As the harmful effects of skin cancer are treated, many patients are left with devastating, unsightly scars, or even changes in facial structure. Most reconstruction efforts happen concurrently with the actual treatment, so discussing all options with your doctor before treatment is integral to both your health and your appearance. There are many available methods to treat this disease, depending on your type of skin cancer, location of the affected area, and extent of the damage. Reconstruction does more than just remove the cancer. It can repair damaged tissue, smooth away scars, rebuild body parts and restore function, bringing you back to a healthy state and an attractive appearance. It is essential to involve a
plastic surgeon in the treatment process to ensure minimal scarring.
What Kind Of Results Can Be Expected With Skin Cancer Reconstruction?
Since most skin cancers are removed through a surgical process, the most common benefits in reconstruction involve dramatic decreases in the appearance of scars and skin damage. Reconstruction is effective in removing harmful and benign skin growths, and in turn, improves the appearance of the affected areas.
What Are The Available Procedures?
There are currently several available
skin cancer removal options. Here are several of the most reliable and common methods:
Cyro-sugery: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and subsequently kill abnormal cells in your skin. Once the area thaws, the dead tissues fall away. Scarring is minimal. However, this procedure is limited to very specific, small cancers.
Curettage and Electrodessication: This surgical process first numbs the area with a local anesthetic. The cancer is then scooped out with a sharp instrument, called a curette. An electrical current is often used to control bleeding, and kill remaining cancer cells around the wound. Care is then taken to reduce any scarring effects, and restore the skin.
Laser Therapy: This process works best with cancers that only involve the outer layer of skin. The laser uses a narrow beam of light to eliminate cancer cells, and reconstruction is therefore minimally necessary. Very little scarring can be expected.
What Is The Recovery Process Like?
Depending on the specific treatment utilize, recovery will vary. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions. However, in general, it is heavily advised that you avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun. An SPF of at least 15 is also strongly recommended during all daylight hours. Likewise, you'll be able to return to work and activities in short order, but this will once again be determined by the severity of the cancer and the selected reconstructive treatment.