Top-rated and Board Certified Reconstructive Surgeon

Reconstructive surgery restores form and function after skin cancer removal (Mohs surgery or standard excision) or after removal of other lesions. Techniques range from a simple line closure to skin flaps or grafts.

Your reconstruction is performed by our dermatologic surgery team, led by fellowship-trained Mohs/reconstructive surgeons. For select situations, we collaborate with subspecialists (e.g., oculoplastic, ENT, or plastic surgery).

Once all cancer is cleared, a tailored repair helps preserve normal movement (talking, blinking, smiling), protect vital structures, and achieve the best cosmetic outcome possible.

We consider the size, depth, and location of the wound, your skin’s laxity, and your personal goals. Options include:

• Secondary intention: allow to heal naturally (often excellent on concave areas).
• Primary linear closure: edges are brought together in a line.
• Skin flap: nearby skin is moved to cover the defect.
• Skin graft: skin is borrowed from another site and placed over the wound. We’ll show you diagrams/photos and recommend the approach that fits your case.

Usually yes—immediately after we confirm clear margins. Rarely, very complex repairs are scheduled within 24–72 hours or performed in staged steps.

Most reconstructions use local anesthesia only. You’ll feel pressure and movement but no sharp pain. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and managed with acetaminophen/ibuprofen unless restricted by your medical team.

All surgery leaves a scar. Our closures follow natural skin lines when possible, use fine suturing, and include after-care that helps scars mature and fade over several months. If needed, options such as silicone therapy, steroid injections, laser, or revision can be discussed later.

Bruising and swelling peak in 48–72 hours and improve over 1–2 weeks (facial sites may look “worse before better”). Most stitches are removed in 5–7 days on the face and 10–14 days on the body, but timing varies by repair.

For 1–2 weeks, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, bending/straining, or anything that raises blood pressure to the wound (this reduces bleeding and widens scars less). Location-specific instructions (nose, lip, eyelid, ear) will be reviewed with you.

Often after 24 hours if the dressing stays dry—or sooner with a waterproof covering. We’ll give written wound-care instructions (cleaning, ointment, dressing changes) at checkout.

Do not stop aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, DOACs, or other anticoagulants without the prescriber’s approval. We safely operate on most patients while they remain on these medications; expect a slightly higher chance of bruising.

Yes. Nicotine products and certain medical conditions slow healing. Please tell us about tobacco/vaping, diabetes, prior radiation, or transplant medicines so we can plan extra support. We strongly recommend nicotine cessation before and after surgery.

Common: temporary bruising, swelling, and scarring. Possible: bleeding, infection, widened or thickened scar, delayed healing, graft/flap failure (rare), or temporary/rarely permanent numbness or weakness near the site. We’ll discuss your specific risks before surgery.

Some nose/ear wounds benefit from cartilage support (from the ear) or multi-stage flaps to optimize function and shape. If needed, we’ll explain the sequence and timing up front.

Yes—reconstructive procedures after cancer removal are medically necessary and typically covered under your medical plan (copays/deductibles may apply). Cosmetic-only procedures are not covered.

You’ll leave with written instructions. In general: keep the area clean, apply a thin layer of ointment if directed, change dressings as instructed, and protect from sun. Call us if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or bleeding that doesn’t stop with firm pressure for 20 minutes.

Most patients do not need a driver after local anesthesia. If your repair could significantly swell the eyelids/lip or if you prefer sedation (rare), bring an adult driver.

Desk work: often 1–3 days. Public-facing roles or travel: consider 5–7 days to allow bruising/swelling to settle, especially for facial procedures.

Yes. Scars continue to remodel for 6–12 months. If a scar remains raised, thick, wide, or red, we can discuss silicone therapy, injections, laser, microneedling, or surgical refinement.

We provide a direct number for urgent concerns. Call if you have uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection.

Call our office or request an appointment online. Please mention prior biopsies, medications (especially blood thinners), and any upcoming travel so we can plan the best timing for you.