Skin cancers result from years of sun exposure either from recreational activities or working outdoors.

This type of procedure might be right for you if you've ever said:

"I have skin cancer and don’t want to pretend like it’s not there."

You’ve been recommended to see a plastic surgeon after your Moh’s procedure.

The cells in the skin develop mutations that allow them to grow unchecked and sometimes spread. For most types, early recognition and excision can result in high cure rates. More common and less aggressive basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas can sometimes be treated in the clinic or operating room, but for highly aggressive or more subtypes of skin cancer, the best treatment is located at regional cancer centers that we are happy to give you referrals to.

Our expertise

Dr. Elston has extensive experience in skin cancer removal and reconstruction from his training and academic appointment in southern Florida. He is comfortable removing skin cancer from anywhere on the body and has many strategies for optimizing the cosmetic appearance of the reconstruction.

The procedure

Most skin cancer excisions are performed in the clinic. The area is marked with the appropriate surgical margins and sent for pathology. Depending on the type of skin cancer, your reconstruction may be on a separate date to confirm that all cancer has been removed. If you already had your skin cancer removed by a dermatologist, reconstruction is performed by moving tissue around or borrowing a skin graft from another area on your body. Dissolvable sutures are used and a bandage is placed.

After surgery

For all patients receiving surgery, we recommend keeping the incisions protected with clothing or sunscreen to make the incisions look as nice as possible. When left out in the sun, scars will get darker and become more noticeable. For patients with skin cancers, this is even more important. If you have one skin cancer, you will almost certainly develop another one in the future, so it's vital to protect your skin from further damage with sunscreen and have regular screening with a board-certified dermatologist.