Post-cancer reconstructive surgery provides a way to restore the aesthetic and functional structures that may sustain damage during the elimination of malignant or benign growths.
The patient may need advanced reconstruction due to the location and depth of the excised growth, the amount of skin removed to ensure complete elimination or the inadequacy of adjacent skin (such as in areas around the nose or ear) to seal the defect.
In such cases, the patient may need skin grafting, flaps, or other reconstructive techniques to restore their natural appearance and characteristics.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide safe, proven and effective skin care procedures to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities.
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. A straight line of sutures is all that is necessary in many cases.
If the lesions are removed from areas with inadequate adjacent tissue, especially prominent areas of the face such as the nose and ear, it may be difficult to seal the wound side by side in a straight line.
Techniques such as flaps, skin grafting, or other reconstructive techniques may be required to repair the surgical defect. The skill and experience of Dr. McGinness enable patients to regain their self-confidence that comes naturally through their traditional cosmetic appearance, even after a complicated surgical procedure.
What Types of Reconstructive Surgery are available?
While the treatment of skin cancer is most important, reconstruction is equally crucial as well. In the case of the removal of cancerous cells, Dr. McGinness will discuss with the patient how to repair the surgical defect.
One of the below mentioned options will typically be chosen, depending on the location, depth, and size of the surgical defect.
- Enabling the wound to heal by itself or second intention healing
- Sealing the wound in a side-by-side manner with suture
- Using a skin graft (skin taken from another area of the body) or a flap (using skin surrounding the wound) to close the defect
- Referral to another reconstructive specialist for wound repair
After the removal of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue, reconstructive surgery in an effective technique to make sure that the patient appears and feels their best in the recovery period.
Recovery
The surgeon will cover the incision area with a bandage and dressing after the procedure. The sutures may be removed in nearly one week.
Prescription pain meds will help control mild pain during the first few weeks after the procedure. Patients should avoid vigorous activities for a few days. However, they can resume their normal activities or work in 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 advanced and innovative 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.