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Your route to healthy skin
1
Local anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area to be operated on so that no pain is felt.
After the anaesthetic takes effect, the visible part of the cancer is surgically removed. The surgeon also removes any thin tissue under and around the cancer. A temporary dressing is placed over the area where the skin has been removed. This procedure takes just a few minutes.
2
Lab
The tissue is sent to the lab for analysis. During this time, you can wait for the results for around 1 hour in our seperate and discreet waiting area. Our team manage your care and well-being.
The sample is examined under the microscope in the lab. The edges are carefully examined for remnants of skin cancer. If a small cancerous area is found on one edge, this helps the surgeon decide where to continue with the procedure.
3
Second excision
If the labs determine that not all of the cancer cells have been removed, surgery is performed.
The surgeon removes an additional layer from the affected area and makes sure that any cancer-containing tissue is removed and as much healthy tissue as possible is retained.
4
Closure
As soon as all the cancer has been removed, the skin can be repaired again. Depending on the extent and location of the surgery, some wounds can be sutured immediately. If the skin cancer was more extensive, reconstruction techniques such as flap plasty can be used.
The specialist dermatology surgeons at the DKZ take special care to ensure that the operated area looks as unobtrusive and aesthetically beautiful as possible in the future.
We take your care and queries seriously. Speak to us.
How long will I be at the clinic?
You will be at the clinic for around 2 to 2 1/2 hours. After the procedure, the area will be covered with a dressing for around 2-3 days and the sutures will usually be removed after 1 week. As required, and to achieve satisfactory results, at the DKZ we may also use laser treatments on postoperative scars.
When can the best and most aesthetically pleasing results be achieved?
Usually, if the skin cancer:
- has a high risk of recurrence or has recurred after previous treatment;
- is found in parts of the body where as much healthy tissue as possible must be retained. This includes the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet and genitals;
- has edges that are difficult to define;
- is large or growing rapidly.