Your Guide to Nose Reconstruction After Skin Cancer

3 Minute Read:

Skin cancer on the nose is an unpleasant experience at best and potentially deforming at worse.

Mohs surgery allows for cancerous growths to be removed with a minimal amount of tissue lost. Unfortunately, that still means that many people with skin cancer on their nose will end up with open wounds on its surface.

To correct this, Dr. Hung offers a series of nasal reconstruction options that can reduce the risk of complications and create a new and improved nasal appearance.

What Are Common Nose Reconstruction Techniques?

Nasal reconstruction is based on the specific needs of the patient. No two reconstruction operations are ever the same because no two cancer removal procedures are ever the same.

This means the techniques described below are general techniques applied to most nasal reconstruction operations; however, they may or may not line up with your own.

1. Direct Linear Closure

Direct linear closure is a surgical technique that uses the lax skin above and below the wound to seal the injury. This technique is one of the simplest when it comes to repairing large wounds.

The main issue with it is that it requires a certain amount of skin laxity and can result in a scar larger than the original wound if the skin is not quite right.

2. Local Flaps

Local flap reconstruction stretches nearby skin to cover the open wound. This technique is ideal for patients with smaller open wounds on the nose. This technique’s main advantage is that it begins the healing process faster than most other reconstruction options on this list.

The main disadvantage of this reconstruction option is that it requires the wound to be small. It also requires the skin near the wound to have enough elasticity to cover the wound without damaging the skin itself.

This means that local flaps are not always a viable option. However, when available, this technique is usually a good go-to option.

3. Full-thickness Skin Graft

A full-thickness skin graft is one of the most challenging and complex forms of nasal reconstruction. It takes a segment of skin from another area of the body and grafts it over the open nasal wound. When performed well, this technique can treat the largest post-cancer wounds and help a nose look natural, even after losing significant amounts of tissue. This option is rarely a go-to, but it offers a viable reconstructive solution for patients with larger wounds.

The main downsides to a full-thickness skin graft are its complexity and need for a donor area. Most patients prefer their nasal reconstruction not to require a new wound to be opened elsewhere.

The extra complexity of this procedure can also cause the operation to take longer. This technique is still far better than not getting a nasal reconstruction, but other options are usually recommended first if viable.

4. Distant Flaps

This technique partially removes tissue from the forehead to cover the open wound on the nose and restore lost tissue. This technique is often seen as the go-to option for people with wounds too large for direct linear closure.

It can provide some of the most natural results of all the reconstructive options and is less complicated than a skin graft.

The main disadvantage of this technique is the potential for scarring on the forehead. Ideally, this will not be a concern. However, some patients prefer to choose other options rather than risk an unsightly scar arising due to unforeseen complications.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in more information about nasal reconstruction surgery or cosmetic nasal surgery, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Valentine’s Day is a time for many couples to reaffirm their love and look forward to a romantic evening. To prepare for such an event, many women go all out, picking the best outfit, planning what makeup to use, and more. Some women even consider cosmetic treatments. 

Unfortunately, many women do not think about more impactful cosmetic treatments until it’s too late to recover in time for Valentine’s Day. 

What Are My Cosmetic Options for Looking Younger?

For many women, taking years off their facial appearance is not as easy as they wish it were. Makeup has its limits, and it takes effort and skill to use it well. 

Fortunately, other options are available to let you look younger—for longer—without worrying about your skill with a makeup brush.

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a good starting choice for women looking for that youthful glow. These treatments rejuvenate your skin and create a healthier, younger-looking face with a more even skin tone and texture. Peels work by removing damaged and dead cells on the surface of your face, revealing the newer, healthier skin below. This creates a youthful radiance that can last for months. 

The best part of chemical peels is that they require minimal downtime and offer quick results. You will experience a few days of skin peeling, but your new appearance will shine through after that.

Dr. Hung specializes in the croton oil peel, which can treat mild to moderate wrinkles on the lower face in addition to the benefits mentioned above. This can reduce the appearance of aging to a significant degree.

Make Your Eyes Glow

One of the places where aging is most apparent is around the eyes. Wrinkles, puffiness, and bags under the eyes can all make you look older. Fortunately, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for the upper or lower eyelids can correct these issues and make you look young again. 

