Reconstructive Surgery
When surgery is involved as part skin cancer treatment, it can leave behind significant skin damage, but we can help restore the skin’s appearance.
What Is Reconstructive Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is a skin cancer treatment technique that may be performed during the initial skin cancer surgery, or after the skin cancer has been completely treated. Since skin often needs to be removed to eliminate cancerous cells, it is common for patients to be left with some degree of scarring or skin damage. Reconstructive surgery can replace lost skin tissue to minimize scarring and preserve the appearance of the skin.
Reconstructive Surgery FAQs
The cost of your reconstructive surgery will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary. At Goodman Dermatology, we understand that each patient is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. We can provide a more accurate cost for treatment after we assess your treatment goals and develop your treatment plan. During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and come up with an exact cost. To make our treatments more affordable for our patients, we are proud to offer financing options through CareCredit.
Reconstructive surgery may be performed during the skin cancer removal surgery, but it may also be delayed until the body has healed from the initial procedure. Small wounds will be stitched and allowed to heal, but large wounds may require skin grafts. This involves taking skin from a donor site on the body. The location of the donor site will vary depending on the patient and the area being treated. Once the skin is taken from the donor site, it will be placed on the treatment area to provide a healthy layer of skin where severe scarring may otherwise occur.
The side effects from reconstructive surgery will vary depending on the extent of treatment performed. Since skin grafts will involve surgery in two separate areas, it is common to experience bruising, soreness, swelling, and discomfort in both treatment areas.
The downtime from reconstructive surgery will vary depending on the extent of treatment performed, as well as the location of treatment. Many patients choose to take several days off of work and other activities to allow the body to heal. However, you should be able to return to most normal activities within days or weeks of treatment.
It can be difficult to completely eliminate scarring from skin cancer treatment, but reconstructive surgery can make a significant improvement in the appearance of the skin following skin cancer surgery. The goal is to provide you with the most natural appearance possible, so that you can feel confident returning to your usual routine after the completion of skin cancer treatment.
Are you considering reconstructive surgery at Goodman Dermatology? We serve the north metro Atlanta and North Georgia areas and many surrounding cities. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!