Plastic surgery for melanoma removal: what to know

Melanoma is removed with surgery planned around its depth, site and other clinical findings. The removed tissue is examined to assess the diagnosis and margins. A simple closure may be possible; a larger or awkward wound may need a flap or graft to protect function and cover exposed tissue.

Reconstruction does not replace cancer staging. Some people may be offered sentinel lymph node biopsy, and treatment decisions can include surveillance or medicines such as immunotherapy. The plan depends on pathology and whether melanoma has spread, including to distant organs.

Ask for the pathology plan, the expected shape and location of the scar, and whether reconstruction happens during the same operation. Give the team a complete medicine list and mention bleeding problems, allergies, smoking or vaping and previous healing difficulties. Attend scheduled reviews, protect the healing site from sun and check nearby skin as advised.

Call the surgical team for persistent bleeding, increasing pain, wound separation, spreading redness, pus, fever or a graft that changes colour. Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, a seizure, severe headache or new weakness. A changing mole or new skin spot also deserves prompt clinical review.

What margin and reconstruction are planned? Will I need staging tests or a sentinel lymph node biopsy? When will pathology be discussed? Which symptoms could suggest a wound problem, and what follow-up schedule should I expect?