Melanoma and Skin Cancer Surgery

Expert Care with a Personal Touch

Our world-class oncology surgeons are known for their expert approach that prioritizes effective cancer removal and minimal scarring using wide excisions, skin grafts, and lymph node procedures. Mohs surgery allows for precise removal in delicate areas and is performed by specially trained dermatologists. Whatever your treatment plan, we’ll make sure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.

But surgery is only one part of your experience. We also offer scar care, reconstructive options, and long-term support to help you heal both physically and emotionally. With expert surgeons and a compassionate team, we’re here to make sure your care is as seamless and personalized as possible.

What to Expect

Your care team takes time to understand you beyond your diagnosis, learning everything from your physical and emotional needs to your personal goals. This personalized approach is supported by the expertise of our entire skin cancer team. Our specialists collaborate on multidisciplinary tumor boards, where cancer experts come together to review complex cases and share insights.

For most skin cancer surgeries, preparation is minimal. If your procedure does require anesthesia or a more complex surgical approach, your care team will provide additional instructions and talk through what to expect. If you have any questions before your surgery, you can reach out to your nurse or care coordinator, who will be happy to help.

On the day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your surgical team, including an anesthesiologist (if applicable), to review your medical history and answer any last-minute questions.

During this time, you can discuss the plan for your care, express any concerns about potential side effects, and ask any questions that you have about the anesthesia, if you’re receiving it.

The specifics of your surgery are determined by your surgery type and individual needs, but one factor is always consistent – you’re being treated by an expertly trained team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and technicians.

The length of your surgery depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, whether reconstruction is being done, and the complexity of the procedure. The care team will inform your loved ones of your progress and provide updates during surgery.

Most surgeries to treat skin cancer are outpatient procedures, so you’ll likely go home the same day. However, if your treatment involves a more complex procedure — such as reconstruction, a skin graft, or lymph node removal — you may need to stay overnight to support proper healing. Your care team will explain what to expect and make sure you feel comfortable and prepared before you’re discharged.

Typically, you'll have follow-up appointments after surgery for the first few weeks. This is to monitor your healing and effectively manage the potential for complications. Your follow-up appointment schedule will depend on the type of surgery you have.

As time goes on, we'll see you less frequently, but you'll still come in for regular checkups. During these visits, we manage any ongoing treatments, such as medical or radiation oncology, and monitor for signs of recurrence.

We also offer extensive supportive care services to help you through every treatment stage.

Learn more about our supportive care services.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s natural to feel nervous about surgery, but your care team will talk you through the process, helping you prepare for surgery and answering all your questions well in advance.

As part of your personalized care plan, we offer advanced surgical options tailored to your diagnosis and goals, including minimally invasive procedures, when possible, along with reconstruction if needed. After surgery, we provide detailed recovery instructions and make sure that you have all the ongoing support you need to help you heal with confidence.

Surgery may be all that your care plan requires if your cancer was diagnosed in its early stages and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.

However, surgery can be accompanied by medical oncology treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy to meet your specific needs and give you the highest likelihood of a successful outcome.

Radiation may also be recommended to help shrink tumors prior to surgery or following surgery to decrease the chance of recurrence.

In some cases, your care team may recommend medical oncology treatment before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy.

Starting medical oncology treatment in advance of surgery allows it to work throughout the body, helping prevent cancer from spreading. It can also shrink tumors, which may make surgery less invasive and reduce the risk of long-term side effects.

For some patients, neoadjuvant therapy can decrease the risk of complications if lymph nodes are involved.

Your recovery time depends on which type of surgery you have.

Most skin care surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. Many patients can return to their regular activities within a few weeks, while others may take longer.

Before surgery, your care team will walk you through what to expect and provide a detailed recovery plan. This includes guidance for managing pain, any activity restrictions, and information about follow-up visits — so you can make arrangements and feel confident going into surgery.

Surgery can leave scars. The extent of scarring and its visibility depends on the type of surgery that you have. Your care team can talk to you about any concerns, including options for reconstructive surgery, if suitable, and ways to improve scar healing and appearance.

Reconstruction following surgery is desired in some cases, especially on the face or another visible area. The purpose of reconstruction is cosmetic; it attempts to make the skin look much as it did pre-surgery to help you feel more like yourself. The quality of the results from reconstruction will vary based on factors such as the location of the wound on your body.

Treatment timelines vary depending on your diagnosis. Some surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. More complex cases may require a hospital stay.

Medical oncology and radiation treatments typically involve multiple treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks. Treatment timelines vary depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Your care team reviews your treatment plan with you, as well as any options that may impact length, frequency and duration of treatment.

Following active treatment, you will see your physician periodically to monitor any signs of recurrence.