Treatments / Skin / Facial reconstruction
Head and neck reconstruction
Facial Reconstruction After Skin Cancer in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London
Removing the cancer, rebuilding the face
Facial reconstruction after skin cancer with Mr Siva Kumar, a consultant plastic surgeon and skin cancer MDT lead, who plans the removal and the repair together to protect how your face looks and works.
Medically reviewed by Mr Siva Kumar Veeramani, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, FRCS (Plast), GMC 6114710 · Last reviewed
At a glance
About facial reconstruction
Head and neck reconstruction
Most skin cancers appear on the face, because it gets the most sun. Removing them completely always comes first, but on the face every millimetre counts. The nose, eyelids, lips and ears have little spare skin and important jobs to do: breathing, closing the eyes, eating, speaking, and holding glasses or hearing aids.
Mr Kumar is a consultant plastic surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, a specialist centre for head and neck surgery, and leads the skin cancer multidisciplinary team for Kent and the local Sussex area. In the NHS he regularly reconstructs complex wounds of the head and neck after skin cancer surgery. Privately, he brings the same approach to every facial repair.
He plans the removal and the reconstruction together, using nearby skin that matches in colour, thickness and texture, and placing scars along natural lines and creases so they blend in.
Reconstruction after skin cancer on the
- Nose, including the tip and sides
- Eyelids and the skin around the eyes
- Lips
- Ears
- Cheeks, temples and forehead
- Scalp
What it won’t do
- Leave no scar: every repair leaves a scar, planned to be as discreet as possible
- Always be finished in one operation: some repairs are done in stages
- Come before complete removal of the cancer, which always comes first
Ways to repair
Choosing the right repair
The best repair depends on the size and position of the wound, your skin, and what matters most to you.
Direct closure
The wound is stitched in a line, ideally hidden in a natural crease or wrinkle.
- Best for: small wounds where there is enough loose skin
Local flap
Nearby skin, matching in colour and texture, is moved into the gap while keeping its own blood supply. Often the best repair for the nose, cheeks and lips.
- Best for: medium wounds on the nose, cheek, lip or eyelid
Skin graft
A thin layer of skin is taken from elsewhere, such as in front of or behind the ear, and placed over the wound.
- Best for: wounds where a flap is not suitable, such as some areas of the nose, ear or scalp
Two-stage flap
For larger wounds, skin is brought from the forehead or cheek and divided at a second operation about three weeks later.
- Best for: larger or deeper wounds, especially on the nose
Area by area
Every part of the face needs a different approach
The right repair depends on where the cancer was, how big the wound is, and what that part of the face has to do.
Nose
The nose has thin skin at the top and thick, oily skin at the tip, and its shape matters for breathing as well as appearance. Small wounds are usually repaired with a local flap from the side of the nose or cheek; larger ones may need a skin graft or a two-stage forehead flap.
Eyelids
Eyelid repairs must keep the eye closing fully and the lid sitting against the eye, to protect your sight. Mr Kumar works closely with oculoplastic colleagues on complex eyelid reconstruction.
Lips
Repairs aim to keep the line of the lip, its movement and the seal for eating and speaking. Small wedges can be closed directly; larger wounds use flaps from the cheek or the other lip.
Ears
The curves of the ear hide scars well. Wounds are repaired with grafts, small wedge repairs or flaps from behind the ear, keeping the shape so glasses and hearing aids still fit.
Cheeks and forehead
There is more spare skin here, so flaps can often be hidden in smile lines, the hairline or forehead creases.
Scalp
Scalp skin stretches very little, so larger wounds are closed with rotation flaps or grafts, keeping hair-bearing skin where possible.
Watch & read
Everything you need to know, in one place
Patient guide
Facial reconstruction: your patient guide
A detailed booklet written by Mr Kumar. It explains the procedure in depth, how to prepare, every risk and complication, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
The online version of this guide is on its way. You will receive a printed copy at your consultation.
Your journey
Your step-by-step journey
Your journey starts the moment you get in touch. From your first enquiry to your final check-up, you deal with the same small team, and you will always feel listened to, informed and never rushed.
Get in touch
Call, email or send an enquiry, or ask your GP or dermatologist to refer you. We aim to see you quickly.
If you are worried about a skin cancer, tell us when you book so we can prioritise your appointment.
Assessment
Mr Kumar examines the area, reviews any biopsy results or scans, and explains your options clearly.
