Plastic surgery for skin cancer: what to know

The cancer surgeon first removes the visible tumour with a planned margin of surrounding tissue. A plastic or reconstructive surgeon may then close the area directly, rearrange nearby skin in a flap, or use a skin graft from another body site. The choice depends on the wound's size, depth, location, skin quality and the need to protect nearby structures such as the eyelid, nose or ear.

The laboratory examines removed tissue to check the edges. Reconstruction can improve function and contour, but the scar continues to mature after surgery and may change in colour, firmness and visibility over time. Treatment differs for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Ask who will remove the cancer, who will reconstruct the wound, and how pathology results will guide the next step. Share medicines, allergies, smoking or vaping, previous wound-healing problems and any blood-thinning treatment. Follow instructions for dressing care, bathing, activity and sun protection. Keep follow-up appointments so the wound and cancer margins can be reviewed.

Contact the surgical team promptly for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, rapidly increasing swelling, wound separation, spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, fever or a flap or graft that becomes unusually pale, dark or cold. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, faintness or uncontrolled bleeding.

Which reconstruction fits this body site? How will you confirm the cancer has been fully removed? Where might a graft or flap come from, and what scar care will I need? What changes should make me call the team?