Feel Good in Your Skin:
Advanced Surgical Options After Melanoma Treatment
Overview
Have you undergone melanoma removal surgery and are now dealing with skin irregularities, scars, or areas of concern impacting your confidence or comfort? Whether you're seeking to restore your skin's appearance or alleviate any physical discomfort, our skilled team of surgeons specializes in reconstructive procedures tailored to address these concerns.
At The Plastic Surgery Center, we offer advanced surgical procedures aimed at restoring both the appearance and health of an individual’s skin following melanoma removal. From initial assessment to surgical intervention, recovery, and potential biopsy, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process.
Summary
Our Surgical Options
Several surgical procedures can be performed to reconstruct an area after melanoma removal. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the size and location of the defect, the availability of nearby tissue, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, a combination of techniques may be used to achieve the best possible functional and cosmetic outcome.
Free tissue transfer (free flaps)
Tissue (skin, muscle, bone, or a combination) is harvested from a distant part of the body, along with its blood vessels, and transplanted to the defect site. Then, microsurgery is used to connect the blood vessels to establish a new blood supply.
Local flap reconstruction
Nearby skin and tissue are rotated and repositioned to cover the defect (rotation flaps), moved from an adjacent area and repositioned to cover the defect (transposition flaps), or advanced or stretched to cover the defect (advancement flaps).
Regional flap reconstruction
Tissue is partially detached and rotated from a nearby area – while still maintaining a vascular supply from the original site (pedicled flaps) – or tissue is transferred from a neighboring area, keeping its blood supply through perforating blood vessels (perforator flaps).
Skin grafting
A thin layer of skin (split-thickness skin graft) or the entire thickness of the skin, including the epidermis and dermis (full-thickness skin graft), is taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the surgical defect.
Tissue expansion
Before the reconstruction, a tissue expander is implanted under the skin near the defect site and gradually inflated over time to stretch the skin, creating excess tissue for reconstruction.
Candidate for Surgery After Melanoma Treatment?
Individuals who have undergone melanoma removal and have resulting defects or deformities that impact their appearance or function may be candidates for surgery. The suitability for reconstruction depends on factors such as the size and location of the melanoma, the extent of tissue removal, and the individual's overall health.
Consultation
Consultations are available at all Plastic Surgery Center locations. The best surgical plan for you will depend on various personal and medical factors. With this in mind, our world-class surgeons will review your medical history and discuss your ideal surgical outcomes to make personalized recommendations. We can also provide simulated images of your desired results with computer-assisted technology.
Questions
about this procedure?
What to Expect
Patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation by their surgical team prior to undergoing a procedure. This typically involves a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests, if necessary, to assess the extent of melanoma and determine the most appropriate approach. Our team will explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes, allowing patients to make an informed decision. Patients may also need to undergo pre-operative tests and follow specific instructions regarding medications, diet, and other preparations.
Recovery &
Results
Following the procedure, patients will typically spend some time in a recovery area for monitoring before being discharged, though this is dependent on the procedure’s complexity. Pain management and wound care instructions will be provided.
Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgical team will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications.
Our Gallery
Meet the Best Melanoma Reconstruction Surgeons in NJ
At The Plastic Surgery Center, our team believes that every patient deserves to feel beautiful in their own way. We’re proud to use our extensive experience to perform advanced reconstruction for patients who’ve undergone melanoma treatment — enhancing confidence, bringing out your gorgeous features, and providing results that you love.
Hamid Abdollahi
MD, FACSRussell Ashinoff
MD, FACSKari L. Colen
MD, FACSRitwik Grover
MDSean Herman
MD, FACSMatthew Kaufman
MD, FACSAhmed Nasser
MDTushar Patel
MD, FACSMichael Rose
MD, FACSAdam Saad
MD, FACSTzvi Small
MD, FACSHakan Usal
MDEric Wimmers
MD, FACSFinancing & Insurance
Our staff will work with you to help you understand your insurance coverage, when relevant, as well as any financing opportunities for qualified patients. We understand your desire for beauty and comfort, and our team will support you however we can to make your surgery possible.
Our Process
During your consultation, our expert surgeons will listen and work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve.
Your Options
We will review and explain all of your cosmetic options and identify which procedure is right for you.
Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.
You Have Come So Far
Let us help you take the next step toward truly enjoying your healthy, new life.
Continue Your Healing Journey
Take the next step toward embracing your new, healthy life with confidence. We're here to help you restore what matters most.