You will receive the plan in writing. Where relevant, your case is discussed with the skin cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) that Mr Kumar leads.
Your procedure
Most facial reconstructions are done under local anaesthetic as a day case, sometimes with sedation. Larger or staged repairs may need a general anaesthetic. If your cancer is removed with Mohs surgery, the repair is usually done the same day or within a day or two. Occasionally the repair is delayed until the pathology report confirms the cancer has been fully removed.
You will have clear wound-care instructions and a number to call if anything worries you.
Results
Anything removed is examined in the laboratory, usually within 2–3 weeks.
Mr Kumar goes through the results with you and explains what, if anything, needs to happen next.
Follow-up
A wound check and, where needed, regular skin checks to keep you well in the future.
You will also be shown how to check your own skin and what changes to look out for.
Recovery
Healing, step by step
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical recovery, and Mr Kumar will give you a personal plan.
Some swelling and bruising, especially around the eyes. Keep your head raised when resting.
Stitches on the face usually come out at five to seven days.
Massage and sun protection help the scar settle.
The scar flattens and fades. Laser or IPL can help if needed.
Safety
Risks and staying safe
All surgery carries some risk. Mr Kumar will go through these with you in detail, and the patient guide covers them in full, so you can make an informed decision.
Possible risks
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection
- Part of a flap or graft not taking
- A visible or thickened scar
- A change in shape, such as a pulled eyelid or lip, which may need further treatment
- Numbness
- The cancer coming back, which is why follow-up matters
Lowering your risk
- Complete removal of the cancer always comes first, confirmed by the pathology report
- Stop smoking, as it reduces the blood supply to flaps and grafts
- Tell Mr Kumar if you take blood thinners
- Protect the scar from the sun for at least a year
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking and vaping well before and after your procedure
Fees
FeesPrice on consultation
Self-pay consultations £250.
One package price. No hidden surprises.
If you go ahead, you receive a single package price covering your whole journey, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. It usually includes:
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Procedure room or theatre fees
- Laboratory analysis where needed
- Follow-up and wound check
- Support whenever you need it
- A clear written quote
FAQs
Your questions, answered
Who repairs the wound after Mohs surgery?
Often a plastic surgeon. Mr Kumar works with Mohs surgeons and can repair the wound the same day or shortly after, planning a repair that suits the area.
Will I have a scar?
Yes. Every repair leaves a scar, but it is designed to sit along natural lines and creases, and most fade well over 12 to 18 months.
Is a flap better than a skin graft?
Flaps usually match the colour and texture of the surrounding skin better. Grafts are useful where a flap is not possible. Mr Kumar will explain which suits you and why.
Can the cancer be removed and repaired at the same time?
Usually, yes. For some cancers, especially where the edges are hard to see, the repair is delayed until the pathology report confirms complete removal.
How long does it take to heal?
Most facial wounds heal within one to two weeks. Bruising settles in a week or two, and the scar keeps improving for a year or more.
Is facial reconstruction covered by insurance?
Reconstruction after skin cancer is usually covered by private medical insurance as part of your cancer treatment. Check your policy before you book.
Can the result be improved later?
Yes. Laser, IPL, scar massage or a small scar revision can refine the result once healing has settled.
Locations
Where to have your facial reconstruction in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Mr Siva Kumar is a consultant plastic surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, and leads the skin cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) for Kent and the local Sussex area. Privately, you are seen at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent, or The Ü Clinic in Oxted, Surrey. If you need a larger operation, it takes place at The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, West Sussex, KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, or North Downs Hospital in Caterham. You can read more on my skin cancer surgery page. See all of Mr Siva Kumar's clinic and hospital locations.
Both clinics are within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling, Westerham, Swanley, Dartford, Gravesend, Orpington, Bromley, Redhill, Reigate, Caterham, Coulsdon, Purley and Croydon. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone is close to Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Aylesford and Ashford, and The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead is close to Crawley, Horley, Haywards Heath and Edenbridge. Patients also travel from across Sussex, including Brighton, Worthing, Horsham, Eastbourne, Hastings and Crowborough.
Facial reconstruction cost: the price depends on your treatment plan and is confirmed in a written quote after your consultation. See all prices.
Thinking about facial reconstruction?
Start with an unhurried consultation with Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks or Oxted. Self-pay consultations cost £250.