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Repairing What Treatment Leaves Behind

Skin cancer treatment often prioritizes complete removal of abnormal tissue, which can leave defects affecting appearance, comfort, or function. These changes may occur in visible areas such as the face, scalp, or hands, where thoughtful reconstruction matters. At Restivo Plastic Surgery, skin cancer reconstruction is approached with precision and restraint. As a female-led, boutique surgical practice serving Hawaii, care is provided in a private setting at our Maui office, where planning is guided by anatomy, healing needs, and long-term practicality.

Understanding Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer reconstruction addresses defects left after removal of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or other lesions. The goal is to restore tissue integrity while supporting healing and minimizing disruption to surrounding structures.

Reconstruction may involve local tissue rearrangement, grafting, or layered closure depending on location and defect size. Each approach is selected based on what best supports function and appearance without unnecessary complexity.

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Benefits of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

  • Thoughtful Tissue Repair: Reconstruction restores coverage and support to treated areas, helping protect underlying structures and promote healthy healing.
  • Preservation of Natural Features: Careful planning helps maintain facial landmarks, contours, and movement when reconstruction involves visible areas.
  • Support for Long-Term Healing: Surgical technique prioritizes blood supply and tissue viability, reducing complications and supporting predictable recovery.
  • Confidence After Treatment: Addressing post-removal changes helps patients feel more comfortable moving forward after cancer care.

Are You Considering Reconstruction After Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer reconstruction may be appropriate after lesion removal leaves a defect that affects appearance, comfort, or function. Some reconstructions are performed immediately after cancer excision, while others occur once pathology results or healing timelines are clear.

Candidacy depends on lesion location, overall health, and treatment history. During consultation, Dr. Restivo helps determine timing and approach through careful evaluation and straightforward discussion.

What to Expect From the Reconstruction Process

1. A Consultation Focused on Repair and Planning

Your consultation reviews the type of skin cancer treated, the location of the defect, and healing considerations. Dr. Restivo evaluates the surrounding tissue to determine the most appropriate reconstructive approach.

2. Surgical Reconstruction

Reconstruction is performed using techniques tailored to the defect and anatomy. The surgical plan is explained clearly, so expectations feel realistic and informed.

3. Immediate Aftercare

After surgery, you’ll receive guidance to support healing and protect the treated area. Swelling or tightness is common early and typically improves as healing progresses.

4. Follow-Up and Monitoring

Follow-up visits allow healing to be monitored and scar maturation to be guided. Ongoing care supports predictable recovery and long-term stability.

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Why Choose Restivo Plastic Surgery?

Skin cancer reconstruction requires precision, restraint, and respect for both healing and appearance. At Restivo Plastic Surgery, care is guided by surgical experience, careful planning, and a patient-first approach focused on practical, long-term outcomes.

Experience With Complex Tissue Repair

Dr. Restivo’s background in both general and plastic surgery provides a strong foundation for reconstructing defects involving skin, soft tissue, and underlying structures, particularly in sensitive or visible areas.

Clear, Practical Guidance

Patients receive straightforward explanations about reconstructive options, expected healing, and scar management. Recommendations focus on what is necessary and beneficial, without unnecessary procedures.

Results That Feel Right

Reconstruction is planned to restore continuity and balance without drawing attention to the repair. Patients value outcomes that feel natural and allow them to move forward confidently after treatment. Care is delivered with discretion, clarity, and consistency throughout recovery.

Recovery and Healing

Recovery after skin cancer reconstruction varies based on defect size and location. Patients may experience swelling, tightness, or temporary changes in sensation as tissues heal.

Activity guidelines and wound care instructions are discussed clearly during consultation. Follow-up visits help ensure healing progresses smoothly and concerns are addressed promptly.

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How Healing Continues Over Time

Initial healing occurs within weeks, while scar refinement continues over several months. Reconstruction results evolve gradually as tissue softens and blends with surrounding areas. Long-term outcomes depend on location, skin quality, and individual healing patterns. The goal is durable repair that integrates naturally over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Is reconstruction always needed after skin cancer removal?

Not always. Reconstruction is recommended when removal leaves a defect that affects function, healing, or appearance.

Can reconstruction be done at the same time as cancer removal?

In many cases, yes. Timing depends on pathology confirmation and treatment planning.

Will reconstruction hide all signs of surgery?

Scarring is part of reconstruction, but careful planning helps minimize visibility and support natural healing.

Can skin cancer reconstruction be combined with other procedures?

Reconstruction may be combined with scar revision or other reconstructive techniques when appropriate. Combination planning is discussed during consultation.

How long does recovery typically take?

Initial healing usually occurs within weeks, with continued refinement over months. Timelines vary by individual and procedure.

Schedule Your Consultation for Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Hawaii

Schedule a consultation to discuss skin cancer reconstruction in Hawaii with Dr. Restivo and receive clear, thoughtful guidance focused on healing, repair, and long-term confidence.

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