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Overview

Some patients require reconstruction after melanoma removal to restore tissue loss, alleviate cosmetic concerns, and address functional impairments. At The Plastic Surgery Center, we offer reconstructive 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

Procedure time
Variable
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Hospital or In-Office
Hospital
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Anesthetic
Local or general
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Recovery time
Several weeks to months

Surgical Reconstruction Options

Several surgical procedures can be performed to reconstruct an area after melanoma removal, including: 

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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, with microsurgery used to connect the blood vessels to establish a new blood supply.
  • 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.

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.

What to Expect

Before the Reconstruction Procedure

Prior to undergoing a reconstruction procedure following melanoma removal, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation by their surgical team. 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 reconstruction 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.


During the Reconstruction Procedure

The reconstruction procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the surgery. The duration of the procedure can vary based on the complexity of the case and the reconstruction technique employed.

After the Reconstruction Procedure

Following the reconstruction 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
Surgeons

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 procedures that enhance confidence, bring out your gorgeous features, and provide results that you love.

Hamid Abdollahi
PHYSICIAN

Hamid Abdollahi

MD, FACS
Russell Ashinoff
PHYSICIAN

Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS
Eric I.  Chang
PHYSICIAN

Eric I. Chang

MD, FACS
Stephen Dudick
PHYSICIAN

Stephen Dudick

MD
Patrick Greaney
PHYSICIAN

Patrick Greaney

MD, FACS
Ritwik Grover
PHYSICIAN

Ritwik Grover

MD, FACS
Sean Herman
PHYSICIAN

Sean Herman

MD, FACS
Zuhaib Ibrahim
PHYSICIAN

Zuhaib Ibrahim

MD, FACS
Matthew  Kaufman
PHYSICIAN

Matthew Kaufman

MD, FACS
Chris Lakhiani
PHYSICIAN

Chris Lakhiani

MD, FACS
Ahmed Nasser
PHYSICIAN

Ahmed Nasser

MD
Robert T. Nevitt III
PHYSICIAN

Robert T. Nevitt III

MD
Tushar Patel
PHYSICIAN

Tushar Patel

MD, FACS
Sidney Rabinowitz
PHYSICIAN

Sidney Rabinowitz

MD, FACS
David Rayfield
PHYSICIAN

David Rayfield

MD
Michael Rose
PHYSICIAN

Michael Rose

MD, FACS
Adam Saad
PHYSICIAN

Adam Saad

MD, FACS
Tzvi Small
PHYSICIAN

Tzvi Small

MD, FACS
Hakan Usal
PHYSICIAN

Hakan Usal

MD
Jonathan Weiswasser
PHYSICIAN

Jonathan Weiswasser

MD, FACS
Eric Wimmers
PHYSICIAN

Eric Wimmers

MD, FACS
Karen Kaplan
PHYSICIAN

Karen Kaplan

MD
Lauren Otaguro
PHYSICIAN

Lauren Otaguro

MD
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Plastic Surgeons Near Me

Atlantic City 1128 Atlantic Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Brick 74 Brick Blvd, Building 4, Suite 205 Brick, NJ 08723
Bridgewater-Greymark 1200 US Rt 22 E, Suite 19 Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Cape May Court House 106 Court House South Dennis Road, Building 200, Suite 200 Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
East Brunswick 192 Summer Hill Rd, Suite 201 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
East Windsor 300B Princeton-Hightstown Rd, Suite 101 East Windsor, NJ 08512
Edison 80 James St, 2nd Floor Edison, NJ 08820
Egg Harbor Township 4096 English Creek Ave Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Flemington 194 NJ-31, Pavilion 2, Suite 102 Flemington, NJ 08822
Florham Park 83 Hanover Rd, Suite 260 Florham Park, NJ 07932
Freehold 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 1A Freehold, NJ 07728
Glen Rock 208 Harristown Road,
Second Floor, Suite 201 Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Hackensack 20 Prospect Ave, Suite 903, 9th Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601
Hackettstown 57 Route 46E, Suite 201 Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Hammonton 219 N White Horse Pike, Suite 104 Hammonton, NJ 08037
Hopewell 1 Capital Way, Suite 390 Pennington, NJ 08534
Lehigh Valley 1401 Fairmont St Whitehall, PA 18052
Linwood 222 New Rd, Building 6, Suite 603 Linwood, NJ 08221
Manahawkin 517 NJ-72, Suite K Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Marlton 11 Eves Dr, Suite 170 Marlton, NJ 08053
Maywood 113 W. Essex Street , Suite 204 Maywood, NJ 07607
Montclair 1 Bay Ave, Suite 4 Glen Ridge, NJ 07028
Montgomery 700 W Germantown Pike, Suite 200 Montgomery, PA 19401
