Skin cancer can affect people of all ages, races, and skin tones. Most types of skin cancer affect areas which have been exposed frequently to sunlight that is not protected by proper sun block. The face is one area on the body where tumor is frequently found.

Even though most skin cancers are benign and easily contained, the consequences of treatment can lead to unsightly blemishes especially upon the face. So, many individuals consider facial plastic surgery after cancer treatments.

Treatments and Scars

Different tumor treatments leave different types of marks. For instance, cryosurgery (freezing of the lesion), kills the cancer and the surrounding skin which can slough off leaving a small, white scar. Curettage and electrodessication leaves a similar type of scar as cryosurgery. A more traditional method of excising the lesion and surround tissue can lead to even larger marks.

Plastic Surgery

Because of the process to remove the cancer, the surrounding and underlying health tissues are damaged by the surgeon. This is necessary to removing the cancerous growth. Rarely will the physician that is treating you for cancer also be specialized in plastic surgery for scar removal.

It is therefore advised that you seek out a qualified surgeon to perform the desired cosmetic surgery. Any time tissue is damaged (whether through treatment or injury) it damages the superficial and underlying tissues causing scars. The difficulty of removing the scars depends on location, size, and color of the blemish.

Different methods are used for different types of scars. First, dermabrasion can be used to soften and shrink the scar by removing several layers of the disfigurement. The blemishes can also be excised out through traditional cosmetic surgery such as a lift procedure where the wound is removed and the healthy skin is brought together.

If there is not enough skin to bring together, a graft can be used to supplement the necessary tissue. Another method called the Z-plasty attempts to move the disfigurement from a prominent position to a natural skin fold or crease. Although this does not remove the scar, it minimizes it.

Because of the precision, talent and skill of cosmetic surgeons, scarring after skin cancer treatment can be minimized. If you are or will be going through cancer treatments contact a plastic surgeon to see what options are available. The physician, who is treating you for malignant cells may even have some recommendation on whom to visit.