Skin care reconstruction

Skin care reconstruction restores facial skin and nearby soft tissue after skin cancer removal or injury. A wound or scar may affect appearance, comfort, movement, or the shape of the nose, eyelid, ear, cheek, or lip. Cancer treatment may leave a defect after the surgeon confirms the tumor is removed. Reconstruction focuses on protecting function while helping the repaired area fit with surrounding skin; the approach depends on the location, size, depth, and tissues involved.

A consultation includes a review of your medical history, prior cancer or injury treatment, the wound or scar, and your concerns about appearance and function. Your care team may coordinate with dermatology, oncology, or another surgeon when appropriate. Depending on the defect, options can include natural healing, stitches, rearranging nearby skin, or a skin graft; later scar refinement may also be discussed. The plan is individualized, with benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives explained before treatment.