Surgery for Skin Cancer in Sarasota, FL

Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts offers comprehensive surgical treatments for skin cancer patients. Our highly skilled team specializes in treating a variety of skin cancers. Surgery is typically the primary treatment for localized malignancies. The decision to undertake surgery is complex and affected by a variety of factors.

1. Type, Stage, and Size of Skin Cancer:

We often recommend surgery for early-stage skin cancers, which are typically small and can be completely removed during the procedure. However, even higher-stage skin cancers that have spread to deeper skin layers or other body parts may still benefit from surgery. Larger tumors, which may be more challenging to treat using other methods, are usually more likely to require surgical intervention.

2. Tumor Location:

The tumor’s location also affects the decision to proceed with surgery. If the skin cancer is in an area that is difficult to treat with other methods, such as the face or hands, where we have specialized experience, surgery may be advisable.

3. Patient’s Overall Health and Preference:

We take into consideration the patient’s overall health and their ability to tolerate surgery. If a patient has other health conditions that make surgery risky, or if they prefer not to have surgery, we explore other treatment options. We prioritize patient preferences in determining treatment options.

4. Cosmetic Considerations:

Our team of surgeons aims to remove the tumor causing minimal scarring or disfigurement. However, in certain cases, visible scars may be unavoidable. We are committed to achieving the best possible aesthetic outcomes for our patients, utilizing our expertise in aesthetic surgery.

5. Recurrence Risk:

We assess the risk of skin cancer recurrence after treatment. Surgery is often recommended for tumors with a higher risk of recurrence.

The decision to recommend surgery for skin cancer at Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts is based on various factors. These include the stage, size, and location of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and preferences, the risk of recurrence, and the effectiveness of other treatment options. We encourage you to consult with our board-certified, Dr. Paul Brannan to discuss your specific situation and determine the best treatment approach.

At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, our team of highly trained professionals understands the importance of early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Our medical practice specializes in the surgical removal of various skin cancer types.

Surgical removal is often necessary for various types of skin cancer, primarily when the cancer poses a risk of spreading or causing significant tissue damage. The most common types that require surgical excision include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer and typically grows slowly. However, BCC can invade surrounding tissues, especially if left untreated, making surgical removal essential to prevent local tissue damage.

Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely than BCC to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, so surgical removal is often the preferred treatment to reduce the risk of metastasis and ensure complete eradication.

Melanoma, a more aggressive form of skin cancer, almost always requires surgical removal due to its potential to spread rapidly to other organs.

Other skin cancers, like Merkel cell carcinoma, also often require surgery, given their aggressive nature. Surgical removal not only treats the cancer but also allows for tissue examination, ensuring any potential spread is detected early.

Skin cancer type, size, location, and the chosen surgical technique can all contribute to the length of the procedure. Most skin cancer surgeries are typically completed within an hour. However, larger or more complex cases may require several hours.

Our experienced surgeons are adept at performing various types of procedures. A small basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma excision, the most common skin cancer type, usually takes approximately 15 to 60 minutes. More intricate procedures can take between 2 to 4 hours. This method involves removing the cancer layer by layer and examining each one under a microscope for cancer cells before moving on to the next.

The method used to close the surgical site, such as sutures or skin grafts, and the surgery’s location, particularly sensitive areas like the face or genitals, can also extend the procedure’s duration. In some cases, post-cancer removal may necessitate reconstructive surgery like flap reconstruction, which can take 2-6 hours or longer.

At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, we understand that the surgery itself is only part of the overall process. We take into account factors like your age, overall health, and tissue healing time, which can affect the duration of the surgery. Our team also helps you with pre-operative preparations and post-operative care, which can extend the total time spent in the clinic.

Recovery times after skin cancer surgery can vary greatly depending on multiple factors, including the type and stage of the skin cancer, the size and location of the tumor, the surgical procedure used, and your overall health. For instance, a minor surgery like the removal of a small basal cell carcinoma may require a recovery period of two to four weeks. More complicated procedures, such as a wide local excision or a skin graft, may necessitate several months of healing.

Following your surgery, we will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care to support your healing process. This may include keeping the wound clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activity, and managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Initial wound healing generally takes between one to three weeks, however, you may experience residual redness, swelling, or discomfort for a few weeks or months afterward. Numbness around the surgical site is also common but should gradually subside over time.

Regular follow-up appointments at our practice are crucial to monitor your healing progress, ensure proper wound care, and check for any signs of recurrence. Our healthcare providers will provide specific instructions on wound care and scheduling additional appointments. Remember, every patient’s recovery process is unique, so it is critical to maintain open communication with our team for the most accurate timeline. 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.