Skin Cancer Treatment Manchester | Dr Kian Plastic Surgery

Skin cancer surgery with Dr Kian

Skin cancer, which includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. There are 2 main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. If you are worried about a mole or you think it has changed, it is always advisable to get it checked by a trained specialist. Dr Kian has experience treating a variety of skin cancers as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon in the NHS. Dr Kian specialises in safe removal of skin cancer and follows national expert guidelines on skin cancer treatment.

Dr Kian would always advise for any skin lesion removed to be sent for histological analysis (examined microscopically by a pathologist) to ensure that a skin cancer diagnosis is made or ruled out, and appropriate further treatment is given to you if needed.

Performed by Dr Kian, a UK-trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is trained in skin cancer & reconstructive plastic surgery techniques
Member of the Skin Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) in the NHS providing treatment for skin cancer patients
Trained in dermatoscopy for detailed examination of skin lesions
Experience in different techniques of skin surgery including full excision, shave excision, biopsies, local flaps & skin graft reconstruction techniques
Consultation and full aftercare provided by Dr Kian

The following are the features in your mole to look out for if you are worried about melanoma (ABCDE criteria):

Asymmetry – the 2 halves of your mole are different
Border – the edges of your mole are irregular or blurred
Colour – there are different shades of colour within your mole
Diameter – your mole is at least 6mm in size
Evoloution – your mole has changed

The following are the features to look out for if you are worried about non-melanoma skin cancer (such as BCC or SCC):

A scab or sore that does not heal
A scaly or crusty patch of skin that has red borders
A flesh-coloured bump that grows in size
A volcano-like growth with a central crater

During your consultation, Dr Kian will be able to perform dermatoscopic examination of your skin lesion and you will be able to discuss your concerns. Dr Kian will discuss your options depending on the type of skin lesion you have, and this includes having a biopsy, full excision or shave excision. If you require reconstruction, as a plastic surgeon Dr Kian will be able to offer this at the same time and this will include local flap, full-thickness skin grafts and split-thickness skin grafts. He will also explain what sort of scars to expect and how long it will take to recover from surgery.

Dr Kian has had extensive training using various different techniques of skin surgery and reconstruction procedures. He will be able to tailor your procedure to ensure that you achieve the best cosmetic results while ensuring that your skin lesion is removed safely.

SKIN CANCER SURGERY OVERVIEW AT A GLANCE

Skin cancer surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic. It is usually performed as a day case procedure meaning that you are discharged home the same day. The figures shown here may vary depending on the type of surgery you have and your individual circumstances.

INDICATIONS:
Diagnosis & treatment skin cancer
NIGHTS IN HOSPITAL:
Day case
RECOVERY:
7-14 days
FULL RESULTS:
Within 2 weeks

FAQS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Should I have my mole checked?
If your skin lesion has any of the features described above, you should always get it seen by a specialist. Skin cancer is usually curable if caught and treated in its early stages. If you have any concerns or are worried about any mole, Dr Kian will always be happy to examine it for you during your consultation.
What will the consultation involve?
At your consultation, you will meet Dr Kian, a fully-qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in both surgical and non-surgical techniques in the treatment of skin cancers. He will take a full medical history including details of medications, allergies, smoking and sun exposure. Dr Kian also always takes time to understand what your concerns are.
During your examination, the following will be assessed systematically and standard clinical photographs will be taken for your medical record:
- clinical examination of the skin lesion
- dermatoscopy
- skin quality
- signs of chronic sun damage
Dr Kian will then discuss your procedure with you. He will also discuss the scar that you are likely to expect. He will explain the potential risks and complications of surgery so that you make a fully-informed decision. There will be plenty of time to answer any questions that you may have and you can rest assured that Dr Kian will give you his honest, professional advice.
What sort of scar can I expect?
Dr Kian is trained in different skin surgery techniques and the scar that you will have will depend on your individual circumstances. Dr Kian will examine your skin lesion during your consultation and discuss with you what your concerns are before advising on which technique is suitable for you.
When will I know the results of my pathology report?
All suspected skin cancer specimens are sent to the laboratory to be checked urgently. Dr Kian works closely with an expert Consultant Dermatopathologist who individually reports on every specimen that is sent to the laboratory. Full reports will usually be available within 2 weeks. Dr Kian will inform you of the results as soon as it is received and advise on if you need any further treatment as soon as possible.
What are the risks/complications?
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their skin cancer surgery. However, it is important to choose a surgeon who is appropriately trained in skin cancer surgery to ensure that the lesion is removed appropriately according to national expert guidelines, and to minimise the risk of complications. During your consultation, Dr Kian will explain the potential risks and complications of your procedure. Some of these include:
- Scar – the exact scar will depend on the specific technique and will be discussed
- Infection – some wound infections may require antibiotic treatment.
- Bleeding – bleeding after surgery can usually be stopped with direct pressure
- Wound healing problems – occasionally, there may be areas that take a bit longer to heal due to either infection, impaired blood supply or skin necrosis.
- Recurrence – any skin cancer has the potential to come back and it is important to remove them with appropriate margins based on national guidelines.
How long is the recovery time?
This is very individual and depends on the procedure that you have. Wounds usually take 1-2 weeks to heal. We would normally advise to take a day off work, however you may return to work sooner or later depending on the specific procedure that you have the type of work that you do. If you have a flap reconstruction or a skin graft, you may require more time off work.
What will the aftercare involve?
Dr Kian believes that good aftercare is as important as the surgery itself. You will be given contact details to get in touch should you have any concerns after your surgery. You will usually be offered a clinic appointment either 1 or 2 weeks after surgery to remove any sutures, check your scar, discuss your pathology report and to give you long-term aftercare instructions. You may need further follow-up appointments depending on individual circumstances.

YOUR SKIN CANCER SURGERY JOURNEY STEP BY STEP

If you are considering skin cancer surgery, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands with Dr Kian. His personalised approach to your care ensures that your skin cancer surgery journey is safe and smooth.

1. Consultation

Your expert consultation with Dr Kian gives you the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Dr Kian will give you honest advice on whether you need skin cancer surgery and what your options are. He will take a medical history from you and perform an examination of your skin, including dermatoscopy. Full information on what your procedure will involve, including risks and aftercare instructions, will be given.

Consultation

2. Treatment

Skin cancer surgery is usually performed as a day case operation. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Your exact procedure and expected scar will be discussed at consultation. You will be able to go home the same day.

Treatment

3. Aftercare

You may have sutures that need to be removed in clinic. For straightforward skin cancer surgery, you will need to keep the area dry for 2 days. You will be able to take light showers thereafter. Instructions may be different for more complex reconstruction procedures. You will be seen again for your review appointment with Dr Kian at a timescale that is agreed with you.

Aftercare

“Thank you Mr Tan for your great care during my melanoma diagnosis and the procedures during this period. You are a great consultant. Thank you.”

“He was extremely personable and was empathetic to my concerns, and I went away feeling my questions had been answered and I had a good understanding of the next step. I was happy to put my faith in his professional judgement and chose the option he felt the best. Dr Tan included me in conversation and made me feel at ease explaining the order of the procedures I was undertaking. After the procedure he explained clearly what I could expect during recovery and came to see me before leaving. If I am need of further treatment I would not hesitate to have Dr Tan as my surgeon.”
Lynn C

Reviews

Book your consultation start your journey

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with Dr Kian, please contact us.

Skin Cancer Surgery