The cause of most skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet or UV rays, which is known to impart damage to skin cells. Scientists agree that the free radicals in the sun’s UV rays are among the chief causes of skin cells genetically mutating into malignant cancer cells.
Following the removal of skin cancer, many patients want to restore their appearance and remove the scar or deformity left behind by the cancer treatment. Dr. Olga Bachilo at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Houston is a specialized plastic surgeon with extensive experience in reconstructive surgery performed on patients who have had skin cancer excisions.
There are three most common types of skin cancer, known as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They are categorized as follows:
is the least dangerous, but the most pervasive, type of skin cancer, although it can grow and spread quickly by gnawing away at neighboring cells and tissue as it expands, causing a sore or ulceration that may eventually pose a significant threat. When this cancer mutates and spreads, it usually becomes increasingly aggressive, growing and spreading more rapidly, and causing more severe damage, which may necessitate a more complicated treatment later on if not treated in time. This cancer usually appears and begins to develop slowly in the area of the scalp, face, neck, and ears, and may affect the chest, shoulders, arms and hands. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of skin cancer.
accounts for an estimated 20% of all cases of skin cancer, and is typically less dangerous than melanoma, but pose a dangerous threat to neighboring tissue if left untreated and it can migrate to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents a far more severe threat when it affects areas with mucous membranes, including the lips, eyelids, nostrils, sexual organs, or rectum.
is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can spread to other organs and body parts, for instance, the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, and brain. Although melanoma represents a mere 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma accounts for an alarming 75% of deaths resulting from skin cancer. Melanoma typically appears as a dark spot or lesion with rough edges, that begins to grow noticeably or changes color.
If you notice any dark spots or skin lesions, moles, or birthmarks that conform to the subsequent “ABCDE” list of descriptors, these should be immediately examined by a doctor and a biopsy performed to exclude the possibility of melanoma.
A: Asymmetrical shape
B: Borders marked by irregular, jagged, or scalloped edges
C: Color that varies between tan, brown, blue, and black in the same lesion
D: Diameter that grows in size or is larger than 6 mm
E: Evolution in shape, size, color, or appearance that may include crusting, scabbing, or ulceration.
When skin cancer invades a relatively large area, it usually requires extensive surgery to remove the malignant lesions. This surgery may leave skin cancer deformities that are visually unappealing and may even interfere with the comfort or normal functioning. Thanks to advanced skin cancer reconstructive surgery techniques, an experienced plastic surgeon can repair the affected area in order to restore its natural form, appearance, and function to a large degree.
If you are planning to have a cancerous lesion removed, speak with Dr. Bachilo beforehand to plan for your reconstruction treatment immediately following your procedure. Whenever possible, patients choose to undergo reconstructive surgery immediately or as soon as possible after excision surgery.
Several techniques may be used in reconstructive surgery, depending on the treatment area and condition. Dr. Bachilo will work closely with your oncology team to help you plan for your reconstructive surgery in the manner most beneficial for your condition, bearing in mind that performing the reconstruction surgery immediately may optimize healing and reduce the recovery period. Nonetheless, there are cases in which, due to a patient’s particular needs or situation, reconstruction surgery may need to be postponed or performed at a later date.
Most skin cancer excisions and reconstructions are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia in the comfort of the doctor’s office and require only minimal downtime. You will receive detailed post-operative care instructions following your procedure, explaining how long you must rest, when you can resume normal activities such as bathing, and when to see Dr. Bachilo for a follow-up appointment. Recovery time will vary, depending on the severity of the original surgery and the reconstructive process, but the focus will be on protecting the wound to ensure that the suture is not subjected to injury or impact. By carefully following all of Dr. Bachilo’s post-operative care instructions, you can optimize proper healing and minimize scar formation.
Need to schedule an appointment?
If you’re undergoing a skin cancer excision procedure and want to make sure that you have a competent plastic surgeon lined up for the reconstruction surgery, contact Dr. Olga Bachilo at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, where plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are provided with excellence for residents of Houston and nearby areas in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin Cancer reconstruction may be right for you if you’ve had to have a lesion removed due to a malignancy. Your dermatologist may refer you to see a plastic surgeon, or you may choose to consult with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Bachilo prior to undergoing skin cancer removal. During your introductory consultation with Dr. Olga Bachilo, she can inform you as to whether a Reconstructive Surgery would be suitable to treat your condition.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction aims to restore a patient’s normal appearance prior to the removal of cancerous lesions. In most cases, the procedure will greatly improve the appearance of the treatment site, but it may not fully restore the normal appearance of the site prior to the cancer treatment.
Once you meet with Dr. Bachilo, she will be able to evaluate and make expert recommendations on the best way to treat your condition. Dr. Bachilo will generally recommend the safest and most effective treatment method for your particular case.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction is a form of aesthetic surgery and should be performed by a skilled and licensed plastic surgeon. Choose a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in Reconstructive Surgery and ask to see Before and After photos of actual patients.
Costs for Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery will vary widely depending on the type of surgery performed, and the size and location of the treatment area. During your initial consultation with Dr. Bachilo, you will be informed as to the specifics regarding your reconstructive surgery and how much it will cost. Payment plans and financing options may also be discussed at this time.
Dr. Olga Bachilo, one of Houston’s best plastic and reconstructive surgeons, has earned an excellent reputation for her excellent work in Reconstructive Surgery thanks to the positive feedback and testimonials provided by her many patients.
Dr. Bachilo will work closely with your entire Oncology team to make sure that you receive the most up-to-date and appropriate Reconstructive treatment possible for your condition.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and usually takes place at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Dr. Bachilo’s medical facility in the Houston area, serving patients in Katy, Sugar Land, and neighboring communities near Houston.
In many cases, health insurance carriers, as well a Medicare, may cover a portion or all of the cost of Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery. Once your treatment plan has been determined, our staff can better inform you as to what may be covered by your insurance plan.
Yes, you may combine Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery with other cosmetic procedures. Dr. Bachilo may best advise you as to which procedures would be most appropriate in your case.
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