Reconstructive Procedures: Skin Lesions
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Facial Skin Lesions, Skin Cancers And Their Management
There are many causes of lumps and bumps on the face. These can arise from any of the tissue of the face, and can be benign or malignant (cancerous). The aim of treatment of these skin conditions is complete excision with minimal distortion of facial appearance, whilst minimizing recurrence. With a deep understanding of facial lumps and bumps as well as extensive experience in facial anatomy and delicate soft tissue management, plastic surgeons are best placed to help achieve these aims.
Benign skin lesions
Common benign skin lesions of the face include skin inclusion cysts, lipomas, seborrheic keratosis, warts, and xanthelasma around the eyes (especially in patients with abnormally high cholesterol). While they can be left alone with no long-term harm, benign skin lumps can be unsightly and grow slowly to cause functional problems such as obstruction of vision, with some having the potential to turn cancerous. It is for these reasons that excision is recommended, with the lump being sent for testing to ensure that it is not more harmful than expected. Visual inspection of a skin lump by an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon can also help in determining the nature of the lump.
Malignant skin cancer
There are many types of skin cancer, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma (MM) being the most commonly mentioned. Whilst chronic sun exposure is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer formation, other pre-disposing conditions include genetic preponderance as well as exposure to radiation and certain chemicals. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, and along with SCC, is much less likely to spread to other parts of the body. However, they can be locally destructive and should be dealt with early to prevent the need for major surgery at a later stage. BCC commonly presents as a raised skin lesion with rolled borders, while SCC presents with ulceration and bleeding.
MM is the most feared form of skin cancer as it has a high risk of spread to the lymph nodes and other organs in the body. Whilst there are many subtypes of melanoma, it commonly presents as a black spot with irregular borders, forming and growing over weeks rather than months. MM should be excised with appropriate margins which are dependent on the depth of skin invasion of the cancer. Adjuvant treatments such as chemotherapy may be required depending on the extent of the MM.
Whilst there are some medical treatments available skin cancers, surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. An incisional or excisional biopsy can help to determine whether a skin lesion is malignant. A clinical assessment of the lymph node basins may also be involved, and further investigations such as blood tests or X-rays and scans may be ordered.
Plastic surgery and the management of benign and malignant skin lesions
Plastic surgeons are involved in the entire spectrum of skin lesion management, from diagnosis all the way through to excision and reconstruction. If the resultant wound is small enough, it can be closed along relaxed skin tension lines to minimize scarring, while bigger wounds may require grafts or flaps to repair. With this entire armamentarium at their disposal, the plastic surgeon can discuss with you to select the most appropriate treatment modality. After surgery, your plastic surgeon can also coordinate other treatments that are required with dermatologists or oncologists.
PATIENT STORIES
Post Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring
A 40-year-old lady consulted with Dr Pek with the desire to correct large amounts of excess skin and soft tissue. She had undergone Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) 2 years prior to her presentation and had successfully lost almost 30kg of weight. With ... Read more
Treating Gynecomastia – Correct Male Breasts through minimally invasive techniques
A 38-year-old male engineer presented to Dr Pek with symptomatic growth of his chest/breast area. Since puberty, he complained of unusually prominent chest tissue around his nipple and areolar region. This had worsened gradually over the years, with the left ... Read more
Upper eyelid lift and eyebags rejuvenation
63 years old Chinese female with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to Dr Pek with significant droopiness of her upper eyelids on both sides, affecting the upper portion of her visual field. She would constantly feel that her upper eyelids were heavy, ... Read more
Bilateral breast reconstruction using abdominal free flaps
A 45-year-old mother of 2 children was diagnosed with left breast cancer, for which a skin-sparing mastectomy (total removal of breast tissue leaving behind the skin envelope) was recommended. Read more
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At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we provide the highest standards of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery services to suit the individual needs of each of our patients, placing their well-being and concerns at the center of a seamless, holistic interaction with our practice.
Visit us at
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-09 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
