Facial Skin Cancer Surgery in Cyprus

Sun exposure and genetics make the skin on the face prone to the abnormal growth of skin cells known as skin cancer.

People diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma — the most serious form — undergo surgery to remove the cancerous growth. The face is then reconstructed to restore a natural appearance and minimise scarring or disfigurement.

What the surgery involves

A cancer diagnosis on the face may require surgery to remove the skin tumour, or precancerous lesions, before they grow further or put the patient’s life in danger.

The surgeon also removes a portion of the healthy skin around the tumour or lesion, to take out any cancer cells that have spread into the surrounding area. Extensive surgical resection is necessary particularly in advanced skin cancer, and typically precedes radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The difficulty specific to the face is the effect the excision has on appearance — visible scars or disfigurement. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons are trained to reconstruct these defects with attention to preserving both facial aesthetics and function. Local flaps, skin grafts and other techniques are used to restore a natural look and minimise scarring.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the removal, or at a later stage.

Immediate reconstruction takes place together with the removal procedure. The reconstructive surgeon decides whether a patient is a candidate for this based on the diagnosis and the overall treatment plan.

Delayed reconstruction applies where the patient needs time to recover, or where further skin cancer treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy is planned first.

Local flap

The surgeon raises a flap from the skin next to the affected area, shifts it over the excised area and secures it in place. The local flap technique suits facial skin with natural creases, which are used to conceal the scars.

Skin graft

The skin graft technique is used in more complicated cases. The surgeon takes a graft from another body area that is easily concealed and uses it to cover the surgical site. The donor skin is sutured to the skin edges at the excision site.

What reconstruction achieves

• Improves the appearance of the treated area
• Repairs skin damage
• Minimises visible scarring
• Restores the integrity of the skin

Recovery

Skin cancer removal and reconstruction requires local anaesthesia, with or without sedation.

Recovery depends on the extent and complexity of the surgical site. Most patients can return to everyday activities from the first day after surgery and recover fully within a week.

Facial appearance improves gradually within six to eight weeks. Your reconstructive surgeon may suggest small corrections to the scars at a later stage. Skincare and sun protection are necessary during the healing period.

Where the surgery takes place

Dr. Stavrou performs facial skin cancer removal and reconstruction in accredited medical centres in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and Malta (Sliema). After the procedure the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and monitored by the medical staff.