Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about facial skin cancer treatment and step-by-step surgical wound contraction.
The treatment steps are usually performed under local anesthesia. While this is certainly not pleasant, you generally won’t experience any pain during the procedures. Sensations after the treatments vary from person to person and will be explained during your personal consultation.
Does the treatment hurt?
The treatment steps are usually performed under local anesthesia. The injection of the local anesthetic may feel uncomfortable. Once the procedure begins, however, you generally won’t experience any pain. Any potential discomfort following the treatment steps and how to manage it will be explained during your personal consultation.
How many appointments are needed?
The treatment is carried out in several steps—usually three to four—over a period ranging from several weeks to a few months.
The number of appointments required depends, among other things, on:
- The size and location of the wound
- The healing process
- Skin type
The treatment plan is tailored to each individual.
For more details, see “The Process of Skin Cancer Treatment on the Face.”
How visible is the wound during treatment?
Since the wound is closed in stages, it remains partially visible during treatment.
How noticeable it is depends on its location, size, and the healing process. These factors will be discussed before treatment begins.
For more details, see Examples and Treatment Results.
Will I be able to work during treatment?
In most cases, patients can return to work after each treatment session. Whether and to what extent this is possible depends on:
- The nature of the work
- The location of the wound
- The patient’s individual comfort level
In some cases, it may be advisable to take temporary time off, especially if the workplace involves exposure to dust or dirt.
Are there any restrictions in daily life?
There may be occasional restrictions, for example:
- during physical activities
- in intense sunlight
- during certain movements or when exerting physical strain
- when working in dusty or dirty environments
The appropriate precautions will be discussed on an individual basis.
Will there be scars?
Any surgery on the skin leaves scars. The goal of gradual wound contraction is to minimize tension and visible scarring as much as possible. What a scar looks like in each individual case depends on personal factors.
We explain more about the potential benefits and limitations under “Benefits and Limitations of Wound Contraction for Facial Skin Cancer.”
How long does the entire treatment take?
The entire treatment process usually takes about three to four months. There are typically several weeks between each treatment step, making it easy to plan the schedule.
Is this method suitable for everyone?
The method is not equally suitable for every defect size or every area of the body. A doctor will determine whether it is appropriate for each individual case.
What happens if this method isn’t suitable?
If this method isn’t an option, other suitable surgical procedures will be recommended. The choice is always based on medical safety and the individual’s specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment – A Brief Summary
Frequently asked questions primarily concern:
- Pain and discomfort
- Visibility of the wound
- Time commitment and daily life
- The healing process and scarring
These issues are discussed openly before and during treatment.
Final Note
The information provided here is for general guidance. A personal consultation with your doctor remains essential for addressing individual questions and making decisions.
Medical Information: Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Andreas Born