Expert Treatment for Skin Cancer and Facial Reconstruction
Skin cancer surgery involves the removal of cancerous or potentially cancerous lesions while preserving both function and appearance. When skin cancer affects the face, treatment requires careful planning to ensure complete removal of the lesion alongside the most appropriate reconstruction of the surrounding tissues.
Tom Pepper is a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in London with specialist expertise in facial skin cancer surgery and facial reconstruction. Treatment focuses on achieving safe cancer removal whilst maintaining natural facial appearance, expression, and function.
Private consultations are available in London at Cromwell Hospital and Harley Street.
A Specialist Approach to Facial Skin Cancer
The face contains many complex anatomical structures responsible for:
- Facial expression
- Eyelid function
- Breathing
- Speech
- Eating and drinking
Skin cancer surgery therefore involves more than simply removing a lesion.
Careful consideration must be given to:
- The size and location of the tumour
- The surrounding facial structures
- Functional preservation
- Long-term aesthetic outcome
- Reconstruction following removal
The aim is to achieve complete treatment while restoring the face in a natural and harmonious way.
Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It frequently occurs on sun-exposed areas of the face including:
- Nose
- Eyelids
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Ears
Although BCC rarely spreads elsewhere in the body, it can continue to grow locally and may damage surrounding tissues if left untreated.
Surgical removal is often the most effective treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is a more aggressive form of skin cancer. It commonly presents as:
- A persistent scaly lesion
- A non-healing ulcer
- A rapidly growing skin lesion
Prompt assessment and treatment are important to minimise the risk of local spread and more extensive surgery.
Precancerous and Suspicious Lesions
Not all lesions are skin cancers. Assessment may also be required for:
- Actinic keratoses
- Persistent scaly patches
- Changing lesions
- Recurrent lesions
- Uncertain skin abnormalities
Where appropriate, biopsy may be recommended to establish a diagnosis before definitive treatment.
Skin Cancer Surgery
Treatment is tailored to the type, size, and location of the lesion.
The procedure may involve:
- Surgical excision
- Biopsy
- Local flap reconstruction
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Direct closure where appropriate
Many procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic, allowing treatment without a hospital stay.
Facial Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
Removing a skin cancer from the face can leave a defect that requires reconstruction.
The objective is not simply to close the wound, but to restore:
- Facial contour
- Symmetry
- Eyelid function
- Lip function
- Nasal support
- Natural appearance
Reconstruction is planned at the same time as tumour removal whenever possible.
Techniques may include:
Direct Closure
Suitable for smaller defects where surrounding tissues can be brought together without distortion.
Local Flap Reconstruction
Adjacent tissue is repositioned to reconstruct the area while preserving colour, texture, and contour.
Skin Grafting
In selected cases, skin from another area of the body is used to reconstruct the defect.
The most appropriate technique depends on the location and size of the lesion and the specific anatomy involved.
Areas Commonly Treated
Nose
The nose is one of the most common sites for skin cancer.
Reconstruction requires careful restoration of:
- Shape
- Airway support
- Facial balance
Eyelids
Eyelid reconstruction must preserve:
- Eye protection
- Blinking
- Tear drainage
- Cosmetic appearance
Lips
Treatment must maintain both appearance and function, allowing normal speech and eating.
Cheeks, Forehead and Ears
Each facial region presents unique reconstructive challenges requiring an individualised approach.
Why Choose Dr Tom Pepper?
Facial skin cancer surgery sits at the intersection of cancer treatment, facial reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery.
Tom Pepper is a dual-qualified Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon trained in both medicine and dentistry, with extensive experience in facial surgery and facial reconstruction.
Treatment is guided by:
- Precise diagnosis
- Complete tumour removal
- Detailed facial analysis
- Preservation of function
- Careful reconstruction
- Long-term aesthetic outcomes
The objective is not only successful cancer treatment, but restoration of a natural appearance that allows patients to move forward with confidence.
Recovery After Skin Cancer Surgery
Recovery depends on the size and location of the lesion and the type of reconstruction performed.
Patients can generally expect:
- Mild swelling and bruising
- Temporary tenderness around the surgical site
- Wound healing over several weeks
- Scar maturation over 12 months
Detailed aftercare guidance is provided throughout recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have a scar?
Any surgical procedure results in a scar. Every effort is made to place scars within natural skin lines and reconstruct the area in a way that minimises long-term visibility.
Can skin cancer be removed under local anaesthetic?
Many facial skin cancers can be treated under local anaesthetic. The most appropriate approach depends on the individual case.
Will I need reconstruction after surgery?
Not all lesions require reconstruction. Smaller defects can often be closed directly, while larger defects may benefit from flap or graft reconstruction.
How quickly should skin cancer be treated?
This depends on the diagnosis. Early assessment is recommended for any suspicious or changing skin lesion.
Will skin cancer return after treatment?
Most skin cancers are successfully treated with surgery. Ongoing follow-up and skin surveillance may be recommended depending on the diagnosis.
Consultation
A detailed assessment allows evaluation of the lesion, discussion of treatment options, and development of an individualised surgical and reconstructive plan.
Written and medically reviewed by:
Dr Tom Pepper
Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
MBBS BDS MSc FRCS
Private consultations available in Harley Street and Cromwell Hospital, London.