The main issue with blepharoplasty is the need to plan ahead. Blepharoplasty needs some time to recover from, usually a couple of weeks. So, if you want to look your best for your romantic night, you should undergo surgery at least a month before.

Restore Your Youth With a Facelift

If you really want to turn back the clock and look years younger, a facelift is a great option. Facelift surgery gets a bad rap because the media only reports on celebrity facelifts that go wrong. In reality, most people who get a facelift look years younger than before with natural-looking results. 

Most people only notice that you look better and don’t question why. Others sum it up with a good night’s sleep, a new diet, and general happiness.

A facelift can tighten loose skin, remove wrinkles, and reposition sagging facial tissues and muscles. When combined with liposuction on the neck, a facelift can adjust your facial contours to a surprising degree. This can make your facial expressions more open and inviting.

Facelift surgery offers the most impressive amount of improvement for your face but also requires time to recover from. If you plan on looking your best for Valentine’s Day this year, get a facelift as soon as possible. The benefits will last years with proper skin care. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information about facial improvement or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2021 | Posted in Facelift, Facial Rejuvenation.

3 Minute Read: 

When thinking about getting plastic surgery, it can be difficult to know when you should make the jump from thinking about it to planning for it. Here, we will discuss some factors that can help you decide whether you are ready to commit to a plastic surgery procedure. 

What Type of Expectations and Goals Should I Have?

The first step in preparing for plastic surgery is figuring out what you want. You need to set your goals so that you know where to focus your research. Do you want a smaller belly? A smoother face? Larger breasts? 

Each of those goals will change what sort of surgical procedures you look at. 

Determine Your Expectations

The second step is doing your research to determine your expectations. That may sound odd at first, but it is important to manage your expectations when planning cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in breast enhancement, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift, it is good to get an idea of what breast enhancement procedures can actually accomplish. Don’t expect to go to a plastic surgeon and ask for a single surgery to make you look like a movie star. 

For most people, such dramatic changes are not realistic. By managing your expectations, you can figure out if plastic surgery is worth it to you, given what your realistic results will be.

When Should I Get Plastic Surgery?

Once you know you want plastic surgery and are pleased with your potential results, the next step is planning your operation. 

Patients usually start talking with surgeons and arranging consultations when they have an idea of what they want. 

Depending on the procedure(s) you are interested in, it is prudent to plan for a recovery time ranging from one to six weeks. This means that you should carefully pick when you want to undergo surgery. Many people choose to do plastic surgery in the winter so they can recover during the colder months and be fully healed by spring. Others choose to undergo surgery in the summer to be ready for the start of the school year. Some patients like to use less invasive procedures (like chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments) in the spring in preparation for the summer beach weather. 

Choosing a surgical time depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how long your recovery will take. 

How Do I Find the Right Surgeon?

The last step in planning for a plastic surgery procedure is finding the right surgeon for your specific needs. Some surgeons are more skilled than others or specialize in the procedures you want. 

When considering a plastic surgeon, you should consider whether they are board-certified, double board-certified, or even triple board-certified (like Dr. Hung). Surgeons with more certifications and experience are more likely to provide optimal results. Even so, you should look at doctor reviews and photos of prior surgeries and read up on their experience before deciding.

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information about plastic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 29th, 2021 | Posted in Body Contouring, Preparing for Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

When planning for plastic surgery, one of the requirements almost every board-certified plastic surgeon will mandate is that patients refrain from using all nicotine products for three to six weeks before and after surgery. 

There are very good reasons for this near-universal stricture. Nicotine and other chemicals found within cigarettes damage the lungs, yellow the teeth, and age skin, but these factors are unlikely to directly impact plastic surgery operations. What will affect these procedures is nicotine’s vasoconstriction effects. 

What Are the Effects of Nicotine on Your Body?

Nicotine causes veins and arteries to contract, restricting the amount of blood that can pass through them. This dramatically increases the risk of complications during surgeries, especially plastic surgeries that affect a broad area of surface tissue like facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) or tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). When a plastic surgeon removes a section of tissue on the surface, it is kept alive through blood vessels in nearby tissue. If a patient has nicotine in their system, these blood vessels are too constricted to provide adequate blood flow. 

This means that patients who do not stop smoking are at a much higher risk of tissue necrosis during plastic surgery.  

What Is Tissue Necrosis?

