Skin cancer removal and reconstruction
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
There are different types of skin cancer including:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma.
Skin awareness and active protection is an essential part of daily life for all of us.
Awareness of your risk factors can help in minimising the risks.
Risks include: skin colour or type; exposure to UV radiation (sunburn and sunbed use); moles; work and lifestyle and family history. Patients who have a reduced immune system (medication or organ transplant for example) may also have increased risk.
In the event that a skin cancer may occur, plastic surgeons are often involved in the surgical excision and reconstruction of skin cancer.
Time in Theatre
30-90 mins
Return to work
3-5 days
Recovery time
2-4 weeks
£
Average cost
variable (many are covered by medical health insurance)
About Skin cancer removal and reconstruction
Excision and direct closure: lesion removed with a pre-determined margin and sutured to form a line scar.
Excision and skin graft: lesion removed and resultant defect closed with skin graft (piece of skin taken from another part of the body)
Excision and local flap: lesion removed and the resultant defect is closed by moving a piece of tissue with attached blood supply.