Reconstructive surgery offers a way to recover the cosmetic appearance and functional structures that may be damaged during the removal of cancerous or benign growths.
The patient may require advanced reconstruction due to the depth and location of the growth that has been eliminated, the amount of skin excised to ensure full removal, or the insufficiency of adjacent skin (such as in areas around the ear or nose) to close the defect.
Such patients may require flaps, skin grafting, or other reconstructive techniques to restore their natural appearance and features.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide advanced skin care procedures to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.
When is Reconstructive Surgery Appropriate?
If a patient has had surgery to remove a cancerous or benign lesion, they will have a surgical defect that will require reconstruction to repair the wound.
If the lesion of eliminated through Mohs surgery or another surgical procedure, such as excisional surgery, the patient may require reconstruction. In some cases, the surgical defect may be allowed to heal by itself.
In many cases, a straight line of sutures is all that is necessary. If the lesions are eliminated from areas with insufficient surrounding tissue, specifically prominent facial areas such as the ear and nose, it may be challenging to close the wound side by side with a straight line.
In such cases of flaps, skin grafting, or other reconstructive techniques may be necessary to repair the surgical defect.The experience and credentials of Dr. McGinness allow patients to regain their self-confidence that comes naturally through their traditional aesthetic appearance, even after a complex surgical procedure.
What Types of Reconstructive Surgery are available?
The treatment of skin cancer is most crucial, reconstruction after the surgery is important as well. After the removal of malignant cells, Dr. McGinness will discuss with the patient how to repair the surgical defect.
One of the following options will usually be chosen, depending on the depth, location, and size of the surgical defect.
- Allowing the wound to heal on its own or second intention healing
- Closing the wound in a side-by-side manner with stitches
- Using a skin graft (skin sourced from another body area) or a flap (using skin adjacent to the wound) to seal the defect
- Referral to another reconstructive surgical expert for wound repair
Following the removal of cancerous or non-cancerous reconstructive surgery is an effective way to ensure that the patient looks and feels their best in the recovery phase.
Recovery
The surgeon will cover the incision site with a bandage and dressing after the procedure. The stitches may be taken in around one week.
Prescription pain medications will help manage mild pain during the initial few days. Patients should avoid aggressive activities for a few days, but they can return their normal routine or work after one to two weeks.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care treatments.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)
Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.