In late October 2006, the first lady, Laura Bush found out she had skin cancer and her comment was “I would spend afternoons at the swimming pool and did those things that we all did growing up in Texas, and so I was out in the sun a lot.”

The perfect tan is what a good portion of the population strive for, but little thought is given to how it damages the skin. The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation most often cause by direct exposure to the sun as well as sunlamps and tanning booths.

According to the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, more than 500,000 new cases of skin cancer are reported each year and the incidence is increasing faster then any other type of cancer. Skin cancer can be found on any part of your body, but 80% appear on the face, head, or neck—all areas exposed to the public eye.

“The 2 most common types of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell (least dangerous) and squamous cell carcinoma (appear commonly on ears, lips and facial area) which occur mostly on the sun exposed area of the body,” states M.D.Anderson of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

Skin Cancer Removal

Skin Cancer can be diagnosed by simply making an appointment with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. The certified physician will remove the growth and examine the cells under a microscope to determine the depth and size of the growth. Most skin cancers are removed surgically, which usually leaves a scar depending on the size and depth of the infected area.

Most skin cancers are removed surgically--some extensive surgery and some minor. Since most skin cancers occur in visible areas, there are reconstructive ways of taking care of the unsightly scars.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction

After you’ve had the skin cancer removed, you may opt for reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of the affected area. Most of the reconstruction can be completed by a plastic surgeon after the cancer is removed; some areas being larger then others and harder to reconstruct.

The plastic surgeon can perform procedures ranging from a simple scar revision to a complex transfer of tissue flaps. These techniques can often repair damaged tissue, rebuild body parts, and restore patients’ appearance and functioning.

Camouflaging the scars after reconstructive surgery helps to return the normal appearance of the face. Procedures like scar revision, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are typically sufficient to do the trick.

The most important thing for patients to remember after skin cancer reconstructive surgery is to follow-up regularly with their physician and always use sunscreen.

Interested in learning more about reconstructive surgery? Click here to arrange a consultation with a skilled board certified plastic surgeon near you.