Skin Cancer Reconstruction Scottsdale

About skin cancer reconstruction

Choosing to have reconstructive plastic surgery after a Mohs skin cancer treatment can provide freedom after skin cancer. Many patients, after the trauma of dealing with skin cancer, go on to experience further discomfort and self-consciousness due to facial scarring. Skin cancer removal surgery can often leave unattractive and sometimes very deep scars or facial deformities. In seeking a plastic surgeon to perform reconstruction, it is critical to find the right provider.

Dr. Sidney Starkman is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ who specializes in post-skin cancer treatment facial reconstruction. With his experience and skill, he can artfully repair the integrity of your facial skin by concealing small or large areas of tissue loss, as well as removing or reducing the appearance of scar tissue.

Dr. Starkman can work with your Mohs surgeon to deliver immediate reconstruction, or he can repair an existing defect. In any case, if you are interested in skin cancer reconstruction, please call Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation.

Ideal candidates for skin cancer reconstruction

Skin cancer patients of all ages who have undergone the Mohs treatment are candidates for reconstructive facial plastic surgery. To be eligible for this surgery, you must be cancer-free, in good mental health, and have no active infection. Dr. Starkman also personally performs limited types of Scottsdale skin cancer reconstruction on the face and neck, which he can then repair and reconstruct.

Ideal candidates for skin cancer reconstruction may have:

Scars or facial deformation from Mohs surgery
Lesions caused by radiation
Depressions left by the removal of large moles
Certain types of skin malignancies on the face or neck. During your initial consultation, Dr. Starkman will determine if he can excise the skin cancer himself. He may refer you to a Mohs surgeon.

Schedule A Consultation

Surgical technique during skin cancer reconstruction

Dr. Starkman commonly receives referrals from general surgeons for their post-Mohs patients. Often, reconstruction surgery can be performed within a day of your Mohs surgery—or, it can be performed all in one surgery! During your consultation with Dr. Starkman, he will talk with you about the various surgical techniques he uses and discuss the best method or methods for your treatment.

Skin cancer plastic surgery is highly individualized, and depending on the wound(s), can involve a skin graft, the local flap technique, adjacent tissue transfer, stitching, or surgical closure. It is possible that you may need to have surgeries in stages, depending on the complexity or severity of your particular case.

Skin cancer reconstruction can last from 30 minutes to three hours and is performed in our on-site operating room with local and/or twilight anesthesia. Dr. Starkman's procedures typically heal nicely with the incisions well hidden; however, patients can request CO2 laser resurfacing if they feel their scars could be further reduced. Laser resurfacing should be scheduled six weeks or more after the reconstruction surgery.

Contact the office of Dr. Starkman to receive some of the best skin cancer reconstruction Scottsdale has to offer.

What to expect following skin cancer reconstruction

Skin cancer reconstruction is performed as an outpatient procedure in our Scottsdale surgery center, allowing you to recover comfortably at home. You will need to keep your incisions covered for a few days, as well as use a topical ointment and ice packs for infection and swelling.

Our office will provide a full list of aftercare instructions to ensure the recovery goes as planned. We will also schedule your follow-up appointments, allowing Dr. Starkman to monitor the healing process.

It is also important that you sleep sitting up, or with your head above your heart, and avoid any strenuous exercise for 2 – 3 weeks. Protecting your skin from sun exposure is also crucial, so you will need to use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face. The results of your reconstructive surgery should begin to be visible within 2 – 3 weeks. You will look and feel better each day as your incisions heal, and patients typically see their ultimate outcome after about six months. However, it is important to remember that scars can last a year or more.

Gallery Enter

FAQ

How much does skin cancer reconstruction cost?

Your cost for skin cancer plastic surgery will depend on how many areas of the face need to be treated and which techniques are used. Skin cancer reconstruction is often covered by your insurance provider. During your consultation with Dr. Starkman, he will go over your options and create your treatment plan. Once your plan is completed, he will be able to more accurately discuss the cost. Our office accepts most medical financing options, including CareCredit.

Will I have scars?

There will be some scarring, but it will be significantly less than the initial defect. The first sign of results will come after about three weeks, and every day after that will bring further improvement. Scars, depending on their severity, can last a year or longer, but you should be able to see your final outcome by around six months after your reconstruction surgery. Dr. Starkman's procedures typically heal nicely with the incisions well hidden; however, patients can request to have CO2 laser resurfacing if they feel their scars could be further reduced. Laser resurfacing can be scheduled approximately six weeks after the reconstruction surgery.

Why is a plastic surgeon better than a dermatologist?

Dermatologists and general surgeons are definitely qualified to remove skin cancer growths. However, plastic surgeons, especially facial plastic surgeons, are highly trained in preserving the appearance of skin and ensuring the most natural-looking results. For complex reconstructive surgery, it is best for patients to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure their incisions are closed cleanly and evenly.

When should I have my skin cancer reconstruction surgery?

Dr. Starkman often receives referrals for reconstruction surgery from dermatologists performing Mohs treatments. Through this type of referral, or on your own, it is best if you make an appointment with Dr. Starkman before your skin cancer removal procedure so he can coordinate with your doctor. The timing of reconstruction surgery varies by patient, but it can be done on the same day as the removal procedure, the day after, or much later. Some patients wait to see how their removals will heal naturally before deciding to have reconstructive plastic surgery.

Dr Sidney Starkman is an innovative, brilliant facial plastic surgeon! His attention to every detail with compassion is very reassuring and encouraging while constantly being so very sincerely patient!

What an excellent experience I had at Starkman Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery! Dr. Starkman is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. He was willing to answer all my questions and I never felt rushed. Most importantly, I was thrilled with the results of the procedure I had done!

I had some questions throughout the process of my consultation and appointment. Dr. Starkman and his staff were very knowledgeable and accommodating. They took their time answering my questions and addressed any concerns I had.

EXCELLENT experience with Dr. Sid Starkman...new to Scottsdale! You can trust him because he comes to us with knowledge, experience, a caring demeanor and professional! I was more than satisfied with my procedure there and I know you will be, too..whatever you choose to do!

Positive experience from the referral. The Dr was able to fit me in the same day I was referred. The office is clean and modern. I really enjoyed not filling out ANY paperwork. Everything was electronic. Dr Starkman has a kind, straightforward demeanor.

Reconstruction after Mohs

If you are seeking reconstruction following skin cancer removal surgery, it is crucial that you choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Starkman specializes in facial plastic surgery and has years of experience with facial reconstruction. Contact Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ for a consultation today.