Skin Cancer Surgery Procedure

SKIN CANCER / EYELID TUMORS

Skin Cancer of the eyelid is unlike any other skin cancer on your body. Because of the closeness of the eyelid to the brain, and because eyelid cancers "travel" under the tissue, it is critical to make certain that all cancer cells are excised entirely and that the area is reconstructed in an aesthetic manner. As an Oculoplastic Surgeon, trained exclusively, Dr. Larson's commitment to the health of your eyes and the appearance of your eyelids, is utmost.

A large tumor may require reconstructive surgery. Two methods used are skin flaps and skin grafts. Both procedures "borrow" skin away from the immediate operative area. In a skin flap, the tissue is borrowed from a nearby area and attached to the face. The incision is made to create a flap that will cover or partially cover the wound, once the tumor is excised.

When a skin flap is not possible due to location or size of the lesion, a skin graft is performed. This involves removing skin from another part of the body and using it to create a partial or entirely new eyelid.

Post-operatively, there is swelling, bruising, redness in and around the eyes, discharge and tenderness. There is little or no pain involved. Our patients are instructed to apply an antibiotic ointment, as well as ice for 12 hours. However, with a graft, a bandage is applied and removed 3 days later. Patients are instructed to take it easy until all sutures are removed.