Tissue necrosis is when tissues die while still attached to the body. This condition can be dangerous and, in some cases, lead to gangrene—a potentially lethal condition. The effects of nicotine and the risks of tissue necrosis do not go away during the recovery period. Even if patients who smoke make it through the surgery without complications, there is still a higher risk of tissue necrosis and excessive scarring during recovery. 

What Are Other Smoking Risks?

• In addition to the vasoconstriction effects, smoking also decreases blood’s ability to carry oxygen by adding carbon monoxide to the bloodstream. This increases the risks mentioned above. 
• Nicotine inhibits collagen production, causing the skin to age faster and heal slower. This can make recovery times longer and increase the risk of complications.
• Smoking can increase the risk of certain skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. 
• Smoking also causes wrinkles and other skin concerns that are difficult to reverse while toxic chemicals continue to do more damage. 

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

If you plan to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, it is vital that you honestly discuss your smoking habits with your surgeon. You should have a frank discussion about your ability to refrain from smoking before and after your operation. 

It is critical that you do not lie to your surgeon about your nicotine consumption, as this may endanger you.

If you truly feel unable to quit smoking for at least 12 weeks, you should not undergo surgery. If, for any reason, you consume nicotine during that window (before or after your surgery), you should contact your surgeon right away. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information on the risks of smoking regarding your plastic surgery procedure, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 | Posted in Facelift, Plastic Surgery Safety, Tummy Tuck.

3 Minute Read:

You might be surprised—or comforted, depending on where you stand—that nearly 50 percent of all men experience gynecomastia at some part in their lives.

So, what is gynecomastia?

More commonly found in young teens and older men, gynecomastia is the presence of excess or enlarged tissue that mimics the appearance of female breasts.

Gynecomastia is not caused by being overweight, but rather, an imbalance in hormones that causes the development of excess tissue. This is why losing weight through exercise may only partially solve the issue. This is also why more men are considering gynecomastia surgery to resolve the issue permanently.

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Many young men start to develop gynecomastia during their teenage years. While adolescents may benefit from the surgery, in most cases involving young men, the issue is resolved by the time of adulthood.

The ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who are experiencing extreme discomforts such as chafing or rubbing of the skin, suffer from a lack of confidence, and men who have tried less invasive methods and failed.

Gynecomastia may also be associated with hyperthyroidism, low testosterone levels, or other health complications. Be sure to speak with your primary physician to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms of other medical conditions.

Great candidates are also those who have realistic expectations, good physical health, and a relatively healthy weight.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are options for providing complete comfort for patients, and your doctor will suggest the best option for you.

If your gynecomastia is more like pseudo gynecomastia (excess fat), then liposuction will be used to eliminate fat deposits around the chest.

For glandular tissue and excess skin, a series of excisions will be made to remove tissue and reposition and contour the body to its most natural and flattering angle.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

For many men, masculinity is often defined by how you look. Restoring your self-image to the one you once had or the one you desire can have an exponential impact on your lifestyle and confidence.

Surgery may also improve your ability to enjoy the clothes you wear and correct your posture. Feeling comfortable in your skin is just one step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, and gynecomastia surgery can help you remove the ‘man boobs’ that might be holding you back.

What Are My Alternatives to Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because a hormonal imbalance causes gynecomastia, hormone balance treatments may fight against male breast development or at least minimize its visibility.

In turn, removing anything in your life that might cause this hormonal imbalance may be beneficial. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Steroid use
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Antibiotics and medications
• Lack of exercise

Now that you have considered what causes gynecomastia, take time to research these non-surgical items that might prevent its formation:

• Hormone Therapy or Testosterone Replacement Therapy
• Breast reduction medication (please ask your doctor for more information on FDA-approved medication)
• Herbal supplements, yoga, acupuncture, and other holistic treatments ( these have said to have been able to cure gynecomastia by restoring hormonal balance to the body)
• Proper diet and exercise that promotes testosterone stimulation

Want to Find Out More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Newport Beach?

To learn more about the causes of gynecomastia and how to prevent it or to see if gynecomastia surgery is right for you, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Gynecomastia Surgery.

3 Minute Read:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nearly 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States.

