Excision of malignant lesion of the face and scalp with flap rotation
Cost: $4,190 USD
Hospitalization duration: 2 days
What is Excision of a Malignant Lesion of the Face and Scalp with Flap Rotation?
Excision of a malignant lesion on the face or scalp with flap rotation is a specialized surgery performed to remove skin cancer or suspicious lesions in these delicate areas. Flap rotation is a reconstruction technique that uses nearby skin and tissue to cover the area where the lesion was removed, ensuring adequate coverage and a favorable cosmetic result. This procedure is common in the treatment of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, especially in visible areas.
During surgery, the surgeon removes the malignant lesion and a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure that no cancer cells remain. The skin flap is then repositioned and sutured to the treated area to facilitate healing and reduce the cosmetic impact.
Includes
- Medical Team
The surgery is performed by a team specialized in dermatological or maxillofacial surgery, depending on the location and complexity of the injury, ensuring a precise and safe procedure.
- Laboratory
Includes complete pre-surgical studies that evaluate the patient’s general health, helping to adequately prepare for surgery and reduce possible complications.
- Office
Chest imaging examination, used to rule out respiratory or cardiac problems that may affect the safety of the procedure and the use of anesthesia.
- Preoperative Evaluation by Internal Medicine + EKG
Detailed evaluation performed by an internist and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to ensure that the patient is in adequate condition for the intervention.
- Postoperative Visits
Follow-up of the healing and recovery process to ensure that there are no complications and that the treated area is healing properly.
- Pathology study
The removed lesion is sent to the laboratory for histopathological analysis, which confirms the complete elimination of malignant cells and rules out the presence of cancer at the margins of the resection.
Preparing for surgery
For excision of a malignant lesion on the face or scalp, the medical team usually recommends:
- Fasting for at least 6 to 8 hours before surgery if general anesthesia is required.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, especially those that may interfere with coagulation, such as anticoagulants.
- Avoiding the use of creams or cosmetic products in the treated area, to facilitate disinfection and preparation of the skin before surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from this procedure may vary depending on the size and location of the injury. Typical recommendations include:
- Avoid sudden movements or physical exertion during the first few weeks to avoid tension in the suture area.
- Keep the wound clean and dry as directed by your medical team to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply painkillers as needed to control any postoperative discomfort or pain.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, although they should avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and protect the scar to ensure proper healing.
Risks and Complications
Although excision of a malignant lesion on the face and scalp is safe, there are some potential risks, such as:
- Infection at the incision site, which may require antibiotic treatment.
- Bleeding or bruising in the treated area.
- Abnormal scarring or keloid formation, especially in people predisposed to raised scars.
- Recurrence of the lesion in rare cases if all malignant cells are not removed.
The medical team provides detailed instructions to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.