Surgery for Skin Cancer / Skin

The skin is constantly changing and the risk of being affected by a skin disease increases with every year of life. Skin changes and skin tumors in the face, head and neck area are particularly challenging. On the one hand, especially these parts of the body are most often affected by skin changes and skin tumors; on the other hand, treatments and operations in this area can hardly be concealed or hidden. The expertise and experience of the surgeon is therefore more important. The close cooperation between specialists in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and ear, nose and throat specialists at our FACE practice offers you the best possible starting position. You will receive a fully comprehensive consultation and therapy.

• Preliminary Examination - The First Consultation
  The referral for skin changes and skin tumors is usually made by your treating general practitioner or dermatologist - or you come as a self-referrer. During the preliminary examination, the findings are again medically assessed. Depending on the findings, we plan your surgical treatment.
  
  
• Frequent Clinical Pictures
  Skin changes and precancerous lesions
  Moles and age warts are features that characterize almost all of us. While some moles and benign skin changes are considered attractive beauty spots, very prominent or protruding skin changes can be disturbing and unpleasant. Increased attention must be paid to skin alterations that suddenly change in shape, color and appearance after a long period of constant appearance. If you notice such a change, we advise you to have it medically clarified.
  White skin cancer - Basal cell carcinoma - Squamous cell carcinoma
  White skin cancer is an umbrella term for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and also for preliminary stages of these skin cancers. Both types of skin cancer develop in the uppermost layer of the skin, the so-called epidermis, or from cells of the hair follicles. Due to a dysplasia of a healthy cell, these then formed tumor cells proliferate into the surrounding tissue. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent skin tumor with approx. 70%, squamous cell carcinoma the second most frequent with approx. 15%.
  Black skin cancer - Melanoma
  Black skin cancer refers to the melanoma. With approximately 2 - 4% of all skin cancers this tumor is rare, but it is more dangerous. In melanoma, it is the pigment cells or melanocytes in the uppermost layer of the skin that degenerate. The dangerous thing about this skin tumor is its potential to spread to other organs - hence the name "black skin cancer". Early detection of melanoma is therefore one of the most important factors in therapy. If a mole changes on your skin, we highly recommend that you seek medical clarification.

• Preventive Measures
  Sun exposure is one of the strongest risk factors for skin cancer. Therefore, for all types of skin cancer, the safest protection is to avoid excessive sunbathing and sunburns. We recommend applying a sun protection factor daily. Furthermore, direct sun exposure should be avoided by wearing appropriate clothing. Early detection of skin tumors is the most important preventive factor. We advise you to carry out a self-inspection regularly. If you suspect a skin lesion or are uncertain about a skin change, we advise you to have it checked by a doctor or have it assessed by us. We will be happy to help you with this.
  
  
• Surgery
  The operation takes place in the Cantonal Hospital Sarnen and lasts 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the findings. Most operations for skin tumors can be performed under local anesthesia or in a short twilight sedation. In most cases the operation can be performed as an outpatient procedure, so that you can go home the same day. The size and localization of the findings and, of course, your personal wishes play a role and are taken into account by us in the planning.
  
  
• Postoperative Care
  After operations in the face, head and neck area, we recommend keeping the upper body elevated for about 48 hours to counteract swelling. Slight swelling and discoloration in the area of the operation are normal and will disappear after a few days. The first follow-up takes place a few days after the operation. In urgent cases, we are of course available for you at any time.
  
  
• Operative Risks
  Common risks after the operation are slight swelling and discoloration. Scarring in the facial area is usually very discreet, and when suturing the wounds, we work with the finest suture material and magnifying glasses to have the best outcome. Rarely, infections, relevant hematomas or wound healing disorders can occur. That is why close monitoring and personal care are very important to us.
  
  
• Costs
  In the case of a skin cancer or medically unclear findings, the costs are covered by the health insurance. If an inconspicuous skin finding is to be removed for aesthetic reasons, it again depends on the localization and size of the finding. The costs are calculated according to the complexity of the operation and are determined during the consultation.