Reconstructive Surgery

What is surgical reconstruction?

Reconstructive surgery is the procedure that repairs a wound (defect) to preserve the function of the normal anatomy as well as avoid disfigurement. Oftentimes, surgical reconstruction is performed after successfully removing a skin cancer by excision or Mohs surgery. While surgical reconstruction technically includes every type of wound repair requiring stitches, the term is frequently used to describe skin flaps and skin grafts. Skin flaps and skin grafts offer the greatest volume and contour restoration and best color and texture match for larger or more complex wounds.

Skin flaps, also called adjacent tissue transfers, utilize local tissue surrounding the surgical wound for the repair. Adjacent skin including the underlying tissue and blood supply is loosened and brought into the wound by sliding, rotating, or lifting the tissue into place. Skin flap techniques require careful planning and precise surgical execution to ensure adequate blood flow to the transferred tissue and promote successful wound healing.

Skin grafts utilize a remote area of the body that has redundant or excess tissue for the surgical wound repair. Skin grafting involves the harvest and transplantation of healthy skin from one area of the body (the donor site) to another (the recipient site) to cover the wound or defect. Depending on the nature of the skin graft, the donor site may be stitched or left open to heal on its own.

At Apex Skin Center, your skin health is our priority. We are here for you and your skin. Whether you have already been diagnosed with a skin cancer or have concerns about a specific lesion, Apex Skin Center provides comprehensive care and personalized attention. Skin cancer surgery and reconstruction is a safe and very common procedure performed in the outpatient setting at Apex Skin Center. Only a board-certified dermatologist will perform the procedure. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and the team at Apex Skin Center in Fuquay-Varina look forward to serving you. Contact Apex Skin Center to schedule a consultation or book your visit online in a few easy steps.