What Happens After the Tumor Has Been Removed?
After the skin cancer has been completely removed, you will have a surgical wound. Dr. Leonard will discuss your options with you and make recommendations. At this point, optimizing the wound healing and final cosmetic result of your surgery becomes our highest priority. The wound can be treated in one of several ways: • Healing by “second intention” (see below) • Closing the wound in a straight line with stitches. • Closing the wound with a skin flap. A skin flap uses nearby, skin to help fill in the wound. Flaps can be used when simpler repair options (second intention healing or a linear wound closure) will not adequately heal the wound with a good result. • Closing the wound with a skin graft. A skin graft is skin borrowed from a different area to fill in the wound. Skin grafts are used when simpler repair options will not adequately heal the wound with a good result. • In special cases, a consultation with one of several reconstructive surgeons may be necessary.
