Excision & Flap Surgery for the Treatment of Facial Tumors

Dr. Robert Mounsey of Revesse of Toronto specializes in facial plastic surgery. He has extensive experience performing many facial reconstructive surgery procedures, including facial tumor excision and flap reconstruction.

There are several different types of tumors which may occur on the face. Reconstructive procedures will vary according to several factors including the size and type of the tumor. Excision is one technique in which the tumor is excised and the incision meticulously closed to allow for as little visible scarring as possible. Flap reconstruction is another technique which may be used. With this technique, a flap of tissue is taken from another area of the body and moved to the facial tumor site. The flap is comprised of skin and its underlying fat, blood vessels and sometimes muscle. If the flap is taken from a nearby site, the blood supply may remain attached to the donor site. If it is taken from a more distant area of the body, it will be completely removed from the donor site and reattached to the blood vessels at the new site.

It is possible for small lesions to be removed in the office setting. Other procedures are performed by Dr. Mounsey in a hospital or private clinic in the Toronto area which he is affiliated with. Local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used.

Any bandages or dressings applied after surgery are usually removed on the following day. As with any surgical procedure, some degree of swelling and bruising may result. The swelling is often most pronounced during the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery but will gradually resolve within about ten days. Bruising usually resolves within about one week. Applying cold compresses and elevating the head will help to minimize swelling and bruising. Pain or discomfort is usually minimal but medication can be taken if necessary.