Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Our oculofacial plastic surgeon offers the most advanced solutions in facial skin cancer reconstruction. After successful skin cancer treatment, the journey to full recovery often involves reconstructive surgery to restore facial appearance and function.

Elegant, Personalized Results After Mohs Surgery

Facial skin cancer typically requires surgery to remove the lesion, which could adversely affect the form and function of delicate areas such as the eyelids. If you need reconstructive surgery after skin cancer, award-winning oculofacial specialist Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, MD, can help. Our caring surgeon at New York Eye & Face in Westchester, NY, performs expert eyelid skin cancer reconstruction that minimizes scarring and optimizes function. Patients receive one-on-one, concierge care in a cutting-edge setting where their safety, well-being, and peace of mind are prioritized.

My father had Mohs repair for cancer on his eyelid. It was a traumatic experience for him. The doctor performed reconstructive surgery. The procedure went perfectly. When we had a concern, our doctor would respond within minutes. We highly recommend NY Eye & Face for your needs. 10 stars are more appropriate.

A.P.

What Type of Treatment Will I Need if I Have Facial Skin Cancer?

Typically, treatment for skin cancer involves surgically removing the lesion and any affected tissues. First, your surgeon obtains a biopsy (a sample of the suspicious skin lesion) to identify whether you have skin cancer and, if so, which type. If your biopsy confirms skin cancer, the next step is to remove the lesion, typically completed using the Mohs technique by a dermatologist. This method of surgery involves removing slices of tissue and examining them under a microscope each time to look for skin cancer cells. Your surgeon repeats this process until there are no skin cancer cells left. Mohs surgery is the best technique for minimizing scarring, which is particularly important when it comes to the face.

Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction Before & After Photos

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What Is Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

Facial skin cancer reconstruction is performed to prevent infection and optimize healing after the lesion or tumor has been removed. Your oculofacial plastic surgeon typically performs reconstruction on the same day as your Mohs surgery or sometimes on the following day.
Dr. Carniciu and her team at New York Eye & Face specialize in eyelid reconstruction surgery after skin cancer. There are several ways to reconstruct your eyelids, but your surgeon won't decide on the specific reconstruction plan until after your skin cancer removal surgery. Once the final defect size and location have been established, our oculoplastic specialist will use their expertise to create a plan that restores both function and form to your eyelids. Eyelid reconstruction surgery may involve:

Reattaching the remaining tissue
Rotating tissue next to the wound
Using tissue from another part of the eyelid
Taking a skin graft from near your ear or inner arm

Eyelid reconstruction surgery is an outpatient procedure for which you need a local anesthetic and/or IV sedation. You can go home on the same day.

What to Expect After Surgery

Patients may return home with a patch covering the treated area that should remain in place for approximately one week. Mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness may occur after eyelid surgery, with these symptoms peaking in the first postoperative week. Dr. Carniciu recommends remaining home to recover for approximately 7-10 days. Thereafter, most patients can comfortably return to work, provided that their jobs are not physically taxing or strenuous. During the recovery period, it’s best to avoid heavy exertion and the use of eye makeup. Sutures may be removed during the first postoperative visit in one week.

Why Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon for Skin Cancer Reconstruction

When treating skin cancer around the eyes, it is essential to have specialized surgical skills to preserve both function and appearance. Dr. Anaïs Carniciu is one of a select group of ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeons worldwide. Her extensive fellowship training involved thousands of eyelid and facial reconstructions, and she holds double board certification focused specifically on the eye area. In contrast, general plastic surgeons may lack the same level of concentrated experience with periocular cancers. Dr. Carniciu's expertise ensures that patients receive meticulous reconstruction that protects their vision while achieving natural and aesthetically pleasing results.