Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the United States—and if detected early, it can also be one of the most treatable. But what do you do after following the self-examination checklist and discovering a weird mark on your body or strange changes to an existing mole?

Working With a Plastic Surgeon for Your Skin Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

If there is something odd on your body or you’re concerned about the appearance of any blemishes or lesions, the first step is to contact a physician. There are many types of specialists qualified to perform skin cancer removal surgeries with promising cure rates, but you may be wondering who will provide you with the best results. Did you know that a board certified plastic surgeon is uniquely qualified to diagnose and remove cancerous growths, in addition to provide any necessary reconstructive procedures?

Here is why choosing a plastic surgeon may be your best choice for skin cancer treatment.

Work with the same team from your first appointment to your final follow-up

Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a complicated process involving numerous physicians. This means that you could be bouncing from one physician’s office to the next throughout the process, which can be stressful and inconvenient. Working with a plastic surgeon largely removes the need for other specialists, allowing you to work with one doctor and team from beginning to end.

At our practice, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo and his experienced staff can meet all of your needs for the entirety of your skin cancer treatment, including:

• Diagnosis
• Biopsy
• Excision surgery
• Reconstructive surgery

Because you will be working with one office, you will only need to provide your medical information once and can rest assured that you are in capable hands that are familiar with your unique circumstances throughout your entire treatment.

A comprehensive treatment plan can ensure better results

While the most important factor of treatment is ensuring all of the cancer is gone, most patients are also concerned about what the area will look like after surgery. Unlike other physicians, plastic surgeons are specifically trained to approach surgery with an eye for both function and appearance, making them uniquely qualified to provide you with the best looking results.

During skin cancer removal surgery, your plastic surgeon will work hard to protect as much healthy tissue as possible, minimize scarring, and properly prepare the area for any reconstructive surgery that may be needed.

Plastic surgeons can provide reconstructive services almost immediately

Depending on the type of cancer and recommended treatment, you may require reconstructive surgery to restore a natural appearance after the skin cancer has been removed. When working with a plastic surgeon, your reconstructive surgery will be performed by the same surgeon and can often be scheduled right away.

This is particularly beneficial for patients who are undergoing modified Mohs Surgery, which often requires removing quite a bit of tissue. When working with another physician and scheduling coordinated reconstruction, patients may be sent home with an open wound and have to wait for reconstruction. However, your reconstruction can be performed much more quickly if you choose a plastic surgeon.

Insurance coverage and plastic surgery

Because a large portion of plastic surgery is considered cosmetic in nature, and thus not covered by insurance, many incorrectly assume that working with a plastic surgeon for skin cancer removal and reconstruction will cost them out of pocket. This is not true; by and large, these procedures are considered medically necessary and are covered by most insurance providers—whether you’re working with a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or other qualified surgeon.

If you have any questions about your policy, we recommend contacting your insurance provider and speaking with your surgeon about pre-authorization.

Why Choose Dr. Garazo for Your Skin Cancer Treatment in Maryland

Dr. Garazo has over 20 years of experience providing patients in Maryland with plastic and reconstructive services. His many years of training and education make him well-qualified to perform skin cancer removal surgery, including modified Mohs surgery and frozen section pathology services. As a plastic surgeon in Frederick, Dr. Garazo will apply the same technique and skill he uses for cosmetic surgery procedures, ensuring your results will look as best as possible after reconstruction.

Typically, Dr. Garazo is able to accept new patient appointments within just two to three weeks, meaning you can get started on any necessary treatment as soon as possible. Our offices are private, comfortable, and well-appointed, and our friendly staff will make you feel at home as soon as you walk through the doors. All skin cancer removal and reconstructive surgeries are performed at Dr. Garazo’s on-site, Quad-A accredited surgical facility, and we work only with board certified anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to ensure the highest level of patient safety.

Our office accepts medicare and most insurance providers. To find out more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Garazo, we encourage you to call (301) 791-1800 or contact us online today.

Other skin cancer resources:

• Our field guide to moles and cancer prevention. Free pdf download. Spoiler alert: If you are curious about your moles, please come in and get them checked.
• Use our skin cancer self exam checklist for an easy guide to your monthly self-examination. Free pdf download.
• A recipe for a skin-healthy smoothie.