What results should I expect after skin cancer removal?

Your plastic surgeon can treat your skin cancer by surgically removing cancerous skin and closing the resulting wound. Some forms of skin cancer require additional treatment such as radiation therapy.

Your physician will advise you about any postoperative treatment recommendations. Follow-up is extremely important for early detection of any new skin lesions.

Reconstruction closes the skin cancer defect, but no reconstruction is perfect. Visible scars will always remain at incision sites. You may also see textural, color or other visible differences of the skin in reconstructed areas.

In some cases, treating your skin cancer can be disfiguring to your appearance.

Although every effort is made to restore your appearance as closely and naturally as possible, the most important factor is that your skin cancer is effectively removed.

Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.