Skin Cancer/ Burn Surgery in Lubbock, TX

Visible scarring from burns and conspicuous skin growths detract from a person’s physical appearance and can lower their self-confidence. Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute perform reconstructive surgeries to help minimize burn scarring and remove abnormal skin growths. While reconstructive surgery cannot completely erase burns or scarring, experienced plastic surgeons Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty can use advanced techniques to improve the patient’s appearance and revise the area to appear more normal. Patients who are concerned about a growth on their skin or want to minimize the appearance of their burn scarring should schedule an initial consultation at the Lubbock or Midland office of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute, serving patients in West Texas and East New Mexico.

The plastic surgeons of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute can surgically remove any spot or growth, while keeping full function and appearance of the area. For a small cancerous growth, we can remove it quickly and easily in our Lubbock office, using local anesthesia. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. For a larger and/or expanding growth, however, major surgery may be required. If a treatment other than surgical excision is called for, we will refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.

Severe and serious burns can be devastating, but through reconstructive burn surgery the plastic surgeons of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute can help the recovery process begin and allow the patient feel normal again. There are a number of different burn treatment options that could work depending on the patient’s situation and the severity of their burns. Reconstructive burn treatments include either flap reconstruction or skin grafting. Skin grafting requires taking skin from an unburned area of the body (a donor site) and placing it onto the burn area.

Reconstruction can often be performed the same day or the day after the removal procedure. Reconstructive procedures are performed on an individualized basis, depending on each patient's wound, and can involve a skin graft, flap of skin, stitching or surgical closure. Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty will discuss the various options with the patient and together they will choose the best method or methods of treatment. Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty will work with the doctor performing the patient’s skin cancer removal to perform reconstruction either immediately after the removal or later if the patient chooses.

Patients may be put under local or general anesthesia depending on the location and size of the area being treated. Once the skin cancer lesion is removed, Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty will begin reconstruction using the techniques the doctor and the patient decided on during the initial consultation. Once the reconstruction is completed, Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty will close and dress the wound before the patient is allowed to leave. Our doctors will give every patient post surgical instructions, including how to care for the surgical wound, what topical medications to apply, and other tips to help with the patient's recovery. Avoiding sun exposure and using sun protection will help the wound heal quicker and without irregularities, like raised, red, or darker skin. It may take up to 1 year for patients to see the final results of their skin cancer reconstruction. If needed, Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty will discuss a secondary surgery to further refine the results.

While Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty do their best to keep incisions small and the wound closures clean and neat, there will be some degree of scarring. Scarring can be minimized by following the post surgical wound care instructions. Surgical scar revision can be performed if the patient would like to further reduce the visibility of the scarring.

Even if a dermatologist removes the skin cancer growth, it is beneficial for patients to have a plastic surgeon performing the wound closure and/or skin reconstruction. Plastic surgeons, like Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty, are specially trained to preserve the appearance of the skin and they are more practiced at closing incisions cleanly and evenly.

It is best if patients make an appointment with Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty before their skin cancer removal so they can consult and coordinate with the doctor and facility performing the skin cancer removal. Patients may chose to have their skin reconstruction performed right after their removal surgery or they can wait to see how the wound will heal naturally. During the initial consultation, Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mootywill listen to the needs and concerns of the patient and then help them determine their best timeline and treatment plan.