Skin Cancer Reconstruction
- Dr. Jeffrey Harmon works closely with dermatology to coordinate skin cancer reconstruction surgery soon after removal of the skin cancer
- Patients have the benefit of a double board certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgery performing an as aesthetically pleasing repair as possible
- Skin cancer reconstruction surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the planned reconstruction and patient specific factors
Contact Us
What is Skin Cancer Reconstruction?
Skin cancer reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which a soft tissue defect created after Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer is repaired using nearby tissue. Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for skin cancer removal performed by fellowship-trained dermatologists. One potential benefit of Mohs surgery for specific skin cancer types is that the size of the defect may be more limited compared with more traditional approaches to skin cancer removal.
Skin cancer can be found anywhere on the face and neck. The location of the soft tissue defect, its size, and its depth determine the most appropriate approach to repair. Repair approaches can range from approximating skin on either side of the defect, to advancing or rotating adjacent skin and other tissue into the defect, to moving larger and more complex tissue "flaps" from more distant locations in the face and neck. Some patients require only one procedure to complete the repair. Other patients require two or more procedures to complete the repair.
What Conditions Does the Procedure Address?
Skin cancer reconstruction helps address areas with missing soft tissue after Mohs dermatological surgery for certain skin cancer types. The missing tissue can include skin, fat, muscle, cartilage, and other connective tissue, depending on how invasive the cancer is. The purpose of skin cancer reconstruction is to match as closely as possible the color, texture, thickness, functionality, and overall shape of the area being repaired while minimizing the effect of the surgery on other areas.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
The desire for youthfulness is understandable. There is no area more important than the face. After all, the face cannot be hidden. It is how we present ourselves to the world. Dr. Harmon works with a refined eye and trained hands to develop a personalized treatment plan with you, utilizing advanced techniques in surgical and non-surgical care of the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair.
Fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons have a unique specialized skill set in performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair. The pathway to becoming a facial plastic surgeon begins with five years of rigorous training in head and neck surgery. This training is focused on all aspects of surgery for the head and neck, in addition to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
A small pool of top performing graduates from head and neck surgery programs are then selected to complete sub-specialty training as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Harmon completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery through the AAFPRS with the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jacono is world renowned for developing the extended deep plane facelift technique. Dr. Harmon is one of the few surgeons in the world, and the only surgeon in the Cincinnati area, fellowship trained in this technique by Dr. Jacono.
Quad A Accredited Surgery Suite
Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to have a Quad A accredited operating room and facility in our office. Our single-physician, single-specialty facility meets or exceeds the strict guidelines and high standards set forth by Quad A, demonstrating our strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in surgical care. We utilize the services of board-certified anesthesiology physicians only as well as our own personal clinical support staff to ensure the most comfortable, safest experience for our clients.
Overview of the Procedure
The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery works tirelessly to prepare patients well for their procedure. The time spent with patients and resources provided facilitates a smooth transition from the procedure through recovery. The following overview is a broad summary of the information provided to patients:
Procedure Consultation
Expect a detailed, informative discussion with Dr. Harmon about your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and goals.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Patients receive a packet with detailed pre-operative instructions prior to surgery. This packet includes information on what supplements and medications to hold prior to surgery, activity restrictions, and what supplies are necessary for post-operative recovery. Prescriptions are sent prior to surgery with instructions on their use. Finally, if medical clearance is required, a form detailing the necessary clearance and testing is provided to present to their primary care provider.
Day of Treatment
Patients are instructed to arrive at the office in comfortable clothes. The surgical plan is discussed with the patient in detail. Paperwork is completed. Photos are usually taken pre-operatively. Finally, the patient meets the surgical team, which may include nurses, anesthesiologists, and/or scrub technologists, depending on the procedure(s) and type of anesthesia used.
Follow-Up Appointment
Sutures are usually removed approximately seven (7) days after surgery. Subsequent follow up appointments depend on how the patient is healing.
Social Readiness
The extent of skin cancer reconstruction and patient specific factors determine the time frame in which patients feel ready to socialize. Most patients feel ready to socialize by approximately fourteen (14) days after surgery. Swelling and bruises are expected after surgery. Swelling is generally significantly improved by seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after surgery. The extent of bruises can vary but are usually significantly improved by seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after surgery. Swelling and bruises will resolve over the ensuing days and weeks. The incisions will continue to heal for months after surgery.
Candidates for Skin Cancer Reconstruction Surgery
Candidates for skin cancer reconstruction include those patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma and will be undergoing Mohs dermatological surgery to remove it
- Have been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma and will be undergoing Mohs dermatological surgery to remove it
Candidates range in age from their twenties (20s) to their eighties (80s). A consultation is essential to determine candidacy for the procedure, because there may be factors that preclude this procedure for certain individuals. A consultation is also essential to establish a tentative surgical plan. However, the final surgical plan cannot be determined until after the skin cancer is removed. Reasonable expectations must be established about what cancer reconstruction surgery can and cannot accomplish. Results can vary, as with all facial plastic surgery procedures.
Benefits of Skin Cancer Reconstruction Surgery
The potential benefits of skin cancer reconstruction surgery include repair of a soft tissue defect with as close as possible match to the original:
- Color
- Texture
- Thickness
- Functionality
- Shape
Risks of Skin Cancer Reconstruction Surgery
The potential risks of scar revision include, but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Abnormal scaring
- Nerve damage
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals with a personalized consultation. Dr. Harmon will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert care can make a difference.
FAQ
What type of anesthesia is required?
Most skin cancer reconstruction can be performed under local anesthesia or under IV sedation. Some individuals may require general anesthesia.
Is skin reconstruction a painful procedure?
Facial plastic surgery procedures are generally well-tolerated by patients and typically involve little pain, especially when compared with surgery on other areas of the body. Patients are usually prescribed just a small amount of pain medication for after surgery. In fact, we have found most use only over-the-counter pain medication including acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen after surgery instead. And those who do use the prescribed pain medication usually only use it the first night after surgery. With that in mind, it is important to note that every patient perceives and processes pain differently. Some patients have a high pain tolerance. Others may be more predisposed to be more sensitive to pain. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery are focused on balancing minimizing post-operative discomfort and maximizing safety.
How quickly after cancer removal is the area repaired?
Our goal with any repair after excision of a skin cancer is that it been completed on the same day the excision was performed. However, there may be instances where this is not possible, in which case the repair would be completed the following day.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.