While these statistics encompass all forms of skin cancer—including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma—they also include melanoma, a severe form of cancer that can spread throughout the body and have serious, if not deadly, consequences.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the cancer of the melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is responsible for giving our skin its tan or brown color.

Every person has a different level of melanin, making some patients more susceptible to melanoma.

Even though melanoma can occur in anyone, Caucasian men over the age of 50 are thought to be at the highest risk.

What Causes Melanoma?

The most common cause of skin cancer—including melanoma—is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays damage your skin cells and affect the way that your melanocytes grow and divide.

But while sun damage is the primary cause, it is not the only cause of melanoma.

Additional causes include:

• Your skin type: Fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk
• Use of tanning beds: Like natural sun damage, these beds deliver a dangerous amount of UV radiation
• Your moles: Individuals with a higher number of moles are more likely to get skin cancer.

What Are the Signs of Melanoma?

Since melanoma is often painless, it can go unnoticed if you are not vigilant. The most common sign of melanoma is a visible change to the appearance of your skin or moles.

Every person has moles on their bodies, and more often than not, these moles are harmless. A normal mole is:

• Evenly colored (brown, black, or tan)
• Round or oval
• Smaller than six millimeters
• Flat or raised (but consistent)

However, a potentially cancerous mole is:

• Shaded with various colors
• Irregular in shape
• Larger than six millimeters
• Changing in shape or color

When you are on the lookout for melanoma, consider your A.B.C.D.Es and your E.F.Gs.

• A: Asymmetry (moles that have one half that is larger than the other)
• B: Border (moles that have a ragged or uneven border and shape)
• C: Color (moles that have more than two shades)
• D: Diameter (moles that are larger than six millimeters)
• E: Evolution (new or changing moles

• E: Elevated (newly raised moles)
• F: Firm (moles that are hard to the touch)
• G: Growing (moles that are growing and changing rapidly)

Melanomas can have all of the above irregularities or only have one or two. You want to be careful and mindful of your moles.

How Is Melanoma Treated?

Melanoma is a quick-spreading cancer, and you need to act fast if you notice any irregularities in your moles or skin.

You have several treatment options for melanoma, including Mohs surgery.

Mohs surgery is a tissue-conserving method that removes cancerous cells layer by layer. While this approach eliminates the visible tumor as well as a thin rim of tissue around the cancer, it is a conservative approach that preserves more healthy tissue than traditional skin cancer treatments.

Mohs surgery not only causes less unnecessary trauma, but it also ensures the best aesthetic result. Following Mohs surgery, the area may only require the closing of the area, or it may require a skin graft.

How Is Melanoma Detected?

A melanoma diagnosis is achieved through a biopsy. This takes a sample of tissue and tests that tissue for cancerous activity.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Melanoma is very dangerous when it is not identified but very treatable when it is found early.

To ensure that you get the earliest treatment possible, perform self-skin checks every three months. During these checks, you should examine all of your moles.

Some individuals find it beneficial to make a map of their moles.

Watch out for any change in the size or look of your moles and get treatment as soon as possible, if necessary.

Are You Interested in Learning About Mohs Surgery?

If you are interested in learning more about skin cancer or Mohs Surgery in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, contact Dr. Hung by calling our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

4 Minute Read: 

With the new decade beginning, more than one of you is likely thinking about improving your physique. Looking fit and sculpting your body always tops the list of New Year’s resolutions. For some, this means plastic surgery.

Body contouring allows men and women who are close to their ideal weight trim, sculpt, and enhance their physical contours. 

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are popular body enhancement surgeries. And while many people know the names of these procedures—through media or word of mouth, they do not always know what they can actually accomplish. 

While there is so much that these procedures can do, there are also certain things that they cannot. It is beneficial to understand what these treatments are and how they work so that you have realistic expectations.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes a targeted amount of excess fat from various regions of the body. 

Some of these regions include the:

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Back
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Chest
• Under the Neck

Various techniques can be implemented during a liposuction procedure. Two of the most common methods are the tumescent technique and the ultrasound-assisted technique (UAL).

Tumescent Liposuction

1. Small incisions are made in the area of desired fat reduction.
2. Sterile fluid is injected through those incisions that cause the fat cells to swell
3. A hollow tube is inserted into the incisions, and a rapid back-and-forth-motion breaks up the fat.
4. This tube is attached to a vacuuming device that permanently suctions out the fat

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

1. Small incisions are made in the area of desired fat reduction.
2. Ultrasound energy is applied to the treatment area to liquefy the fat cells.
3. The liquified fat is suctioned out through a hollow tube.

