Post-cancer reconstruction is a specialised surgical approach to restore form and function after cancer treatment. Whether you have undergone surgery for head and neck cancers, breast cancer, sarcomas, or skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, our team at Elegance Clinic focuses on rebuilding affected areas to help you regain confidence and normal functionality.
When Is Post-Cancer Reconstruction Recommended?
Reconstruction is often recommended when cancer surgery leaves significant defects or functional challenges. You may benefit from this treatment if you have:
- Defects after resection of abdominal and chest wall tumours
- Removal of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma
- Functional or aesthetic deficits after breast cancer surgery
- Large defects following the removal of sarcomas or soft tissue tumours
- Complex wounds after radiation or extensive excision
Types of Conditions Treated at Elegance Clinic
At Elegance Clinic, we provide advanced reconstruction for:
- Head and Neck Cancers – Buccal mucosa, tongue, palate reconstruction for improved speech and swallowing
- Sarcoma Reconstruction – Restoring limb contour and function after tumour removal
- Breast Reconstruction – Using DIEP flaps, ALT flaps, Latissimus Dorsi flaps, or implants for aesthetic and functional restoration
- Abdominal and Chest Wall Tumours – Reconstruction after oncologic resection to protect internal organs and restore contour
- Skin Cancers –
- Basal cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma treatment
- Sarcoma reconstruction
- Squamous cell carcinoma treatment for squamous cell skin cancer or squamous cell lung cancer involvement
- Melanoma treatment and melanoma treatment options for aggressive lesions
- Management of different types of skin cancer with tailored flaps and grafts
What Happens Before This Treatment?
Before planning post-cancer reconstruction, our surgeons will:
- Review your oncologic treatment plan and confirm cancer clearance
- Assess defect size, location, and tissue requirements
- Perform imaging studies or additional biopsy if required
- Discuss options such as free flaps, local flaps, or implants
- Prepare you with pre‑operative counselling, nutritional support, and rehabilitation planning
How Does This Treatment Work?
Depending on your condition, reconstruction may include:
- Free tissue transfer (e.g., DIEP, ALT flaps) to restore breast or limb contour
- Regional flaps or grafts for head and neck or abdominal and chest wall tumours
- Local flap coverage or grafts after excision of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
- Microsurgical techniques to reconnect blood vessels and nerves for functional restoration
Every plan is personalised to achieve both aesthetic restoration and functional recovery.
How Long Does This Treatment Take?
- Minor procedures (e.g., skin grafting after basal cell carcinoma treatment) may take 1–2 hours.
- Complex free flap surgeries, such as breast reconstruction or sarcoma reconstruction, may take 6–8 hours.
Hospital stay duration depends on the complexity of the procedure and overall recovery needs.
Risks and Benefits
Benefits:
- Restores appearance and confidence after cancer treatment
- Protects vital structures and improves function (speech, swallowing, mobility)
- Reduces long‑term complications like wound breakdown or infection
Risks:
- Infection or delayed healing, especially after radiation therapy
- Scar formation or need for revision surgeries
- Rare risks like flap failure or bleeding
Post‑Treatment Care
- Follow all wound care and dressing instructions
- Attend regular follow‑ups to monitor healing and graft viability
- Engage in physiotherapy for functional recovery
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid smoking to enhance tissue healing
What Can I Expect for Recovery?
Recovery timelines vary:
- Minor skin cancer reconstructions may heal within weeks.
- Complex procedures like breast reconstruction (DIEP, ALT, Latissimus Dorsi) or sarcoma reconstruction may require several months of follow‑up, physiotherapy, and gradual return to full activity.
- Most patients notice significant improvement in function and appearance as healing progresses.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or discharge from the surgical site
- Skin changes such as redness, fever, or delayed healing
- Difficulty with speech, swallowing, or limb function post‑surgery
- Signs of recurrence or new skin lesions that resemble cancerous growths
Early consultation ensures timely management and the best possible outcomes.
At Elegance Clinic, we understand the emotional and physical journey after cancer. Our post-cancer reconstruction services are designed to help you reclaim your quality of life with advanced techniques, from head and neck reconstruction to breast reconstruction and skin cancer management.
Hear from our patients
Contact Us
Ready to discuss? Fill out our contact form for a confidential consultation.
FAQ
What is post-cancer reconstruction?
Post-cancer reconstruction is a type of surgery that restores appearance and function after cancer removal. It can involve rebuilding areas affected by head and neck cancers, abdominal and chest wall tumours, skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, or breast tissue after mastectomy.
Who needs post-cancer reconstruction?
It’s recommended if you have:
- Visible defects or scars after cancer surgery
- Functional issues like difficulty speaking or swallowing after head and neck cancers
- Large wounds after removing sarcomas or skin cancers
- Loss of breast shape after mastectomy
- Complex wounds after radiation or chemotherapy
How is post-cancer reconstruction done?
Our surgeons use techniques like:
- Free flaps (DIEP, ALT) or muscle flaps (Latissimus Dorsi)
- Microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels and nerves
- Local flaps or skin grafting after basal cell carcinoma treatment or squamous cell carcinoma treatment
- Custom implants for breast or chest wall reconstruction
When is the right time to have reconstruction?
In many cases, reconstruction can be done at the same time as cancer removal. In others, it may be delayed until after chemotherapy, radiation, or full healing.
