It is a privilege to team up with dermatologists to assist in the treatment of skin cancer. As a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I am enlisted to repair particularly sensitive, aesthetically important areas of the face, such as the nose. Seek a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon if you have concerns about your face or neck.
How I Work with Dermatologists to Repair Skin Cancer Defects
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon
1. A Patient is Evaluated and Diagnosed with Skin Cancer by a Dermatologist
A patient is first evaluated by a dermatologist, who identifies an area of concern and biopsies it. If that biopsy returns as skin cancer, the patient is usually referred to another dermatologist who specializes in a surgery called Mohs. Mohs surgery involves the careful removal of skin cancer, layer-by-layer in all directions, until there is no longer cancer present at the margins of the removed tissue.
The area where the skin cancer was removed then needs to be repaired using tissue (e.g., skin, fat, muscle, mucosa) from other areas of the face immediately adjacent to the defect, within the region of the face, or farther away. My services are often enlisted by the dermatologist to perform the repair.
2. The Patient Comes to Me for a Consultation
Next, I have an opportunity to meet with the patient in consultation. I perform a detailed history and physical examination. The depth and extent of the defect is not clear prior to Mohs surgery. As a result, we discuss a range of options to treat the predicted defect. We always discuss the possibility that the defect will be deeper and/or wider than anticipated. As a result, it is important to have not only a “Plan A” but also a “Plan B” and “Plan C” for the repair. These plans are discussed with the patient.
3. The Dermatologist and I Coordinate a Date for Surgery
My office then coordinates with the dermatologist’s office to determine the most appropriate date for surgery. The patient undergoes Mohs surgery with dermatology in the morning. Our goal is to schedule the repair in the afternoon on the same day as the Mohs surgery. However, the repair can usually be scheduled for the following day if necessary.
4. I Manage the Post-Operative Incision Care
I manage the post-operative care of the patient. This includes suture removal and care of the incision(s).
Some patients need multiple, staged procedures to complete the repair. The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery work to make the initial and any subsequent procedures as convenient as possible.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more!
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.