develop over several months as swelling resolves and tissues heal. Your surgeon provides a detailed recovery timeline based on your specific surgical procedure.
Will reconstruction leave a noticeable scar?
Our surgeon uses advanced techniques and places incisions along natural skin creases, within the nasolabial fold, or in other discreet locations to minimize visible scarring. While all surgical procedures leave some degree of scarring, the goal is always the best possible cosmetic outcome. Scars continue to fade and improve for up to a year after surgery.
Can skin cancer come back after removal and reconstruction?
Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate for common skin cancers, but ongoing monitoring is important. Regular skin checks with your dermatologist and protecting your skin with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat help reduce the risk of recurrence. If a new suspicious lesion develops, early evaluation ensures prompt treatment.
Do I need to be referred by a dermatologist?
While many patients are referred by their Mohs surgeon or dermatologist after a cancer diagnosis, you can also schedule a consultation directly with our office to discuss your reconstructive options.
Don’t let a skin cancer diagnosis leave you uncertain about your appearance or your options. Contact Visionary Eye Doctors for a skin cancer reconstruction consultation and discover how our specialized surgical expertise can help restore your confidence and protect the delicate structures around your eyes.
These services are available at our Washington, DC, Bethesda, and Gaithersburg offices.
Call Visionary Eye Doctors at 301-571-4334 to schedule your appointment.