Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer reconstruction is a treatment that aims to correct any abnormalities in the skin as well as restore form and function to areas that are affected by skin cancer and cancer removal. ⁽¹⁾

Skin cancer is a serious condition that can continue to impact people even after they have been treated. The removal of skin cancer from some areas of the body can leave behind certain problem areas that many individuals would like to address, causing them to seek skin cancer reconstruction treatments. This treatment addresses defects left behind after surgical excision and allows patients to regain confidence in their appearance while maintaining healthy skin function. This treatment often plays a crucial role in a patient’s recovery, minimizing scarring and preserving mobility or expression in sensitive areas like the face and hands.

Northwestern Medicine is a leading provider of reconstructive treatments for skin cancer in the Midwest. Their team of board-certified reconstructive surgeons provides advanced reconstruction techniques designed to meet each patient’s needs. Working alongside dermatologists and oncologic surgeons, the team offers complete care from initial screening to follow-up recovery, and a variety of different treatment options such as Mohs surgery for the face and body. Services can apply to areas including the scalp, face, neck, extremities, torso, and specialized areas such as eyelids or lips.

If you are looking to rejuvenate your skin after suffering from skin cancer, schedule a personal consultation by giving us a call at one of our locations in Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest.

About Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, not just in the United States, but worldwide. Treatments that remove cancerous tissue may leave wounds that require reconstructive surgery. ⁽²⁾ These defects can range from small, superficial marks to large areas of missing tissue that disrupt normal appearance or function.

Reconstructive techniques can be applied to nearly any part of the body. At Northwestern Medicine, reconstructive specialists work closely with patients to design reconstructive solutions that deliver natural, lasting results.

Dermatology Screening and Early Detection

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer effectively and minimizing the need for complex reconstruction. Northwestern Medicine’s dermatology teams offer comprehensive services for prevention and diagnosis, which include:

By diagnosing skin cancer early, surgeons can perform smaller excisions, which often lead to simpler reconstruction and better cosmetic results.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments for certain types of skin cancer at Northwestern Medicine. It is a highly effective surgical technique that removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Types of Reconstruction Offered

Northwestern Medicine provides reconstruction options tailored to every patient’s needs. Whether cancer removal affects the scalp, face, extremities, or other areas of the body, surgeons develop a personalized approach using the most advanced techniques available. Some treatments offered include:

Scalp and Facial Reconstruction

Skin cancers on the scalp or face often require careful reconstruction to preserve appearance and protect underlying structures. ⁽³⁾ Surgeons may use local flaps, rotational flaps, or free tissue transfer to restore natural contours. This is particularly important on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and temples, where skin tension and hair-bearing areas must be matched for seamless results.

Central Face and Delicate Features

Reconstruction around the nose, lips, or eyes demands precision. These areas not only define facial appearance but also perform vital functions such as breathing, eating, and blinking. Northwestern Medicine surgeons specialize in techniques like nasolabial flaps, forehead flaps, and fine skin grafts that maintain symmetry and allow normal movement.

Head and Neck

Defects in the jawline, ears, or neck can be complex due to the structures involved. Regional flaps or microsurgical free flaps are often used to rebuild these areas while protecting nerve and muscle function. ⁽⁴⁾ The goal is to maintain natural contours while preventing tightness or movement restrictions.

Extremity Reconstruction

When skin cancer removal affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet, reconstruction restores protective skin coverage and preserves mobility. Local flaps or grafts may be sufficient for smaller defects, while free tissue transfer may be required for larger or deeper wounds. Northwestern Medicine works to ensure patients regain full use of their limbs and minimal scarring after recovery.

Torso Reconstruction

Cancers on the chest and back may leave significant defects after excision. Surgeons can use tissue rearrangement or flap procedures to restore skin coverage and create a smoother appearance on these larger surfaces.

Free Tissue Transfer

For extensive defects, free tissue transfer is a highly effective solution. This advanced technique uses healthy tissue from another area of the body to reconstruct the wound. Microsurgical expertise is essential to reconnect blood vessels and ensure the transferred tissue survives. ⁽⁵⁾ Northwestern Medicine’s reconstructive surgeons are skilled in these procedures, offering durable, natural-looking results even for large or complex cases.

