Skin cancer plastic surgeon Perth
Face, head and neck cancer surgery and reconstruction
A skin cancer diagnosis can feel confronting—especially when it’s on your face.
The first and most important step is making sure it’s removed safely and completely. But when that happens on visible areas like the nose, eyelid or lip, it’s normal to start thinking about how your skin will heal too.
Dr Tuan Pham is a specialist head and neck surgeon with extensive expertise in Facial Plastic and Plastic Aesthetic Surgery. He performs both the surgical removal of facial skin cancers and the reconstruction that follows—so you can feel confident that your care is focused on both medical safety and restoring natural appearance.
Dr Pham manages skin cancers in collaboration with dermatologists who perform Mohs surgery to ensure complete clearance of the lesion. He subsequently undertakes the reconstruction of the defect.
What's covered
Why facial skin cancer needs a thoughtful approach
Facial features are delicate and exposed—so treating skin cancer here takes extra care. Even small facial skin cancers can affect how you look or feel—particularly when they’re near the eyes, mouth, or nose.
Dr Pham treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma affecting the face, head and neck. He uses precise techniques to remove the cancer and then reconstruct the area using nearby skin or grafts—taking care to protect function and facial harmony as much as possible.
Common types of facial skin cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Most common and least aggressive, but still requires removal.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Can grow deeper and faster; requires timely treatment.
- Melanoma: Less common but more aggressive. Often treated with wider excision margins.
What the procedure involves
Skin cancer surgery usually takes place in two steps:
- Removing the cancer with clear margins
- Repairing the area with care to minimise distortion or scarring
Depending on where the cancer is on your face, different techniques are used. Smaller wounds may be closed with stitches. For larger or more visible areas—like the nose, lip or eyelid—Dr Pham may use local flaps (nearby skin) or skin grafts (from another part of the body) to reconstruct the area.
Every case is planned around your skin type, the location of the cancer, and how the area moves and functions.
Surgical techniques
- Excision with closure – for smaller, low-tension areas
- Local flaps – using nearby skin to recreate natural contours
- Skin grafts – usually full-thickness grafts from behind the ear, the neck or split thickness skin graft from the thigh
- Staged reconstruction – in more complex cases or where skin tension is high
Anaesthesia
- Most procedures are done under local anaesthetic
- Sedation or general anaesthetic may be used for larger reconstructions or patient comfort
- Dr Pham will talk through the best option for you
Risks of surgery
Like any procedure, skin cancer surgery carries some risks. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or fluid collection (seroma)
- Delayed healing
- Scar thickening (hypertrophic or keloid)
- Graft or flap failure (rare)
- Recurrence of the cancer
- Localised numbness may occur and generally resolves within 6 to 9 months
Dr Pham will discuss any specific risks during your consultation
What about scarring?
Most people understand that any surgery leaves a scar—but when it’s on the face, it’s normal to want the best possible outcome. Dr Pham uses precise closure techniques and places incisions along natural lines where possible. Over time, most scars fade well, especially with good aftercare.
Recovery and healing
- Swelling, bruising and tightness are normal for the first 1–2 weeks
- Most dressings are removed within a few days
- Non-dissolvable sutures are generally taken out 7 to 10 days following surgery
- Dissolvable sutures are common, with follow-up around day 5–7
- Scars gradually soften and fade over 3–6 months
- Most people return to daily life within a few days
You’ll be given clear aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery.
Long-term follow-up
Even after successful surgery, regular skin checks are important. You’ll be advised on how often to return—usually every 6–12 months—either with your GP, dermatologist, or Dr Pham depending on your case.
Why choose a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon?
When skin cancer affects the face, treatment isn’t just about removing the cancer—it’s about how the area heals, how it looks, and how it functions afterward. A facial plastic surgeon like Dr Pham is trained in both oncologic surgery (removing the cancer) and reconstructive techniques (repairing the area), with a deep understanding of facial anatomy, movement, and aesthetics. This means the surgical plan considers more than just margins—it’s about preserving your natural features, minimising scarring, and supporting the way your face looks and feels long-term.
Next steps
If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer on your face, head or neck—or you’re concerned about a spot that hasn’t been checked—Dr Pham can guide you through what happens next. He regularly manages both the removal and reconstruction, but can also assist with reconstructive care after previous treatment.
Speak to your GP for a referral, or contact us directly to book a consultation.
Topics
# Skin cancer plastic surgeon Perth
# Skin cancer removal
# Facial skin cancer
# Dr Tuan Pham
# Plastic Surgery Perth
