Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons are often consulted to remove suspicious lesions and moles, particularly in areas of the face where scarring needs to be minimized. In addition, patients are often sent to Dr. Reitzen after the lesion has been removed for wound closure and skin cancer reconstruction.

An Expert in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

As a surgeon who is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Reitzen is the ideal choice for removing skin lesions and closing the wound in the least visible manner possible. Her skill with skin cancer reconstruction is of the highest level on the Upper East Side.

Scarring and Skin Cancer Reconstruction

While Dr. Reitzen always puts the actual removal of the lesion first, she also knows that patients are concerned with how their skin will look after removal is complete. Wound closure performed with sensitivity and consideration for a patient’s face is an incredibly important part of the procedure. The less visible scarring is, the less the patient will be reminded of their lesion. For this reason, Dr. Reitzen keeps scarring as minimal as possible.

Before & After

Before and after skin cancer reconstruction

View Gallery

Methods for Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Every skin cancer reconstruction patient will be different, with a unique wound to repair of varying sizes, shapes, and challenges. Excellent results are often be achieved by moving tissue around (flaps), placing skin grafts, and using other plastic surgery techniques. Based on the individual traits of each wound, Dr. Reitzen may take one of the following approaches:

Skin Grafting: This method takes healthy skin from one part of the patient’s body and transfers it to cover the open wound.
Primary Closure: This method closes the edges of the open wound together and secures the edges with sutures.
Local Flap: This method is similar to skin grafting — taking skin from another area to cover the wound — except in a local flap, the skin is transferred with its blood supply intact. This means larger areas can be covered.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Surgery Details

Many times, skin cancer reconstruction can be performed in the office; however, larger reconstructions may require an outpatient hospital setting. The procedure is typically performed with the patient under local anesthesia with sedation. The lesion and the healthy skin that surrounds it will be excised with a scalpel, and then the remaining wound will be repaired. The surgery takes 1-3 hours.

“Very professional. I felt so comfortable and confident in my first visit. It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Shari Reitzen.”

Miguelina L.

Recovery and Results

Although every case is different, the majority of skin cancer reconstruction patients can return to work in 3-7 days. During recovery, you may have mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort.

You can take a shower the day following surgery; however, baths, pools/swimming, and hot tubs should be avoided for two weeks. It’s also important to take it easy and refrain from strenuous activity for two weeks. Be sure to follow Dr. Reitzen’s home care guidelines to keep scar visibility at its most minimal.

Why Choose Dr. Reitzen for Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

As an Upper East side ENT with both plastic and reconstructive surgery specialties, Dr. Shari Reitzen is the perfect choice for skin cancer reconstruction. She will apply great care and attention to detail when excising and repairing. Her goal is to keep you healthy and achieve natural-looking results, with a scar that is as invisible as possible. To book your consultation with her, reach out to us today.