skin cancer…

Although skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, it is fortunately very treatable.  Because a large percentage of skin cancers occur on the face, a plastic surgeon is often asked to surgically excise the cancer so as to minimize scarring and risk of distortion to surrounding facial structures such as the eyelid or nose.  In other situations, a dermatologist may prefer to perform the skin cancer removal but involve a plastic surgeon in the reconstruction once the cancer is successfully eradicated.  In some cases these reconstructions can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.  If however the defect is sizable or involves a specialized area like the eyelid, surgery may need to be performed under general anesthesia.

Diagnosis and Screening: If there is a history of skin cancer in your family or you have had prolonged sun exposure over your lifetime, skin cancer screening can save your life. A thorough top to toe exam is performed and any suspicious skin lesions can be biopsied and treated. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring are very important aspects of skin cancer screening and avoidance of serious conditions.