Skin cancer removal is a specialized procedure that removes cancerous cells while preserving the surrounding tissue. Skin cancer affects more people than other forms of cancer, with about 6.1 million adults being treated for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma each year. (1)
Dr. Joseph Michaels of Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia areas, helping patients look and feel more confident. Dr. Michaels is dedicated to his craft, spending over a decade training at world-renowned institutions and developing innovative techniques to further advance the field of plastic surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Michaels, please call our Rockville, Maryland office at (301) 468-5991, our Fairfax, Virginia office at (703) 957-8610, or contact us online.
Contents
What is a Skin Cancer Removal Procedure?
Skin cancer removal surgery, also known as Mohs surgery, removes skin cancer while sparing the surrounding tissues. (2) Dr. Michaels uses a variety of advanced techniques to help target the deepest layers of the affected skin to effectively remove the cancer without damaging healthy tissues, restoring your health and maintaining your appearance. Our procedure is designed to help treat a variety of skin cancers and can even result in less scarring than traditional surgery, making it ideal if you are seeking treatment for more visible or delicate areas.
Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, often changing colors or growing in size. (3) If you have noticed any of your moles have irregular borders, are asymmetrical, or have evolved in any way, you should seek evaluation as soon as possible.
Basal Cell Carcinomas
Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of malignant tumor around the world and is often caused by excessive sun exposure. If you are noticing transparent bumps, red or flaky patches of skin, or waxy-looking lesions, we recommend getting your skin evaluated. While basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, it can cause significant damage to the tissue if it reaches the deeper layers of the skin. (4)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Squamous cell carcinoma often manifests as scaly or crusty patches of red skin. It is caused by excessive and repeated exposure to the sun and ultraviolet light. This type of cancer can also manifest as a small bump or sore. This cancer grows slowly, but if left untreated, it can spread to other nearby organs and tissues.
Benefits
There are many benefits to treating your skin cancer with a Mohs procedure. This treatment can help treat more delicate parts of your body, such as your face or hands. Dr. Michaels uses advanced techniques to ensure discreet scarring, restoring both your confidence and the health of your skin. This treatment is designed to target and shave away your cancer cells while preserving healthy skin and tissue. (2) In many cases, this can be achieved within one session with minimal downtime, making this both a convenient and effective procedure.
To find out how this procedure can benefit you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michaels or call either of our DMV-area offices.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Skin Cancer Treatment?
You are likely an ideal candidate if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer. A Mohs procedure can help address cancerous skin cells across various parts of the body, such as the face, feet, hands, and even the areola, targeting cancerous cells associated with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Personal Consultation
At our practice, we ask that each patient schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Michaels before scheduling their procedure appointment. This is a chance for our team to get to know you and ensure we are providing the best possible treatment for your experienced conditions, tailoring and customizing aspects to treat your skin cancer.
Schedule your consultation online today to begin planning your treatment. We also offer virtual consultations for out-of-state patients. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your appointments over the phone, please call our Rockville office at (301) 468-5991 or our Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.
How Should I Prepare for My Procedure?
Before your procedure, Dr. Michaels will ensure that he and his team properly instruct you on how to prepare for your treatment. We may ask patients to refrain from certain medications and supplements starting a few days before the treatment, such as those that thin the blood. We also ask that any smokers stop smoking a few days before the procedure and refrain from smoking until fully healed or cleared by Dr. Michaels. Patients may be required to arrange transportation home after their procedure. We also recommend taking a few days off from work or social obligations to ensure that you can recover unburdened.
Procedure
The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic at the treatment area to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. Michaels will remove the cancerous tissue in thin layers. As he removes each layer, he will carefully inspect each one under a microscope until there are no traces of cancerous or problematic cells in the tissue or treatment areas. (2) After full removal, there are multiple techniques or methods in which the treatment area can be closed.
Primary Closure
Primary closure is the simplest method to close a site after a skin cancer removal treatment. During this method, Dr. Michaels pulls the edges of the incision together before adding stitches. This process is often reserved for smaller incisions or more mild removal treatments with any visible scarring being easily hidden within the creases of the skin.
Second Intention
Second-intention healing is when the incision is left open to heal naturally without the use of stitches or sutures. This method of healing can have a longer recovery time as well as less predictable scarring results. This procedure is typically reserved for smaller treatment areas in more hidden areas.
Local Flaps
The local flaps method utilizes nearby tissue to help repair the surface of the wound without detaching donated tissue from its blood supply. This method is used to help repair more visible removals, especially those on the face. (4) While this reconstructive technique is more complex, you can expect exceptional results.
The duration of each procedure can vary depending on the depth and size of the treatment area as well as the complexity of the reconstructive method decided upon. At your consultation, Dr. Michaels will recommend different methods to help remove the affected tissues while preserving your appearance, helping you look and feel your best.
Recovery and Results
Following your treatment, you can expect to rest for about a week before being cleared to return to work. Any physical activity or strenuous tasks should be avoided for a few weeks, or until approved by Dr. Michaels. Our team might ask you to return for a follow-up appointment to ensure that everything is healing correctly. Please avoid sun exposure during recovery for the best results, although it is strongly recommended to wear sun protection regularly to ensure your skin stays healthy.
How Much Will My Skin Cancer Treatment Cost in Washington D.C.?
The cost of your skin cancer removal treatment will be determined at your personal consultation. As each treatment is fully customized to help your specific conditions, we are unable to start crafting your treatment plan until a medical examination can be performed.
We are currently partnered with multiple, reputable financing companies to help our patients break down the cost of their procedure into affordable, monthly payments. Some patients may also qualify for insurance coverage for their skin cancer treatment.
Schedule your consultation today to explore the costs involved in your treatment. If you have any questions, please call our Rockville office at (301) 468-5991 or our Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.
FAQ
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of damaged skin cells.
How long will it take to recover from my skin cancer surgery?
Recovery will vary between patients, but most patients are cleared to return to work after about a week.
Are there any warning signs for cancer?
Skin cancer often starts as a spot, mole, or rash on the skin. These markings may not heal and can evolve to change shape or color.
What does it mean when a cancer has “metastasized?”
Metastasis is the spread of cancerous cells from their original placement to other parts of the body. Certain forms of cancer, such as squamous cell carcinomas or basal cell carcinomas, rarely metastasize, or spread. Other forms of cancer, such as melanoma, are likely to travel to areas such as the lungs or bones if left untreated.
Can I combine my skin cancer treatment with another?
Yes, a skin cancer treatment can be combined with another for reconstructive purposes, or to enhance the aesthetics of the treated area.
References
- CDC. Melanoma of the Skin Statistics. Skin Cancer. Published May 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/statistics/index.html
- Prickett KA, Ramsey ML. Mohs Micrographic Surgery. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441833/
- Heistein J, Acharya U. Cancer, Malignant Melanoma. PubMed. Published May 22, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470409/
- Rao JK, Shende KS. Overview of Local Flaps of the Face for Reconstruction of Cutaneous Malignancies: Single Institutional Experience of Seventy Cases. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;9(4):220-225. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.197029
- Cerci F, Kubo F, Werner B. Comparison of basal cell carcinoma subtypes observed in preoperative biopsy and Mohs micrographic surgery. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2020;95(5):594-601. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2020.04.005
