Reconstructive Surgery

After you have skin cancer removed, you may be left with an extensive, unattractive wound. To repair the wound and restore your appearance, Gangaram Ragi, MD, and the other specialists at Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, perform reconstructive surgery. Their extensive skills and experience ensure you achieve the best possible reconstruction results. To learn more, call the office in Saddle River, New Jersey, or request an appointment online today.

What is reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery refers to specialized procedures to restore and rebuild the structures of your face, head, and neck. At Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, reconstructive surgery focuses on repairing your face, nose, ears, neck, or scalp and restoring your appearance after your provider performs surgery to remove skin cancer.

When would I need reconstructive skin cancer surgery?

Many skin cancers are small enough to only need a bandage or stitches after your provider removes the tumor. But removing a large tumor may leave a wound that requires a skin graft or reconstruction.

Additionally, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often grows deep under the surface. In some cases, advanced BCC destroys bones and other tissues, leaving a large, disfiguring wound after all the cancer is surgically removed. Reconstructive surgery rebuilds the structures, closes the wound, and restores your appearance.

When should I have reconstructive surgery after Mohs?

Many people have reconstructive surgery right after their skin cancer surgery. Others wait, scheduling their reconstruction after they have time to recover from skin cancer surgery and think about their options.

Having reconstructive surgery on the same day is convenient and renews your appearance faster. But there’s no harm in delaying reconstruction for days or weeks, and there may be good reasons to wait.

For example, the extent of your wound can’t be accurately determined until after your Mohs surgery. If you need extensive reconstruction, your provider may want to schedule a procedure using general anesthesia in the hospital.

Or your Mohs surgery may take most (or all) of the day, leaving you and your provider needing time to rest before discussing reconstruction and starting another procedure.

The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests that some procedures, like a skin graft to cover a large wound, may heal better if you slightly delay reconstructive surgery.

What happens during reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive procedures vary based on each person’s individual needs. However, a few common techniques used to rebuild the wound include skin grafts or flaps, cartilage grafts or repairs, and tissue transfers.

Your skilled Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, provider thoroughly explains the procedures you may need so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Call Saddle River Skin and Mohs Surgery, LLC, today, or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation and learn more about reconstructive surgery after skin cancer treatment.