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, sculpts the midsection by removing excess fat and skin and tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles.

An incision is made across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. This incision is placed low enough that it can easily be covered by underwear or bathing suits. 

What Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Not Do?

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are incredibly beneficial when they are chosen for the right reasons. These procedures are designed to be about body sculpting, not weight loss, and the combination of these procedures can provide optimal results for patients who have excess pockets of fat and loose abdominal skin.

Neither of these procedures is an alternative to weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. Instead, they should only be performed on those who already work out and are close to their ideal weight.

Liposuction cannot address skin laxity, and tummy tuck surgery does not remove fat in the regions surrounding the lower abdomen.

When Are Body Contouring Procedures Appropriate?

Did You Lose Weight?

When you gain weight, your skin thins as it stretches over your expanding contours.

Unfortunately, even though it can expand, it cannot always contract after the weight is lost. Its inability to do so often results in loose, hanging skin that is only eliminated through a surgical procedure like abdominoplasty. 

Tummy tuck surgery eliminates the abdominal skin laxity that resulted from significant weight loss while liposuction removes the localized fat deposits that remain. These procedures are often the final step in a substantial weight loss transformation.

Did You Have a Baby?

Pregnancy and childbirth create lasting abdominal damage and the development of fat pockets across the body. This is due to the rapid fluctuations in weight and hormone levels. 

Body contouring like liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can help restore your body after pregnancy.

Do You Have Age-Related Laxity?

Some people who develop loose skin on their abdomen or excess pockets of fat on their abdomen do not fall into either of the above categories. This is because skin laxity and excess fat is another side effect of aging. 

Body contouring counteracts the physical changes that occurred due to the aging process.

How About More Information?

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of body contouring or if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Hung, contact his office by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292. You can also fill out his online contact form. 

Dr. Hung offers plastic and reconstructive procedures for men and women in Pasadena and Newport Beach.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Body Contouring, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck.

Mohs surgery treats skin cancer by carefully removing the affected area and a thin rim of tissue around it. The procedure is designed to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

This approach requires less reconstruction than other types of skin cancer surgery.

However, the affected skin must often be remodeled, and a scar will form.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a complex and highly effective skin cancer treatment that includes the following steps:

Diagnosis and Evaluation

The process begins with a comprehensive examination and biopsy to identify and confirm the presence of skin cancer. The dermatologist or surgeon evaluates the type, size, and location of the cancerous lesion.

Anesthesia and Preparation

The patient is usually administered local anesthesia to numb the area where the skin cancer is located. Once the area is numb, the surgery site is prepped for the procedure.

Tissue Removal and Analysis

The surgeon removes the visible tumor and a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. The excised tissue is mapped and divided into sections, then processed and examined under a microscope in an on-site lab.

The surgeon thoroughly examines these sections to determine the pathology of the tissue. This process allows the immediate and precise evaluation of margins to detect any remaining cancer cells.

Layer-by-Layer Removal and Preservation of Healthy Tissue

If cancer cells are detected in the margins, another layer of tissue is meticulously removed. This process continues until no cancer cells are observed under the microscope.

During Mohs surgery, the surgeon preserves as much healthy tissue as possible. This technique minimizes scarring and maximizes the removal of cancerous cells, ensuring the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.

Closure of the Surgical Site and Reconstruction

Once the cancer is completely removed, the surgeon determines the best option to close the wound, whether through direct closure, a skin graft, or allowing it to heal naturally.

Skin or cartilage grafts are used to reconstruct the areas affected by skin cancer and its removal, whether the growth was on the face, ears, arms, back, or legs.

This type of graft will depend on the area of skin cancer and how much skin needs to be removed to ensure that all of the cancer cells are eliminated.

Skin grafts are either full-thickness or split-thickness. While both techniques move the skin from a donor area (usually a place that is easy to conceal with clothing), they require a different amount of material.

• A Full-thickness graft removes a full layer of epidermis and dermis from the donor region.
• Split-thickness grafts require a complete layer of the epidermis but only a partial thickness of the dermis.

These donor samples are then processed and spread over the open wound.

