Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or “UV light,” is its primary cause. Dermatologists can treat early-stage or pre-cancerous lesions with nonsurgical procedures, but more advanced skin cancers may require surgery. Surgery always leaves scars, but Dr. Klenke offers skin cancer reconstructive surgery to help minimize the appearance of scars and improve the skin’s aesthetic look and function.
Benefits of Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Candidates
Skin cancer reconstructive surgery is right for individuals looking to reduce skin cancer removal surgery’s visual and functional impacts. Early correction of scars and lesions can help attain the best aesthetic results, and early action is recommended.
Scar Revision FAQs
It’s only natural to be concerned about scarring during skin cancer treatment. Our plastic surgeons understand the subtleties of removing skin cancer while maximizing the aesthetic result. During a consultation, your surgeon will walk you through your options for treatment, including any likelihood of scarring and procedures that minimize or conceal the incision.
Many treatments to remove cancerous lesions can be conducted under local or MAC (“twilight”) anesthesia. Smaller lesions may be removed in the office, whereas larger lesions or those that have a more complicated pathology may be removed in a surgery center in conjunction with an on-site pathologist.
Working in conjunction with a pathologist affords our plastic surgeons the ability to perform more complex reconstructive procedures with the reassurance that the entirety of the cancer is gone. Our plastic surgeons remove skin cancers while also respecting aesthetic ideals so that you can look and feel your best.
Each recovery period will be unique based on your surgery, but our surgeons will ensure you have instructions and information to help guide you through the healing process. Initially, there may be some minor wound care that you will do at home.
Depending on your diagnosis, sometimes other providers like oncologists and radiation oncologists are involved in your care. Our plastic surgeons will work closely with your care team to ensure the plan is executed properly.
As scars mature, your surgeon will guide you through optimizing your result with a combination of sun protection, topical products, and massage. Occasionally patients will benefit from other services like laser treatments or microneedling to help improve color or texture. Over time, all scars improve, but our goal is to help you capitalize on the window of time that you can influence the result.
Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery at Pinnacle Plastic Surgery
Dr. Klenke takes pride in helping you achieve your goals. At Pinnacle, we provide detailed consultations, allowing us to understand each patient’s motivation and desired outcomes. Our goal is to customize a treatment specifically for each individual. In your initial consultation, our team will evaluate your health and define which surgical procedures are most suitable for you based on your body, and a personalized surgical plan will be created.