Facial Tumors
Plastic surgery can play an important role in the treatment of facial tumors. Facial tumors can vary in size and location and can be benign or malignant. Depending on the type and location of the tumor, plastic surgery may be needed to remove the tumor and reconstruct the affected area.
One common approach is to perform a wide excision of the tumor, which involves removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it. This can be followed by reconstruction of the affected area using a variety of techniques, such as skin grafts, local flaps, or free tissue transfer.
In some cases, the plastic surgeon may also work with other specialists, such as a head and neck surgeon or an oncologist, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the tumor.
The goal of plastic surgery in the treatment of facial tumors is to not only remove the tumor, but also to restore the appearance and function of the affected area. This can involve addressing issues such as scarring, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speech or swallowing.
The type of surgery used for facial tumors depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the specific type of tumor. Here are some of the surgical options for facial tumors:
Local flaps: Local flaps involve using adjacent tissue to reconstruct the area where the tumor was removed. The flap of skin is moved from its original location to the defect and repositioned to cover the area. The blood supply to the flap is kept intact, which allows it to survive and heal in the new location.
Free tissue transfer: This technique involves using tissue from another part of the body, such as the forearm or abdomen, to reconstruct the defect. The tissue is removed and transferred to the face, along with its blood supply, which is reconnected to blood vessels in the facial area.
Skin grafts: Skin grafts involve removing a thin layer of skin from a donor site, such as the thigh or buttocks, and transferring it to the area where the tumor was removed. The graft is secured in place and allowed to heal, eventually blending in with the surrounding skin.
Excision: This involves surgically removing the tumor from the affected area. This procedure is often used for small tumors.
Mohs surgery: This is a specialized surgical technique used for skin cancers, particularly those on the face. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the tumor layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope until all cancerous tissue is removed.
Endoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the face and using a small camera to guide the surgeon in removing the tumor.
Radiation therapy: This is a non-surgical option that uses high-energy radiation to shrink or destroy tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery.
The specific type of surgery used will depend on the individual case and the expertise of the treating physician. It is important to consult with our qualified surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for facial tumors.
