Is reconstruction immediate?

Often yes for straightforward defects. If margins are uncertain, reconstruction may wait for pathology.

Will there be a scar?

Every excision leaves a scar. Flaps hide scars in natural lines when possible.

Do I still need oncology?

Melanoma and some squamous cancers need multidisciplinary follow-up. That is coordinated with pathology.

Can all facial defects be hidden?

Not always. Function of eyelids, lips and nose comes first; appearance is optimised around that.

Skin cancer reconstruction

Op. Dr. Halil Işık, Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Kadıköy.

Medical content: Op. Dr. Halil Işık · Last updated: 6 October 2026

Plastic surgery contributes to skin cancer care by removing lesions with appropriate margins and reconstructing the defect so that function (eyelid, lip, nose) and appearance are preserved as far as possible.

Who it may be for

Patients with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma or other tumours referred after dermatologic diagnosis. Pathology dictates margin and staging.

How the procedure is performed

Excision is followed by direct closure, skin graft or local/regional flap. Complex facial units may need staged reconstruction. Frozen section or delayed reconstruction is used when margins must be confirmed.

Recovery

Wound care, suture removal and pathology results determine next steps. Sun protection is lifelong. Oncology follow-up may be needed.

Risks and consultation

Incomplete margin, recurrence, flap or graft loss, asymmetry and further surgery are possible. Cancer treatment takes priority over pure aesthetics.

Frequently asked questions

Is reconstruction immediate?: Often yes for straightforward defects. If margins are uncertain, reconstruction may wait for pathology.
Will there be a scar?: Every excision leaves a scar. Flaps hide scars in natural lines when possible.
Do I still need oncology?: Melanoma and some squamous cancers need multidisciplinary follow-up. That is coordinated with pathology.
Can all facial defects be hidden?: Not always. Function of eyelids, lips and nose comes first; appearance is optimised around that.

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This page is for general information. Your plan, if any, is decided after examination.

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This content is educational and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary. No outcome can be guaranteed.