Most skin cancers can be treated effectively by a dermatologist or skin cancer doctor. However, for some skin cancers, particularly those in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, a plastic surgeon may be involved as part of your treatment.
Your dermatologist may recommend a plastic surgeon when removing the skin cancer is likely to leave a defect that requires more complex reconstruction. This can be particularly relevant for cancers involving areas such as the:
The size, depth and location of the skin cancer, as well as the amount of tissue that needs to be removed, will determine whether specialist reconstruction is required.
The distinction lies in purpose rather than technique — the same surgical skills are often used in both.
Reconstructive surgery aims to restore normal form and function. It's typically recommended by a GP or dermatologist to address a medical need, such as:
Cosmetic surgery is elective and chosen by the patient to change a feature they're unhappy with, rather than to treat a medical condition. Common examples include facelifts, cosmetic eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty. Because it's elective, cosmetic surgery isn't usually covered by Medicare, whereas medically necessary reconstructive procedures — such as functional eyelid surgery or skin cancer reconstruction — often are, in whole or in part.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Skin cancer excisions and scar revisions are often day procedures with a relatively short recovery, though final scar appearance can take many months to settle. Eyelid surgery typically involves one to two weeks of bruising and swelling before most people feel comfortable in public, with subtle refinement continuing for months. Facelift recovery is longer — commonly two to three weeks before swelling and bruising subside enough to return to normal activities, with the final result visible over several months as deeper tissues settle. Your surgeon will give you a recovery plan specific to your procedure.
People are referred for plastic surgery for a number of reasons:
Skin cancer patients — those who need a lesion excised and the resulting defect repaired, particularly on the face or other visible areas
People with severe scarring — including scarring from acne, surgery, or injury that is disfiguring or affects confidence and quality of life
People with drooping or heavy eyelids — particularly where the eyelid skin is obstructing vision, which can be assessed for a functional (Medicare-eligible) blepharoplasty
People noticing signs of facial ageing — such as sagging skin, jowls, or a tired appearance, who are considering a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery
Those considering elective cosmetic change — people who, after careful consideration, wish to alter a feature of their facial appearance
We recommend a plastic surgery consultation if:
Always check that any surgeon you see is a specialist plastic surgeon registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and, ideally, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) — these credentials confirm they've completed accredited specialist surgical training.