Skin Cancer
Austin, TX

 

 
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Before & Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery offer skin cancer solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Skin cancer has become an alarming epidemic. The three most common forms of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, all of which are on the rise. Fortunately, the latter two forms are rarely fatal and awareness has increased for all types, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, use of sunscreen and avoidance of prolonged sun exposure through education is increasing. Hopefully, these actions will decrease the incidence of skin cancer in the future.

Our surgeons are experts in treating skin cancer. They usually team up with a Mohs surgeon for the excision and then perform the reconstruction procedure the same day. Our surgeons strongly believe in using similar tissue for the reconstruction. Therefore, they use the most innovative local and regional tissue flap techniques to restore soft tissue defects. Each surgeon’s goal is to provide the patient with a result that closely resembles his or her pre-injury cosmetic and functional state.

Additionally, our surgeons coordinate the care of melanoma patients, working closely with surgical and medical oncologists to perform the latest in sentinel lymph node mapping and adjuvant treatment modalities.

Frequently Asked Skin Cancer Questions

What is skin cancer?

Is a type of cancer primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun. It primarily appears on the face, head and neck. As the most common form of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer has in recent years become an alarming epidemic. The three most common types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer. It most often occurs on the face, lips and ears though it can spread to other sites including the lymph nodes and internal organs. Melanoma can prove life threatening if left untreated. Moles that change in size, color or shape, as well as new skin growths, may be a sign of melanoma.

What is basal cell carcinoma?

The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can appear in many forms. It is the least dangerous type of skin cancer as it is slow growing and rarely spreads.

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma commonly occurs on the face, ears and lips. It can sometimes spread to other sites like the lymph nodes and internal organs. Left untreated, this type of cancer can prove life threatening. As with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can appear in many forms

What procedures are used to treat skin cancer?

There are a variety of procedures able to treat skin cancer. Dr. Buckingham often teams up with a Mohs surgeons. In so doing, the Mohs surgeon can perform the excision after which Dr. Buckingham can perform the reconstruction, all on the same day.

How can skin cancer be treated with plastic surgery?

Through plastic surgery, cancerous skin growths can be surgically removed. Furthermore, plastic surgeons can do this in a way that maintains function and provides the most pleasing appearance possible. In treating skin cancer, Dr. Buckingham often teams up with a Mohs surgeon who performs the excision while he performs the reconstruction. These two tasks can be completed on the same day. Dr. Buckingham uses the latest techniques to restore soft tissue defects to an appearance and function that is as close as possible to their pre-injury state.

Is anesthesia used for skin cancer treatment?

Some form of anesthesia will likely be used for your skin cancer treatment, though this will depend upon the particular procedure performed. Surgical procedures are often performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Consultation in Austin Today
To determine if a patient is a good candidate for this procedure, Dr. Buckingham recommends a private patient consultation.

Dr. Buckingham feels that successful facial plastic surgery results from the development and maintenance of good rapport between the patient, the surgeon, and his staff during the consultation and future appointments. The consultation will include a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to bring about the desired results and all questions relating to the patient’s specific concerns will be addressed.

Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.

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