Non-Surgical/ Med Spa

Non-Surgical/ Medical Spa

Body

Plastic Surgery for the Body

Breast

Breast Procedures

Face

Facial Plastic Surgery

Male

Male Plastic Surgery

Hand/Reconstruction

Male Plastic Surgery

Category Archives: Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Reconstruction: What You Need to Know

The three common forms of this disease, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, may occur anywhere on the body. The first two, because they are related to sun exposure, are often found on the face or other highly visible areas. When skin cancer has become invasive to surrounding tissue, surgery is the most efficient method of getting rid of cancer cells. The benefit of skin cancer surgery is that it tends to have a very good prognosis. The downside is that a patient may be left with visible scarring. At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center offices in Pottsville and Hazleton, patients can explore their options for skin cancer reconstruction.

Goals of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer presents multiple challenges. First, the challenge of dealing with skin cancer itself. Then, the issue of appearance after skin cancer removal. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely undo the damage caused by skin cancer, and no surgery can be performed without some degree of scarring. This is where reconstruction comes in. A skilled plastic surgeon can reconstruct scars to significantly reduce their visibility. The goal of reconstruction is to do this while also restoring facial form to as close to normal as possible so patients can return to their daily life without concern about how others may see them.

The timing of reconstruction after skin cancer surgery may vary from one patient to another. Some dermatologists conducting skin cancer surgery advise patients to arrange reconstruction as early as the following day. Timing may depend on the type and extent of reconstruction that is needed. The type and extent of reconstruction are determined by several factors. These include the depth, location, and severity of the defect that is expected or has resulted from skin cancer and the surgery done to remove cancerous tissue.

Common techniques for skin cancer reconstruction include:

  • Primary repair, in which a circular scar is transformed into a straight scar.
  • Skin graft, which takes skin from another part of the body to replace the scar.
  • Local flap reconstruction, which repairs the scar using adjacent skin.
  • Nose reconstruction using tissue and, if needed, cartilage from other parts of the body.

Skin cancer reconstruction is a complex process, but one that can be managed extremely well by an experienced plastic surgeon. This follow-up treatment to skin cancer surgery can restore appearance and confidence. To learn more, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office.

It’s The Month To Be Skin Cancer Aware

skin cancerMay is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is essentially a lifestyle disease – a disease that is associated with the way a person lives. Preparing yourself with knowledge of skin cancer is a first step in your defense of this very common and serious disease. In fact, skin cancer is so common that one in five Americans will develop it in the course of their lifetime.

Ninety percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The good news is, skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early, but may be deadly if allowed to grow. There are several kinds of skin cancers. Basal Cell Carcinoma is one of them and is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. More than one in three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas.

What are basal cell carcinomas?

Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal, uncontrolled growths that usually develop on sun-exposed parts of your body, especially your head and neck. They can occur on any part of your body – even those that are rarely exposed to sunlight. They arise in your skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of your skin. Basal cell carcinomas almost never spread beyond the original site. However, they shouldn’t be taken lightly, because they can be disfiguring and may be deadly if not treated promptly.

Although a general warning sign of skin cancer is a sore that won’t heal or that repeatedly bleeds and scabs over, basal cell carcinomas may also appear as:

  • A flat, scaly, brown or flesh-colored patch on your back or chest.
  • A pearly white or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, on your face, neck or ears. The bump may bleed and develop a crust. In darker skinned people, this type of cancer may be brown or black.

Check your body…all of it. If you have a suspicious growth or have had basal cell carcinoma in the past, call to schedule an appointment, today, and approach the sunny days of summer skin cancer-free: Pottsville – (570) 622-2900; Hazleton – (570) 455-4252.

Contact Us

We'd Love to Hear from You

Specials Before and After Gallery Upcoming Events

TESTIMONIALS

What People Say About Us.

  • “I want to thank the staff for your help and concern in all aspects of my pre and post-op care. To Dr. Kimmel, I would like to thank you for your professionalism, kindness, sincerity, and beautiful work. I am extremely grateful.”

    - P.C. from Pottsville, PA

  • “I can’t imagine what could be improved! Dr. Kimmel, every staff member, and the CRNA were professional, caring, and considerate at all times. I can’t say enough how delighted I am with your care and my new body image! Thank you so much for everything!”

    - J.C. from Duschore, PA

  • “The services and care were excellent. There is no way to improve on the services and care at this surgical center. They are absolutely outstanding. Dr Kimmel was kind and took the time to explain everything thoroughly, and so was his entire staff kind and caring. I have nothing bur praise for all of them.”

    -S.S. from Tremont, PA

View All testimonials

TOUR

See the Office

Robert M. Kimmel, MD, FACS, PC BuildingTHE OFFICE

Keystone Surgery Center (KSC) is a free standing ambulatory surgery facility which includes two (2) operating suites, three (3) pre-operative and recovery bays and one (1) step-down unit.
Virtual Office Tour