Neptune 19 Davis Ave, 7th Floor Neptune , NJ 07753
New York City 635 Madison Ave, 14th Floor New York City , NY 10022
Paramus 305 Rt 17 S, Suite 3-100A Paramus, NJ 07652
Phoenixville 826 Main St, Suite 203 Phoenixville, PA 19460
Red Bank 331 Newman Springs Rd, Building 2
First Floor, STE 200 Red Bank, NJ 07701
Rockland County 257 Lafayette Ave , Suite 200 Suffern, NY 10901
Union 950 West Chestnut St, Suite 102 Union, NJ 07083
Wayne 2055 Hamburg Turnpike Wayne, NJ 07470
Westwood 260 Old Hook Rd, Suite 304 Westwood, NJ 07675

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reconstruction after melanoma removal?

Reconstruction after melanoma removal refers to the surgical procedures performed to repair and restore the affected area following the removal of melanoma. These procedures aim to improve both the cosmetic appearance and functional outcome of the treated area.

Who is a candidate for reconstruction after melanoma removal?

Individuals who have undergone melanoma removal and have resulting defects or deformities that impact their appearance or function may be candidates for reconstruction. 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.

What are the common reconstruction techniques used after melanoma removal?

Common reconstruction techniques after melanoma removal include skin grafts, local tissue flaps, tissue expansion, and microsurgical techniques such as free flap reconstruction. The specific technique used depends on factors such as the size and location of the defect, the availability of nearby tissue for repair, and the desired cosmetic outcome.

How long does the reconstruction procedure take?

The duration of the reconstruction procedure varies depending on the complexity of the reconstruction and the specific technique used. Simple procedures may take an hour or less, while more complex reconstructions may require several hours in the operating room.

What type of anesthesia is used for reconstruction after melanoma removal?

The type of anesthesia used for reconstruction after melanoma removal depends on the specific procedure and the patient's individual needs. Local anesthesia, which numbs only the surgical area, is commonly used for minor procedures. For more extensive reconstructions, general anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery.

What is the recovery process like after reconstruction following melanoma removal?

Recovery after reconstruction following melanoma removal varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the individual's overall health. Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery. Full recovery may take several weeks to months, during which patients will be advised to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon.

Will there be scarring after reconstruction?

Scarring is a common outcome of reconstruction after melanoma removal, but the extent of scarring depends on factors such as the surgical technique used, the size and location of the defect, and individual healing characteristics. We will take steps to minimize scarring and may recommend scar management techniques such as massage or silicone gel sheets.

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Are there any risks or complications associated with reconstruction after melanoma removal?

Like any surgical procedure, reconstruction after melanoma removal carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Our team will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize them during the planning and execution of the reconstruction procedure. Regular follow-up appointments will also be scheduled to monitor for any signs of complications.

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Will I need additional procedures or treatments after reconstruction?

In some cases, additional procedures or treatments may be recommended after reconstruction following melanoma removal. This could include scar revision surgery, laser therapy, or other cosmetic procedures to further optimize the appearance of the treated area. We will discuss these options with you based on your individual needs and goals.

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How long will the results of reconstruction last?

The longevity of the results of reconstruction after melanoma removal depends on various factors, including the surgical technique used, the individual's healing process, and lifestyle factors. In general, the results of reconstruction are intended to be long-lasting, but natural aging processes, sun exposure, and other factors may affect the appearance of the treated area over time. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon will help monitor the results and address any concerns that may arise.

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