Benefits of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Reconstruction after skin cancer treatment often offers both physical and emotional benefits for patients because it:

These treatments can provide patients with a variety of physical and mental benefits because they can help restore both function and appearance when performed by experienced professionals such as the staff at Northwestern Medicine.

Ideal Candidates for Reconstruction

Multiple factors dictate whether or not someone is eligible for skin cancer reconstruction at Northwestern Medicine, but patients who benefit most from reconstruction generally meet the following criteria:

If you believe you may be a candidate, call Northwestern Medicine to schedule a personal consultation with one of our reconstruction specialists at our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest locations.

Personal Consultation

The process of reconstruction treatment begins with a thorough consultation at Northwestern Medicine. Patients may start in dermatology for screening, mapping, or biopsy confirmation. Once cancer is diagnosed and excision planned, a reconstructive surgeon is consulted to discuss the best approach for closure and restoration. During your appointment, the surgeon will examine the size, location, and depth of the defect.

They will explain available techniques, including grafts, flaps, or free tissue transfer, and provide a realistic outlook for results and recovery. In some instances where the skin cancer is still present, they may recommend treatments such as Mohs surgery to surgically excise these spots. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Schedule this consultation to get started on your reconstruction journey by calling one of our Northwestern Medicine locations in Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest.

Preparation

Your surgeon will provide personalized preparation instructions before reconstruction.

Typical preparation steps may include:

Taking the necessary preparatory steps will help the Northwestern Medicine team be able to do their job as efficiently as possible, therefore setting you up for a successful treatment and recovery process.

Procedure

Skin cancer reconstruction is a highly individualized process; therefore, the details of your surgery will depend on numerous factors such as the location and size of the defect. Many procedures are performed immediately following cancer excision to minimize downtime and improve cosmetic results. For small defects, skin grafts or local flaps may be used. A skin graft transfers a thin layer of healthy skin from another site, while a local flap repositions nearby tissue to cover the wound. Larger or deeper defects may require regional flaps or free tissue transfer, bringing in healthy tissue with its own blood supply to reconstruct the area.

The surgeons at Northwestern Medicine work meticulously to match skin color and texture, minimize visible scarring, and restore normal contours. Procedures may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia for more complex cases. Northwestern Medicine surgeons coordinate closely with dermatologists or oncologic surgeons to ensure complete cancer removal before reconstruction begins.

Recovery

Recovery time varies based on the size and complexity of the procedure. Most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the treatment area or donor site. Your surgeon will provide detailed wound care instructions, including how to keep the area clean and when to change dressings.

You will likely be asked to schedule follow-up visits at Northwestern Medicine to allow your surgeon to monitor healing and ensure grafts or flaps are successful. Physical therapy may be recommended if reconstruction affects areas like the hands, feet, or limbs. Most patients can return to normal activities within days to weeks, although complete healing for large or complex procedures may take several months.

Results

Reconstruction aims to restore both the appearance and function of the affected area. Many patients see a natural result that blends well with the surrounding skin, with minimal visible scarring over time. Reconstructed areas are designed to be durable, protecting underlying tissues and allowing normal facial expressions or movement. The long-term outcome depends on factors such as the size of the defect, the chosen reconstruction technique, and the patient’s healing ability. Northwestern Medicine surgeons provide follow-up care to ensure results remain stable and aesthetically pleasing.

Cost of Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Chicago, IL

Because reconstruction is considered a medically necessary procedure following cancer removal, many insurance providers cover it. Costs depend on the extent of the defect, the technique used, and whether multiple stages or inpatient care are required. An estimate of the total cost of your treatment can be provided to you following your personal consultation.

FAQ

References

1. Kim GW, Bae YC, Bae SH, Nam SB, Lee DM. A clinical review of reconstructive techniques for patients with multiple skin cancers on the face. Archives of Craniofacial Surgery. 2018;19(3):194-199. doi:https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2018.02012
2. Gruber P, Shah M, Zito PM. Skin Cancer. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441949/
3. Meaike J, Dickey R, Killion E, Bartlett E, Brown R. Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2016;30(03):108-121. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1584821
4. Hanasono MM. Reconstructive Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Advances in Medicine. 2014;2014:e795483. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/795483
5. Brambullo T, L’Erario S, Marena F, et al. Microsurgical Reconstruction with Free Tissue Transfer in Skin Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Cancers. 2025;17(14):2371. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17142371