Postoperative Care

Following the surgery, the patient is advised on wound care and provided with instructions for postoperative care. Proper care is essential for optimal healing and to reduce the risk of infection or complications.

What Kinds of Scars Develop?

Your Mohs surgery scar will depend on the size, location, and shape of the tumor, as well as the types of reconstruction techniques required.

In certain situations, when the cancer is small, the skin can be pulled together and sutured closed. This technique usually results in a minimal, linear scar that tends to fade nicely on its own but can still benefit from scar reduction techniques.

In other situations, when a skin or cartilage graft is required, the resulting scar may be round or rectangular and more visibly pronounced.

How Can You Reduce the Appearance of Mohs Scars?

While scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, these seven tips can help reduce their appearance and promote a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

1. Follow All Postoperative Instructions

It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions carefully. Keep the surgical site clean and protected according to their directions and follow the recommended wound care routine to aid in proper healing.

2. Stay Out of the Sun

Skin grafts are more susceptible to sun damage than the surrounding skin and burn easily. This exposure also causes scars to take on a dark brown color.

To prevent your scar from darkening, protect the healing incision or graft by keeping it covered and out of the sun and using a high-SPF sunscreen when your doctor clears you to do so.

3. Use Moisturizers to Massage the Scar(s)

Post-surgical massages are performed to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars. Massaging these scars breaks up scar tissue and can reduce the size and profile of the wound. By adding moisturizing lotions or oils, you can soften the scar tissue further and improve the appearance of healing skin, but be sure to consult your doctor before massaging the area and about the moisturizer you want to use.

When massaging, gently rub the scar and adjacent areas to soften the scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, and promote skin remodeling. Scar massage should be performed two or three times a day for five to ten minutes at a time,

4. Use Scar-Reducing Creams or Gels Containing Silicone

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons often recommend silicone-based gels, creams, or strips to minimize scarring.

• Silicone strips are reusable bandages that should be worn 12 hours daily for at least three months.
• Silicone creams and gels are applied directly to the scar to reduce the pigment.

These products should be applied to the healing wound according to the provider’s instructions and typically can be used once the incisions have completely healed.

5. Consider Laser Treatments

Some individuals opt for laser therapy or other non-invasive procedures to minimize the appearance of scars. These treatments can help flatten and fade scars to improve skin texture.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration

Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and staying hydrated can support the body’s natural healing process. Vitamins, minerals, and proper hydration are a vital part of optimal wound healing.

7. Consult a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon

If concerned about scarring, consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision. They can recommend additional treatments or techniques tailored to your individual needs.

Minimizing Mohs surgery scars involves a combination of proper wound care, protection from the sun, and, at times, additional treatments to maximize the skin’s ability to heal.

Give Your Scars Time to Fade

Scar healing is a gradual process. After doing all you can to minimize your scarring, be patient and allow sufficient time for the scar to mature. Initially, scars may appear red or raised but tend to improve and fade over time.

Find Out More About Mohs Scar Reduction in Pasadena, CA

To learn more about how to reduce scars or to find a surgeon who performs Mohs surgery near Pasadena or Los Angeles, California, call Dr. Vincent Hung at (626) 432-5032 or fill out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

3 Minute Read:

Skin grafts are used to cover and repair the wounds left by skin cancer treatment when the surrounding skin is not healthy enough to heal by traditional wound healing.

Reconstruction of skin cancers can be difficult on the lower legs because of the tight skin, the presence of spider and varicose veins, and the necessity of that skin to stretch and expand when walking or exercising.

Since men and women often expose their lower legs, especially during the hot Southern California summers, reconstruction of skin cancers on the legs is essential.

How Do Skin Grafts Work?

A skin graft takes skin from a healthy area of the body and transfers it to a different area that cannot repair itself.

While skin grafts are almost always used after skin cancer surgery, such as Mohs surgery, it can also be used to treat burns, large wounds, and infections.

There are two types of skin grafts available to treat these injuries: full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts.

Split-thickness skin grafts are commonly used to cover skin cancer wounds on the lower legs.

How Is a Split-thickness Skin Graft Performed?

The difference between a full-thickness skin graft and a split-thickness skin graft is the amount of skin taken from the donor site.

A split-thickness skin graft removes the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and only a portion of the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin).

