Protect your health while preserving what makes you look like you. At Nadia MD Facial Plastic Surgery, board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Nadia Mostovych treats skin cancer with meticulous precision and immediate reconstructive planning. Every treatment plan supports safety, natural contours, and discreet healing.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, most often due to cumulative or intense sun exposure. It can appear as new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an existing skin spot. While many skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early, some types can be aggressive and require prompt and thorough treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and typically grows slowly. It may appear as a pearly bump, a flat scar-like area, or a sore that repeatedly heals and reopens. Although it rarely spreads, it can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a firm, red bump or a scaly, crusted lesion. It develops from prolonged sun exposure and tends to grow faster than BCC. Early treatment is important, as squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to spread to nearby tissues.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common but the most serious type of skin cancer due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body. It often begins as a changing mole or dark, irregular lesion. Early detection and surgical excision are critical to achieving the best possible outcome.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer:
- A sore or lesion that does not heal or repeatedly scabs and reopens
- A new growth that increases in size, thickness, or elevation over time
- Changes in an existing mole, including asymmetry, irregular borders, or uneven color
- A pearly, translucent, or waxy bump on sun-exposed areas of the face
- A flat, scaly, or crusted patch that may bleed, itch, or feel tender
- Darkly pigmented spots or streaks that appear suddenly or evolve quickly
- Redness, swelling, or irritation extending beyond the edge of a lesion
Your Skin Cancer Reconstruction Options
Your care begins with a comprehensive, unhurried consultation with Dr. Mostovych. She carefully examines the lesion, reviews prior biopsies or pathology, assesses surrounding skin quality, and considers the lesion’s size, depth, location, and behavior. From there, she curates a surgical plan that prioritizes cancer removal while protecting facial structure and function.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves removing the skin cancer along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete clearance. This approach is commonly used for melanoma and many cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. After removal, the tissue is sent for pathology confirmation to determine if any cancer cells remain.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a highly precise, staged technique most often used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in delicate facial areas. During this technique, the cancer cells are removed layer by layer, with each layer examined immediately until clear margins are confirmed. This method preserves as much healthy tissue as possible.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Reconstruction is planned with the same intention as cancer removal itself. Dr. Mostovych evaluates the size, depth, and location of the defect, along with your skin tone, texture, and natural facial contours. She walks you through each reconstruction option, explains expected healing and scarring, and involves you closely in the decision-making process.
Linear Closure
Linear closure is used for smaller defects surrounded by healthy, flexible skin. The incision is carefully placed along natural creases or relaxed skin tension lines, allowing the wound edges to come together smoothly. Dr. Mostovych minimizes tension during closure to support optimal healing and help the scar fade discreetly over time.
Local Flap
A local flap reconstruction is chosen when simple closure would create too much tension or distortion. During this procedure, the nearby skin is gently repositioned and rotated to fill the defect while maintaining natural color, thickness, and blood supply. This technique is especially effective on the face, where preserving contour and symmetry is essential.
Skin Graft
Skin grafts are used when local tissue cannot adequately close the wound without altering the surrounding anatomy. During this reconstruction technique, skin is carefully taken from another area of the body and secured over the defect. As healing progresses, the graft integrates with nearby tissue, restoring coverage while maintaining structural integrity.
Benefits of Reconstruction After Skin Cancer:
- Restores natural facial contours and symmetry after cancer removal
- Minimizes visible scarring through carefully planned closure techniques
- Preserves facial function, including movement, sensation, and expression
- Uses surrounding tissue that closely matches color, texture, and thickness
- Reduces wound tension to support smoother, more predictable healing
- Provides emotional closure after skin cancer reconstruction
Skin Cancer Reconstruction FAQs
Will All Skin Cancers Require Reconstruction?
Not always. Smaller lesions may be closed directly with minimal reconstruction. Larger or deeper cancers, especially on the nose, lips, eyelids, or cheeks, benefit from reconstructive planning to preserve facial structure and achieve the most natural-looking results.
Is Mohs Surgery Always the Best Option?
Mohs surgery is ideal for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in visible or delicate facial areas, because it preserves healthy tissue. However, it is not appropriate for all cancers. Melanoma, for example, typically requires wide surgical excision instead.
What Will My Scar Look Like After Treatment?
Scars are inevitable with any surgery, but the placement and technique matter enormously. Dr. Mostovych designs incisions along natural lines and uses layered closure to minimize tension. Over time, scars typically soften, fade, and blend more naturally into surrounding skin.
Can Skin Cancer Come Back After Treatment?
While surgical treatment is highly effective, no method offers a 100% guarantee. Regular skin checks and sun protection are essential. Dr. Mostovych recommends long-term monitoring to catch any new or recurring lesions early, when they are easiest to treat.
Request a Consultation
Dr. Nadia Mostovych is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who approaches skin cancer care with precision and a meticulous focus on natural results. She treats every patient like family: taking the time to listen, educate, and plan thoughtfully, from cancer removal through reconstruction. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, schedule your consultation with Dr. Mostovych in Bend, Oregon, promptly.
