Reconstructive Surgery for Restoration
For patients who have had a growth removed, reconstructive surgery offers a way to recover the aesthetic look and functional structures that may have been compromised during removal of cancer or non-cancerous growths. Advanced reconstruction may be needed due to the location and depth of the growth that has been removed, the amount of skin removed to ensure complete removal, or the lack of available adjacent skin (such as in areas around the nose or ear) to close the defect. In these cases skin grafting, flaps, or other reconstructive techniques may be needed to restore the natural look and features that you were born with.
If you are concerned about a skin lesion or irregularity, Dr. Jamie L. McGinness can help. Dr. McGinness is a Board certified dermatologist specializing in the treatment of skin cancer, specifically with Mohs surgery, an advanced, highly effective technique that has up to a 99% cure rate! In fact, Dr. McGinness is the a Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon in the Metro East Illinois St. Louis area. Dr. McGinness does not offer “cookie-cutter”, one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Instead, he takes the time to get to know you and your medical history and background in order to ensure that the treatment approach he develops for you will have the greatest possible chances of success.
When is Reconstructive Surgery Appropriate?
If you have had surgery to remove a cancerous, or non-cancerous lesion, you will have a surgical defect that requires reconstruction to repair the wound. Whether your lesion was removed through Mohs surgery or another type of surgery, such as excisional surgery, reconstruction may be necessary. In some instances, the surgical defect can be allowed to heal on its own. In many instances a straight line of stitches is all that is needed. In cases where lesions are removed from areas with little surrounding tissue, particularly prominent areas of the face such as the nose and ear, it may be difficult to close the wound side to side with a straight line. In these cases, skin grafting, flaps, or other reconstructive techniques may be needed to repair the surgical defect.
Dr. McGinness knows that your outward appearance is of utmost importance—it allows you to feel confident and successful in professional and social situations. With the expertise and experience of Dr. McGinness, your reconstructive surgery will allow you to regain the self-confidence that comes to you naturally through your traditional aesthetic look, even after a complex surgical procedure.
What Kinds of Reconstructive Surgery are Available?
While treatment of your skin cancer is most important, reconstruction after surgery is also important. After surgery to remove cancerous cells, Dr. McGinness will discuss with you how to repair the surgical defect. Depending on the size, depth, and location of the surgical defect, one of the following options will usually be selected:
- Allowing the wound to heal by itself or second intention healing.
- Closing the wound in a side-by-side fashion with stitches.
- Using a skin graft (skin taken from another area on the body) or a flap (using skin adjacent to the wound) to close the defect
- Referral to another reconstructive surgical specialist for wound repair
After removal of a cancerous or non-cancerous lesion reconstructive surgery is an excellent way to ensure that you look and feel your best in the recovery stages.
Contact Dr. Jamie L. McGinness
Dr. Jamie L. McGinness is a Board certified dermatologist and Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon serving the Metro East Illinois St. Louis area. His dedication to excellence in patience care is backed by years of specialized training and coupled with the same compassion, caring, and personalized attention you expect from your family doctor. His goal is to work closely with you, your dermatologist (if you have one), and your primary care physician to develop a personalized course of dermatologic treatment designed to successfully address your specific health concerns.
If you are concerned about your appearance after Mohs or excisional surgery, reconstructive surgery may be appropriate for you. We encourage you to contact Dr. McGinness and schedule your consultation today.