What to Expect During Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer—especially on the face and around the eyes—requires not only medical precision but also an artistic touch to preserve your natural appearance. Surgery remains the gold standard for many types of skin cancer, and our experienced team specializes in the delicate removal of tumors in highly visible or sensitive areas.

The two most common forms of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—frequently develop on the eyelids, face, and neck, areas that demand both complete cancer removal and meticulous cosmetic repair. Our practice employs advanced surgical techniques, including Mohs micrographic surgery, which allows us to remove cancerous tissue layer by layer. This method maximizes the chances of eliminating all cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible, resulting in minimal scarring and optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Malignant melanoma, although less common, can be especially dangerous if not caught early. For early-stage melanoma, our surgeons perform precise excisions, removing the tumor with an appropriate margin of normal tissue to ensure your best chance for a cure. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, we are equipped to provide more extensive surgical care while prioritizing both your health and appearance.

We also offer surgical management for rarer but aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and adnexal tumors. Our expertise in oculoplastic and facial reconstructive surgery means you can trust us to restore both form and function, with a focus on safety and a natural look.

Skin cancer surgery typically begins with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Our expert surgeon will carefully remove the cancerous lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin to minimize the risk of recurrence. Because the eyelids, periocular region, and face are so cosmetically sensitive, we often employ advanced techniques to precisely remove all cancer cells.

After the cancerous tissue is removed, we use meticulous wound closure methods, often with fine sutures and advanced reconstructive techniques. In cases where more tissue needs to be replaced, we may use a skin graft or create a local flap to restore both function and natural appearance. All excised tissue is sent for laboratory analysis to confirm complete cancer removal.

Your post-operative care is just as important to us as the surgery itself. We provide detailed instructions to promote healing, minimize scarring, and reduce the risk of infection. Follow-up appointments at Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts allow us to monitor your recovery closely and address any concerns, ensuring the best possible cosmetic and medical outcomes.

The duration of a procedure at Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts can vary significantly depending on the specific treatment or surgery being performed. For many minor in-office procedures, such as eyelid lesion removal or cosmetic injections, the process may take only a few minutes to complete. More complex procedures—like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), ptosis repair, or advanced reconstructive or cosmetic surgical treatments—can last from one to several hours.

In addition to the actual procedure time, patients should also plan for time needed for preparation, any anesthesia or numbing agents if required, as well as post-procedure observation and initial recovery. Our team will provide you with detailed pre- and post-procedure instructions and let you know what to expect on the day of your visit.

Skin cancer surgery, particularly on sensitive areas like the face and eyelids, requires a balance between removing the cancer and preserving appearance. Led by experienced oculoplastic and facial surgeons, we ensure effective treatment and cosmetic results.
 
What to Expect After Surgery
Following surgery, swelling, redness, and bruising around the surgical site are common, especially near the eyes. These are normal parts of the healing process. Our team will provide personalized instructions for wound care, including gentle cleansing, prescribed ointments, and dressing changes to prevent infection.
 
Managing Discomfort and Recovery
You may experience discomfort or tightness depending on the procedure’s extent. Our surgeons will guide you on pain management and care for sutures or surgical tapes. Follow-up appointments will help monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
 
Protecting and Enhancing Your Results
We emphasize sun protection for sensitive skin around the eyes and face. Using sunscreen, protective eyewear, or hats is essential as your skin heals. We also offer scar reduction therapies to minimize scarring and restore natural contours.
 
Ongoing Care and Support
Our team will continue follow-up visits to ensure proper recovery and monitor for recurrence. We also offer skin checks and education to reduce future risks of skin cancer.
 
Emotional Well-being and Confidence
We prioritize your emotional well-being, supporting you through recovery and helping you regain confidence in your health and appearance.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, especially on the eyelids or face, understanding the surgery process can help ease anxiety. At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, Paul Brannan, MD specializes in treating skin cancers in these sensitive areas, combining advanced techniques with a focus on cosmetic results.
 
Your Personalized Consultation
Before surgery, Brannan will conduct a thorough evaluation, reviewing your diagnosis, medical history, and the affected area. He will explain the best surgical approach—whether excisional surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, or reconstructive techniques—ensuring cancer removal while preserving your natural appearance.
 
The Day of Surgery
On surgery day, Brannan and his team will ensure you’re comfortable. Local anesthesia is typically used, so you’ll stay awake but relaxed. He will carefully remove the cancerous tissue along with healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. For Mohs surgery, tissue is examined in stages to preserve healthy tissue.
 
Expert Wound Closure and Reconstruction
Brannan’s expertise in oculofacial surgery allows for seamless wound closure and reconstruction. Depending on the excision, the wound may be closed with fine stitches or reconstructed using a skin graft, promoting optimal healing and a natural cosmetic outcome.
 
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-surgery, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients experience mild swelling or bruising, which resolves within weeks. Follow-up visits ensure healing and cancer removal. Brannan will also guide you on sun protection and skin checks to prevent future skin cancers.
 
Support Every Step of the Way
Our team is dedicated to providing expert care and compassionate support throughout your surgery and recovery. If you have questions, we are here to assist you at every stage. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5310 Clark Rd Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34233. We serve clients from Sarasota, FL, Osprey FL, Fruitville FL, Vamo FL, Venice FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Bradenton FL, and surrounding areas.