What should you know about facial melanoma surgery?

The surgeon reviews the biopsy, size and position of the melanoma before choosing an excision. The operation may use local or general anaesthesia, depending on the site and extent. Removing a margin of nearby skin helps address cells that cannot be seen. On the face, the closure is designed to respect natural lines and protect nearby structures such as the eyelid, nose, lips or ear.

The removed tissue is examined by a laboratory. Results can clarify whether the edges are clear and whether further treatment is needed. Some people are offered sentinel lymph node biopsy; others need only careful examinations, while more advanced disease may require oncology input.

Before surgery, tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, supplements, allergies and medical conditions. Plan transport if sedation or general anaesthesia is used. At home, follow directions for dressings, prescribed medicines and washing. Rest with the head raised if advised, avoid strenuous activity until cleared, and protect the healing area from direct sun.

Bruising, tightness, numbness or mild swelling can occur near the incision and may improve as healing progresses. Do not massage or use scar products until the clinician says the surface is ready. Keep every pathology and follow-up appointment.

Call the care team for persistent bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, severe or escalating pain, pus, fever, spreading redness or separation of the incision. Get urgent help for breathing trouble, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden vision change or new weakness of facial muscles. Report a new pigmented change, persistent sore or firm lump around the scar during follow-up.

Ask what the pathology shows, how much skin is expected to be removed, who will close the wound, what activity limits apply, how the scar will be reviewed, and whether lymph-node testing or oncology follow-up is appropriate.