Facial reconstruction after skin cancer in Vancouver, WA
After a Mohs surgeon removes a skin cancer, Dr. Ersilia Anghel repairs the area to restore the shape and function of the face, including the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, cheeks and forehead.
- Procedure types
- Direct closure, local flaps, skin grafts, staged nose repair
- Incisions
- In natural creases and along the borders between areas of the face
- Social downtime
- 7 to 14 days; 2 to 4 weeks for larger repairs
- Final result
- Scars mature over about 1 year
How reconstruction works
Mohs surgery, done by a dermatologist trained in the technique, removes skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma while saving as much healthy skin as possible. Once the edges are confirmed clear, Dr. Anghel repairs the area, usually the same day or soon after.
She works with Mohs surgeons and places incisions in natural creases and along the borders between areas of the face, where scars are least visible. Her training includes time with Dr. Frederick Menick, a specialist in nasal reconstruction.
What it improves
- Wounds after Mohs surgery on the face
- Nose, eyelid, lip and ear defects
- Scars from an earlier reconstruction
Who it suits
- Patients having Mohs surgery on the face
- Patients referred by their Mohs surgeon or dermatologist
- Patients who want an earlier scar improved
Reconstruction results
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Real patients. Results vary. A consultation is required.
Types of repair
Direct closure
For smaller wounds.
The wound edges are brought together in line with the natural tension lines of the skin, for the finest scar.
Local flap
For larger or more complex wounds.
Nearby skin is moved over the wound with its own blood supply. Advancement, rotation and transposition flaps are chosen to respect the area of the face involved.
Skin graft
When nearby skin isn't enough.
Skin is taken from a hidden area, most often the upper forehead or near the collarbone, and chosen to match the color and texture of the area being repaired.
Nose reconstruction
For wounds on the nose.
Depending on size and depth, repair may use cartilage grafts, a forehead flap or a staged approach over several weeks to rebuild the structure and surface of the nose.
Eyelid reconstruction
For wounds on the eyelids.
Restores the eyelid's appearance and its job of protecting the eye, closing fully and spreading tears.
Lip reconstruction
For wounds on the lips.
Restores the lip's shape, movement and border, from direct closure to lip flaps for larger wounds.
Scar revision
For a healed scar you'd like improved.
Whether the first repair was done by Dr. Anghel or someone else, a scar can be refined with revision surgery and CO2 laser resurfacing.
What recovery looks like
Recovery depends on the size, depth and location of the wound. Keep the incisions out of the sun, and avoid strenuous activity and pressure on the area while it heals. Most patients manage discomfort with over-the-counter medicine.
- Day of MohsRepair is usually the same day or soon after.
- 1 to 2 weeksSwelling and bruising settle.
- 7 to 14 daysMost return to social activity after smaller repairs.
- 2 to 4 weeksRecovery after larger flaps or grafts.
- Several weeksSome nose repairs are done in stages.
- 1 yearScars fade to thin pale lines.
In their words
“When I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on my upper lip I was terrified. What would I look like after surgery? I had a pre-op appointment with Dr Anghel and she showed my pictured and explained the process.”
“Dr. Ersilia Anghel Repaired my nose after skin cancer surgery. It looks better than ever. She communicated clearly from what was going to take place to how I was going to recover. I am so happy with the way my nose turned out.”
“I was really nervous to have work on the tip of my nose due to skin cancer but it was wonderfully done! I highly recommend Dr. Anghel for not only her successful surgery but for her honesty and kindness! Thank you Dr. Anghel”
See 1 more reviews
“Dr. Anghel is amazing! I had skin cancer on my face that would have left a bad scar but I had her stitch it up and you can’t see where it was. I would recommend her to any of my family and friends.”
46 five-star Google reviews across all procedures · Read them on Google
Reconstruction cost
Your exact price depends on your plan, which is set at your consultation.
The practice does not bill insurance for reconstruction done in the office. Reconstruction is self-pay, and your price is set at your consultation.
See all pricesPatient financing
Pay over time with Cherry or PatientFi, two patient financing services. Each lender sets its own approval and terms. Ask about financing at your consultation.
Reconstruction questions
How does reconstruction work with Mohs surgery?
Your Mohs surgeon (a dermatologist trained in Mohs surgery) removes the skin cancer and confirms the edges are clear. Then Dr. Anghel repairs the area, usually the same day or soon after.
Will insurance cover reconstruction?
No. The practice does not bill insurance for reconstruction done in the office. Reconstruction is self-pay, and your price is set at your consultation.
What type of repair will I need?
It depends on the size, depth and location of the wound. Small wounds can often be closed directly. Larger ones may need a flap (nearby skin moved over with its blood supply) or a skin graft (skin taken from a hidden area). Some nose repairs are done in stages over several weeks.
What is recovery like?
After smaller repairs, most people return to social activity in 7 to 14 days. Larger flaps or grafts may take 2 to 4 weeks. Keep the incisions out of the sun and avoid strenuous activity and pressure on the area while it heals.
Where are the scars and how will they look?
Dr. Anghel places incisions in natural creases and along the borders between areas of the face, where scars are least visible. Scars start as pink lines and fade to thin pale lines over about a year. If a scar needs it, laser resurfacing or a scar revision can refine it.
What are the risks?
Bleeding, infection, delayed healing, poor healing of a flap or graft, scarring, and the need for a revision.
Related procedures
CO2 laser resurfacing
Refines scars as they mature
Nose & chin surgery
Rhinoplasty and nasal structure
Eyelid & brow surgery
Eyelid surgery
Lip lift
Lip surgery
Reviewed by Dr. Ersilia Anghel, MD
Double board-certified in Plastic Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery · Fellowship-trained · Vancouver, WA
Updated October 2026 · About Dr. Anghel