Skin cancer (including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma) is one of the most prevalent cancers today. It frequently occurs on sun exposed skin, making the head and neck one of the most common sites for skin cancer. Different genetic conditions as well as immunotherapy can also predispose and individual to developing skin cancer.

 

Dr. Obourn has spent an extensive amount of time treating patients with skin cancer. This typically includes resecting the lesion and/or working with Mohs surgeons (Dermatologist trained in the Mohs technique) who resect the cancer, followed by reconstruction. Dr. Obourn specializes in reconstructing large defects of the head and neck in a more cosmetically acceptable way.

 

​

Technique
After the cancer has been removed, Dr. Obourn utilizes a variety of different techniques for reconstruction. This can include utilizing surrounding tissue, skin grafts, or local flaps. Dr. Obourn will go over potential options for reconstruction in great detail at your visit.

 

​

Risks

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Scarring

• Need for further procedures

• Temporary or permanent paresthesias (i.e. numbness, tingling, pins/needles, etc.)

• Asymmetry

 

​