Skin Cancer Surgery

Surgery can be used to treat a number of skin conditions. For this reason, the process is not the same for every patient and procedure. It’s important to talk to our dermatologist prior to your surgery to ensure you know what to expect. In most cases, a local anesthetic will be used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Following the surgery, our dermatologist will give you information about the recovery process.  Some minor discomfort or soreness throughout the recovery process is to be expected. However, if you experience any concerning signs or symptoms please contact us. For more information about our surgical services near you, call AVIVA Dermatology. Our dermatologist, Dr. Simone Stalling, is here to help with all of your skincare needs.

There are several surgical options for treating skin cancer, depending on the tumor type, size, and location. The most common procedure is excisional surgery, where the dermatologist removes the cancerous lesion and a healthy tissue margin. Mohs surgery is a highly precise method often used for high-risk areas, such as the face. The procedure involves carefully removing the tumor one layer at a time, with each layer examined under a microscope to ensure no cancer cells remain before continuing. Additional choices include cauterization, curettage, and electrodesiccation, which involve scraping the tumor away, and cryosurgery, which freezes and kills aberrant cells using liquid nitrogen.

Mohs surgery is a very successful treatment for skin cancer, especially squamous and basal cell carcinoma, in specific areas of the face, neck, and hands that are susceptible to cosmetics. During Mohs surgery, the dermatologist removes the tumor in very thin layers, examining each layer under a microscope for cancer cells. 

The team continues this process until they remove all the cancerous tissue. Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%) while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, making it ideal for areas where aesthetics is concerned. It’s applied to tumors with ill-defined boundaries, large lesions or recurring skin malignancies.

Preparation for skin cancer surgery is straightforward but important for a smooth procedure. Your dermatologist will review your medical history and discuss any medications you’re taking, including blood thinners, which may need to be held before surgery. Fasting is typically unnecessary because local anesthetic is employed, depending on the tumor’s size and location. Choose comfortable clothing, particularly if your face or neck will be exposed during the procedure. If the treatment involves a larger area or could cause discomfort, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

Recovery from skin cancer surgery varies depending on the procedure and the size of the area treated. After surgery, you might notice some swelling, redness, or mild discomfort, which you can manage using over-the-counter pain relief and ice packs. Your dermatologist will provide instructions on caring for the surgical site, including keeping the area clean, changing bandages, and avoiding sun exposure. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, although they should avoid strenuous activities until fully healed. Scarring is expected but techniques are used to minimize scarring.  Follow-up appointments and annual skin cancer screenings will ensure proper healing and to prevent future skin cancers.