EXCISION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SKIN CANCER

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WHAT IS EXCISION?WHEN SHOULD I HAVE AN EXCISION GENERAL INFORMATION RISKS AND SAFETY

WHAT IS EXCISION?

Excision refers to removal of a skin lesion by completely cutting it out. Dr van Rooyen tries to hide incision line in the natural creases of the face (This is not always possible). In some cases reconstruction is necessary through the use of skin flaps.

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE AN EXCISION?

Dr van Rooyen most commonly performs excision surgery on BBC (Basal Cell Carcinoma), SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinomas) or Melanomas. These types of skin cancers should be treated. usually our patients are referred to us by a skin specialist.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please take note of the following:

Your surgery will take place at the Cure Day Clinic Erasmuskloof.
The should be removed 5-7 days post procedure (Unless indicated otherwise by Dr van Rooyen).
Plasters/bandages can be removed 48 hours after surgery. The wound can then be washed with warm water and milk soap. (Unless otherwise indicated by Dr van Rooyen).
In most excision where reconstruction is required, Dr van Rooyen will use a skin flap. Make sure that you understand which parts of your body will be affected and what the expected results are.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee of complete satisfaction with the results. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

RISKS AND SAFETY

The decision to have reconstructive surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Surgery risks include:

Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Unfavorable scarring
Recurrent looseness of skin
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Asymmetry
Suboptimal aesthetic result
Possibility of revisional surgery
Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr van Rooyen.

Your surgeon can help you know what to expect from your surgery and be as prepared as possible. You should have realistic expectations of how the affected areas will look and feel after surgery, and understand the benefits and risks of the type of reconstruction you are having. Increase your chances for a successful outcome by following your surgeon’s instructions carefully.