Excision and Reconstruction

At Prof Chrysis Sofianos Plastic Surgery Johannesburg, we provide a comprehensive, one-stop service for skin cancer diagnosis, excision, and reconstruction. Our expert care ensures accurate diagnosis, effective cancer removal, and advanced reconstructive techniques to restore both function and appearance. Whether you’re addressing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, our personalised approach prioritises your health, comfort, and aesthetic outcomes.

What is Skin Cancer Excision and Reconstruction?

Skin cancer excision involves surgically removing cancerous tissue while ensuring clear margins to minimise the risk of recurrence. Reconstruction following excision restores the affected area, preserving both functionality and aesthetic integrity. With advanced techniques such as skin grafting, local flap reconstruction, and free flap microsurgical reconstruction, we tailor the approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Advanced Techniques in Skin Cancer Reconstruction

1. Skin Grafting

Skin grafting involves transplanting healthy skin from another part of the body to cover the excision site.

Ideal for: Large defects where the surrounding tissue cannot be mobilised.
Benefits: Simple and effective solution for restoring coverage.
Types of Skin Grafts:
- Split-thickness grafts: Thin layers of skin, ideal for large areas.
- Full-thickness grafts: Thicker grafts for areas requiring better texture and durability.

2. Local and Regional Flap Reconstruction

Local flap reconstruction uses nearby tissue to cover the excised area, maintaining the texture, colour, and contour of the original site.

Ideal for: Small to medium defects, particularly on the face and hands.
Benefits:
- Maintains blood supply for optimal healing.
- Provides a natural appearance with minimal scarring.

3. Free Flap Microsurgical Reconstruction

For extensive defects, free flap microsurgical reconstruction involves transferring tissue, including skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, from a distant site to the affected area. This technique requires advanced microsurgical skills to connect blood vessels at the recipient site.

Ideal for: Large or complex defects requiring significant reconstruction.
Benefits:
- Restores both function and aesthetics.
- Provides durable and long-lasting results.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma

For patients with melanoma, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a critical step in staging and treatment planning. This minimally invasive procedure identifies the first lymph node(s) to which cancer may have spread, guiding further management.

Procedure: A small amount of dye or radioactive tracer is injected near the melanoma site to identify the sentinel node, which is then removed and examined for cancer cells.
Benefits:
- Provides accurate staging for melanoma.
- Helps determine the need for additional treatment.
- Minimises unnecessary lymph node removal, reducing complications.

Our One-Stop Service for Skin Cancer Care

At Prof Chrysis Sofianos Plastic Surgery Johannesburg, we offer a streamlined, comprehensive service that includes:

Diagnosis: Timely and accurate identification of skin cancer using advanced diagnostic tools.
Excision: Surgical removal of cancerous tissue with clear margins to reduce recurrence risk.
Reconstruction: Restoring function and appearance using techniques such as skin grafts, local flaps, and free flap microsurgery.

Our integrated approach ensures seamless care, reducing delays and improving outcomes for our patients.

Benefits of Skin Cancer Excision and Reconstruction

Effective Cancer Removal: Minimises the risk of recurrence with clear margin excision.
Restored Functionality: Advanced reconstruction techniques ensure the treated area retains its function.
Natural Aesthetic Results: Tailored reconstruction provides a natural and balanced appearance.
Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to reconstruction, we provide expert support every step of the way.

Your Skin Cancer Care Journey

Personalised Consultation

During your consultation, Prof Sofianos will:

Review your medical history and assess the affected area.
Discuss your diagnosis and recommend the best excision and reconstruction approach.
Outline the procedure, recovery process, and expected outcomes.

Procedure

Excision: Performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the size and location of the lesion.
Reconstruction: Advanced techniques are used to restore the area for optimal function and aesthetics.

Recovery and Results

Downtime: Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks.
Healing: Swelling and bruising subside over several weeks, with final results visible within 3–6 months.

Why Choose Prof Chrysis Sofianos for Skin Cancer Care?

With extensive training in oncologic and reconstructive surgery, Prof Chrysis Sofianos combines advanced surgical skills with a compassionate approach to deliver exceptional care. From sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to complex microsurgical reconstruction, Prof Sofianos ensures every patient receives personalised treatment that prioritises both their health and aesthetics.

FAQs About Skin Cancer Excision and Reconstruction

1. Is skin cancer excision painful?

Excision is performed under local or general anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.

2. How long does reconstruction take?

Reconstruction varies depending on the technique used, with recovery times ranging from a few weeks to several months.

3. Will there be scars?

While scars are inevitable, advanced techniques and proper aftercare minimise their visibility.

4. How effective is sentinel lymph node biopsy?

SLNB is highly effective in accurately staging melanoma and guiding further treatment.

Take the first step toward effective cancer treatment and reconstruction with Prof Chrysis Sofianos Plastic Surgery Johannesburg. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our comprehensive, one-stop service for skin cancer excision and reconstruction.