A full-thickness skin graft, on the other hand, removes the epidermis and the dermis.

The split-thickness technique is used to cover large areas, which makes it ideal for the legs.

Full-thickness skin grafts are usually reserved for smaller areas, such as the face and hands, because they blend better with the surrounding skin.

Full-thickness skin grafts also heal very well, but they are not able to cover the same amount of tissue space as a split-thickness graft.

Split-thickness Skin Graft Procedure Steps:

1. The donor site is marked depending on the size and depth of the wound that the skin will be transferred to. While split-thickness skin grafts can be taken from any area of the body, the skin is commonly removed from the inner thigh, where the donor site is easy to cover.
2. From the donor site, the epidermis and some of the dermis is gently and carefully removed. Some epithelial cells, like the sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, are left at the donor site so that they can assist in the reepithelialization (healing) of the donor site.
3. This donor skin is transferred to a skin graft carrier so that it can be meshed. Meshing is a step of the grafting process that creates small slits in the donor skin so that it can stretch to cover a larger recipient area.
4. The meshed donor skin is then prepped, sterilized, and applied to the wound. During the healing process, new skin cells will develop and fill in the “holes” created by the meshing process.
5. Both the donor sites and the recipient sites are wrapped and dressed in sterile bandages and gauze.

For More Information

To learn more about skin grafts or reconstruction after skin cancer, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form. Dr. Hung performs Mohs surgery and reconstruction after skin cancer treatment in Pasadena, California.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Almost all men and women want to fight the aging process, which is why the cosmetics and anti-aging industries are so massive. Unfortunately, there will come a time when over-the-counter creams and lotions are not strong enough to get the job done. Fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, volume loss, and skin irregularities all occur due to age, sun damage, harsh environments, and lifestyle choices.

There are many different anti-aging cosmetic procedures available today, ranging from non-invasive treatments to surgery. Two of these are chemical peels and facelift surgery.

Potential cosmetic patients are often interested in learning about which procedure will give them the best results in the least invasive way. While non-surgical procedures are preferred by many, they are not always, if ever, able to match or rival the results provided by cosmetic surgery. 

What Is Achieved With Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery addresses aging and laxity on the lower two-thirds of the face. This procedure can reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls on the face and neck. Facelift surgery makes incisions in the hairline that start at the temple and continue down and around the ear. Loose skin is trimmed, underlying tissues are lifted and tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped over the new contours. 

Facelift surgery restores smoother, tighter, and more youthful skin.

Why Should Patients Still Consider a Chemical Peel?

Just because a chemical peel cannot achieve that same level of correction as a facelift, it does not mean that chemical peels do not have significant benefits. Like facelift surgery, chemical peels have the power to address common signs of aging such as fine lines around the mouth, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows. However, unlike facelift surgery, chemical peels also have the power to restore and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. Some of the tone and texture issues that can be addressed by a chemical peel include dark spots, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.

There are different levels (or strengths) of chemical peels. This not only determines your recovery period and length of peeling, but it also determines the quality of your results. Light chemical peels are surface-level peels that improve the texture of rough or dry skin. Medium intensity peels target texture irregularities as well as fine lines and minor skin imperfections. Deep peels penetrate deep into the skin and allow for the most significant correction. Unfortunately, they also require the most significant amount of downtime, and some can only be applied to the face once so that there is no lasting damage.

Croton Oil Peels

The croton oil peel is a deep chemical peel that delivers noticeable improvement to smoker’s lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. This resurfacing peel restores skin health and leaves you with a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Croton oil peels are safe and effective for patients of all ages and can be performed after you have healed from facelift surgery for enhanced results.

                             Before and after image showing the results of a croton oil peel.

How Do the Recoveries Differ?

After facelift surgery, patients need to take two weeks before returning to work and any regular activities, and more strenuous activities require a longer break. Chemical peels take anywhere from five days to two weeks to recover from. The recovery after your chemical peel will depend on the depth (strength) of your peel. Light peels do not require much in the way of downtime. Most patients look sunburned; however, they can go about their regular routines with very little concern. The medium or deep chemical peels require more in the way of downtime. Deep peels can cause severe swelling around the eyes, which can make normal activities more difficult.

To find out if you are a candidate for a chemical peel or a facelift, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Chemical Peels, Facelift.