What are the methods to repair facial skin cancer

The repair of facial skin cancer has its own special features. Since the face is where the five senses gather, during surgical repair, in addition to considering the complete removal of the tumor lesions, it is still necessary to consider protecting the functions and appearance of the facial senses as much as possible. Therefore, when choosing the surgical method, the tumor should be completely removed, and the principles of safety, simplicity, effectiveness, low cost and beauty should be followed. We should not blindly pursue perfection and ignore the patient's tolerance.

The choice of repair method depends on factors such as the type of tumor, the extent of erosion, the location, the presence or absence of metastasis, age, and physical condition. There are three types of repair methods: direct excision and suturing, flap repair, and free skin grafting. Each method has its own indications.

Direct excision and suturing are suitable for patients with lesions ≤ 1-2 cm in size and low local tension. Note that the excision range should include a certain range of normal skin around the cancer.

Skin flap repair is suitable for those with a large area, a deep surgical resection, or too wide a wound margin separation that cannot be sutured directly around the facial features, so as to avoid expanding the surgical field and possibly increasing tumor spread.

Free skin grafting is suitable for those patients whose tumors have not yet invaded deep tissues, but whose general condition is not good or who do not have suitable skin flaps. Such patients can use full-thickness or medium-thickness skin grafting. Full-thickness skin grafting is more common because it has good abrasion resistance and can improve the patient's quality of life.