It is often possible to completely remove a skin cancer through an excision or a MOH’s procedure. Depending upon the size of the excision and location, there may be a large wound or a disfiguring scar left behind. These deformities can be emotionally upsetting and a constant reminder of the cancer that once existed there. As a plastic surgeon, I specialize in closing difficult wounds and restoring the soft tissue defect resulting from the removal of the skin cancer; helping to restore your skin to a more natural appearance. I use specialized techniques to restore your appearance by replacing the removed tissue with skin grafts or local flaps of neighboring tissue and using suture techniques that minimize scarring.
Teamwork
I work with several prominent dermatologists to allow for skin cancer reconstruction to be performed on the same day or the day after the oncologic procedure. My office will work with your Moh’s surgeon to make the process as seamless as possible. The dermatologist will remove the skin cancer and determine that the margins are clear. Later, you will visit my office for reconstruction.
Location
Reconstructive procedures are performed on an individualized basis, depending on the size and location of each patient’s wound.They are often outpatient procedures performed in the office under local anesthesia but occasionally require sedation in an operating room to ensure your comfort.
Exercise
You can begin light exercise on day one but it is best not to overexert yourself as it will lead to increased swelling. In order to minimize scarring, you should not resume strenuous exercise for a few weeks.
Scarring
The scar heals gradually over the course of several months to a year. Sometimes, secondary procedures like laser treatments, dermabrasion or medical tattooing can help to further improve your results.
A Picture is Worth a Million Words
A picture may be worth a million words but in the age of the internet, online photos can be viewed by billions of eyes. In respect of patient privacy, a before and after section was not created on our website. Several patients have agreed to allow their photos to be viewed by prospective patients in the office. You may request to view photos during your consultation. Some patients have also agreed to speak with prospective patients if you would like to learn more about the procedure from a patient’s perspective.
The First Step
If you are considering reconstructive surgery for skin cancer, please call our office at (212) 600.4109 to arrange for a consultation. Our New York City practice accommodates out of town and international patients who need to travel in for surgery as well as those who are local to Manhattan.
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude towards you. You are a very warm and caring doctor and I can tell that you take great care of all of your patients.
Thank you so very much for your professionalism and wonderful work you did. I cannot begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for helping me “through the process”. I feel like a new person!
And thanks so much again for all of the help and guidance — my life is exponentially better than before I met you. :) XO
I am sending you a new client…she needs to be “Dofted”!
Experienced, gentle, and conservative. Everything I wanted!
We just want to thank you so much for going above and beyond last night. We have never met a doctor so kind-hearted, involved, and truly special. You are one in a million.
I wanted to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to experience a little of your magic world. I will be coming back for more, that’s for sure!
Dr. Doft is one of the kindest doctors that you will ever meet. She went above and beyond for me and my family…and I love my new nose!
I would definitely recommend Dr. Doft for her attention to detail and meticulous approach to medicine and my issues.
I’m so appreciative of my new look! Thanks very much!
Dr Doft’s care was excellent. Very patient, flexible and understanding. This made the process much easier.