Body

Restoring Balance After Skin Cancer

Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery

Remove skin cancer with a focus on both successful cure and excellent aesthetic reconstruction — particularly important for lesions on the face.

Skin Cancer Surgery at a Glance

  • Overview

    Skin cancer surgery removes cancerous lesions from the skin. Our plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform this surgery or to coordinate with Mohs dermatologists to obtain clearance from cancer. We regularly handle the reconstruction phase — closing skin cancer defects with attention to both function and cosmetic appearance.

  • Recovery

    Recovery varies depending on the size and location of the lesion. Expect some temporary discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Most patients return to daily activities within a few days, with a full return to normal in a few weeks. Narcotic pain medication is rarely needed.

  • Results

    The goal is complete removal of all cancerous cells. The final result is a well-healed area, a carefully minimized scar, and a patient who is cancer-free.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are a candidate for skin cancer surgery if you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma that is amenable to surgical removal. The cancer removal can be performed by your plastic surgeon or by a Mohs dermatologist. Following the removal, our plastic surgeons reconstruct the resulting defect. The unique advantage of plastic surgeon reconstruction is extensive expertise in cosmetic harmony — particularly important for lesions on the face, hands, or other visible areas where simple closure could leave a noticeable distortion of features.

What Do Scars Look Like?

All surgical procedures leave a scar, but our plastic surgeons are dedicated to minimizing its appearance. We strategically place incisions in natural skin creases or folds and use advanced closure techniques — meticulous suturing or local skin flaps — to ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome. The resulting scar fades over time, and with proper aftercare and sun protection, becomes a minimal reminder of the procedure. We also offer laser therapies to further improve scar appearance after healing.

More Details About Skin Cancer Surgery

A Two-Part Procedure — Removal and Reconstruction

The Importance of a Complete Removal

Skin cancer surgery has one primary goal: ensuring all cancerous cells are removed. This is done by removing the lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue to ensure the margins are “clean” and that no cancer cells remain. This process is crucial to achieving a complete cure — and is one reason Mohs surgery (which checks margins layer by layer during surgery) is the gold standard for cancers on the face.

The Art of Reconstruction

The second half of skin cancer surgery is reconstruction. Once the cancer is removed, the remaining defect needs to be repaired. Our plastic surgeons have extensive training in reconstructive surgery and use a variety of techniques to close the wound — direct closure, skin grafts, or local flaps — chosen to preserve normal anatomy and produce the best possible cosmetic result. For visible areas like the face, this is where having a plastic surgeon’s eye on the reconstruction makes a meaningful difference in your long-term result.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD
Dr. Namkung MD

Why I work closely with Mohs dermatologists

The best outcomes in skin cancer surgery — especially on the face — come from a coordinated team approach. A Mohs dermatologist is uniquely trained to remove cancer with margin-by-margin pathology checks, ensuring the smallest possible defect with the cleanest possible cure. My role often begins after their work: I handle the reconstruction of the defect, which on a face can be the difference between a barely-visible scar and a deformity that bothers a patient for years. I work closely with the Mohs surgeons in our area, and patients are often scheduled for same-day or next-day reconstruction. The continuity matters — when the cancer team and the reconstruction team coordinate, the patient gets both pieces done well.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin Cancer Surgery Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Skin Cancer Surgery recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

After Treatment

Your wound will be bandaged, and you may experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling. You can return to light activities immediately.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

Any sutures will be removed. The incisions will start to heal.

3

3 – 4 Weeks

The area continues to heal and the scar starts to mature. You can return to a full exercise routine, but avoid strenuous activity that could put stress on the area.

4

6 – 12 Months

The scar will have fully matured to a fine line. The final results of your procedure are fully apparent.

Skin Cancer Surgery Pricing Estimates

$1,500 – $9,500 (often covered by insurance)

There are many factors that can affect pricing of procedures. After your initial consultation you will receive a complete quote.

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Pricing

How much does a Skin Cancer Surgery cost?

The cost of Skin Cancer Surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and your individual goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan and provide a detailed quote.

Your Surgeons

Jane Namkung, MD

Jane Namkung

MD

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Skin Cancer Surgery with our board-certified surgeons.

(360) 823-0860 Request Consultation