Skin Cancer Removal & Facial Reconstruction
Can my skin cancer be removed without scarring my face? Dr. Robinson’s specialized Mohs technique offers the highest cure rates with maximum preservation of healthy tissue.
Our balmy climate lets Southern Californians enjoy outdoor activities year-round — but spending too much time in the sun also increases your risk of developing skin cancer, especially on areas most often exposed to the sun’s damaging rays.
Dr. Ernest B. Robinson is a Board Certified Specialist in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with more than 20 years of experience performing individualized cosmetic and corrective procedures for patients from Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Hills and Santa Ana and beyond.
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer on your face, neck, chest or shoulders, please contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Aliso Viejo to request an immediate consultation and determine whether Mohs reconstructive surgery is the recommended treatment.
Documented cure rates of up to 99% for basal cell carcinoma — the highest of any skin cancer procedure.
The technique minimizes the surgical wound, preserving the most healthy tissue and significantly reducing scarring.
Each layer of removed tissue is examined under a microscope in real time, ensuring no cancerous cells remain.
Dr. Robinson’s dual training in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery makes him uniquely qualified for Mohs facial reconstruction.
Skin cancers on the face, nose, lips and around the eyes
Cancers near the ears, eyelids and other cosmetically significant areas
Recurrent skin cancers and those with high likelihood of recurrence
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma on the face
Cases requiring maximum preservation of healthy surrounding tissue
Lesions affecting areas of cosmetic significance — chest, neck, shoulders
Dr. Robinson has extensive experience performing Mohs micrographic surgery — also called MMS and chemosurgery. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this microscopic technique remains the most precise method for removing certain skin cancers on the face, neck, chest or shoulders, as well as recurrent cancers and those with the greatest likelihood of recurrence — offering the lowest recurrence rate and maximum preservation of healthy tissue of any procedure available.
99%
Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, with documented cure rates of up to 99% — the highest available.
During your consultation, Dr. Robinson will discuss the many factors involved in successfully removing and repairing cancerous growths — including size, depth, location, probable cure rate, and realistic expectations for cosmetic repair — and show you before-and-after photos of similar procedures he has performed.
Mohs surgery is the preferred treatment for skin cancers on the face, nose, lips and chest, keeping the amount of healthy tissue removed to a minimum without compromising complete removal of cancerous cells. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours and is usually performed in-office.
1
Dr. Robinson prescribes medication before and during treatment to enhance healing and minimize the chance of infection. Local anesthesia is used for the procedure.
2
The visible growth is removed in one piece — carefully excising the cancerous tissue along with a thin margin of surrounding skin to capture any unseen cells that may have spread.
3
The removed tissue is immediately examined under a microscope to ensure no abnormal cells remain at the edges. If cancer is detected at the margins, another thin layer is removed only where cancer remains and re-examined — repeated until all margins are completely clear.
4
Once all margins are confirmed cancer-free, Dr. Robinson uses flaps or grafts — depending on the repair required — to reconstruct the area and restore its natural appearance with imperceptible scars.
5
Before you leave, you receive specific instructions for caring for your wound to ensure rapid healing and the best possible cosmetic outcome. Most patients have minimal discomfort, easily managed with mild medication.
Before leaving the office, you’ll be given specific instructions for caring for your wound to ensure rapid healing and the best cosmetic outcome. Most patients experience little post-surgical pain, easily treated with mild medication. Dr. Robinson removes your stitches about a week after surgery; you can return to work within a few days, though depending on the extent and location you may wish to take a little more time.
Follow Wound CareSpecific home-care instructions promote optimal healing and minimize infection risk.
Mild Pain MedicationMinimal discomfort, easily managed with over-the-counter or prescribed relief.
Stitches at 1 WeekDr. Robinson removes sutures about one week after surgery at a follow-up.
Sun ProtectionProtecting the healing area from sun is essential for scar fading.
Day of Surgery
Performed under local anesthesia, usually in-office. Wound care instructions provided before discharge. Most patients have little to no pain afterward.
Day 2–3
Most patients feel comfortable enough to resume light daily activities within a few days.
Week 1
Stitches removed at a follow-up appointment. Most patients are cleared to return to work, with healing progressing well.
Weeks to Months
The reconstructed area continues to heal and the scar gradually fades — meticulous closure techniques result in imperceptible scarring over time.
The chief purpose of skin cancer reconstructive surgery is to effectively and safely repair the surgical wound, re-establishing the natural form and function of your delicate facial areas. Dr. Robinson’s specialized Mohs training has made him one of Orange County’s most sought-after surgeons for reconstructive surgery — especially among patients with larger defects and lesions affecting areas of cosmetic significance such as the eyelids, lips, ears, chest and nose. He’s earned a reputation for meticulous skin closure techniques that create imperceptible scars and optimal outcomes.
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Contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Aliso Viejo immediately to request a consultation with Dr. Robinson.
