Cancer Treatment Procedures in Deerfield Beach, FL

When it comes to the treatment of cancer, many people focus entirely on the removal of the cancer and not on repairing the cosmetic damage that it can cause. While treating the disease itself should be the top priority, reconstructive surgical procedures that help to repair the damage caused by the cancer itself is can also be very important for a patient’s well-being and self-esteem. Fortunately, Dr. F. Leigh Phillips, III, MD, PA, FACS offers such cancer treatment procedures to patients living in and around Deerfield Beach, FL.

Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer is one of the more common procedures offered in Deerfield Beach, FL. Modern surgical techniques make it possible for Dr. Phillips to create a breast that is very close in form and appearance to a natural breast. However, it is not a simple procedure, and it is nearly impossible to recreate a breast perfectly even, in the most ideal conditions.

For most patients, Dr. Phillips recommends a breast implant that is placed under the skin. These implants are silicone shells filled with either saline or silicone gel. Most patients will be able to safely receive these implants, although some may not.

An alternative to breast implants is to use a skin flap from another part of the body. This procedure involves taking the skin, muscle and fat from another part of the body and tunneling it underneath the skin to the chest. This can be used to create a pocket for an implant or the breast mound itself.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is the controlled wearing away of the upper layers of skin. This is done through mechanical means and requires a local anesthetic. Although it’s not generally used for skin cancer removal or melanoma removal, it can be effective in removing scars caused by skin cancer treatment. It can also be used to smooth out wrinkles or to remove scars caused by accidents.