Do Plastic Surgeons Remove Skin Cancer?

Do Plastic Surgeons Remove Skin Cancer?

A skin cancer diagnosis can be very stressful. The good news is that skin cancer research has successfully advanced treatment options, giving patients and surgeons more ways to move forward from a diagnosis. Let’s look at the surgeons qualified to remove skin cancer and the basics of Mohs surgery, a common removal technique. 

Can A Plastic Surgeon Remove Cancerous Skin Cells?

Several types of providers perform skin cancer removal. These doctors include surgical oncologists, dermatologists, and, yes, plastic surgeons. These providers have the skills and necessary medical backgrounds to perform your cancer removal procedure. In cases of a melanoma diagnosis, a surgical oncologist may be the best option. These surgeons can remove skin cells, along with affected lymph nodes, if necessary. This process helps ensure the complete removal of the cancerous area. 

What Is Mohs Surgery?

In cases of the most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most effective surgical technique is Mohs surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the affected skin cells and an additional thin layer of skin. They will then examine the skin cells through a microscope to see if the outer layer contains any cancer cells. What happens if your surgeon finds additional cells in the outer layer of the skin? They will remove and examine another thin layer, repeating this step until no cancerous cells remain. 

Is Skin Cancer Removal An Outpatient Surgery?

Typically, your surgeon can perform skin cancer removal on an outpatient basis, either in their office or a surgical center. After initial removal, you’ll wait while the surgery team preps the slides so your surgeon can closely examine the skin cells. You may have a while to wait between removal and examination, so bring someone along to keep you company or pack a book to keep you occupied while waiting.  If the surgeon identifies skin cancer on the outer layer of tissue, they may ask you to return to the operating room to remove additional layers. Once they no longer see signs of cancer in the most recent layer of skin, your surgeon will patch you up and send you home. 

Plastic Surgeon Or Dermatologist?

Is it better to choose a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for your skin cancer removal surgery? Both providers can remove skin cancer; however, choosing a plastic surgeon may have some added benefits. If the cancerous area needs reconstruction, it’s best to choose a plastic surgeon. They can successfully remove the cancer cells and immediately perform reconstructive surgery. If the cancerous area is prominent, your plastic surgeon will likely be able to reduce the appearance of scarring or other visible surgical signs. This choice will also save you from having two separate procedures. 

Choose The Right Provider For Skin Cancer Removal

Your dermatologist is an excellent choice to remove cancerous skin cells; however, if these cells are in a highly visible location on your face or body, you may want to opt for a plastic surgeon like Dr. Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts. Dr. Sessa can reconstruct the look of the cancerous area, if necessary, and potentially reduce the scarring left from cancer removal. If you have questions about our services or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sessa, you can call us at (941) 923-1736 or book your appointment online.