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plastic surgeon

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › plastic surgeon

  • Post
    • July 9, 2015 at 9:22 pm
    sunnybeaches
    Participant

      I have Melanoma on my anterior deltoid ( front of my shoulder) and will be having an excision about 6 " in length. Is there any advantage of having a plastic surgeon perform this surgery over my dermotologist? 

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    • Replies
        • July 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm
        lmhl
        Participant

          I can't imagine a dermatologist wanting to do it if it is that big.  Likley best for  a plastic surgeon.  Although not if it means waiting.  Advocate for yourself to get it off ASAP.

          • July 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm
          lmhl
          Participant

            I can't imagine a dermatologist wanting to do it if it is that big.  Likley best for  a plastic surgeon.  Although not if it means waiting.  Advocate for yourself to get it off ASAP.

            • July 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm
            lmhl
            Participant

              I can't imagine a dermatologist wanting to do it if it is that big.  Likley best for  a plastic surgeon.  Although not if it means waiting.  Advocate for yourself to get it off ASAP.

              • July 9, 2015 at 11:53 pm
              Janner
              Participant

                It totally depends on the dermatologist.  Is he a MOHs surgeon?  They use plastic surgeon techniques.  I'm sure a derm could do it, but the plastic surgeon may be better at following the anatomy so you don't have too much tightness or restrictions.  In areas with lots of movement, a plastic surgeon may be better unless the derm truly is well versed in these type of surgical techniques.  Ask questions!

                • July 9, 2015 at 11:53 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  It totally depends on the dermatologist.  Is he a MOHs surgeon?  They use plastic surgeon techniques.  I'm sure a derm could do it, but the plastic surgeon may be better at following the anatomy so you don't have too much tightness or restrictions.  In areas with lots of movement, a plastic surgeon may be better unless the derm truly is well versed in these type of surgical techniques.  Ask questions!

                  • July 9, 2015 at 11:53 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    It totally depends on the dermatologist.  Is he a MOHs surgeon?  They use plastic surgeon techniques.  I'm sure a derm could do it, but the plastic surgeon may be better at following the anatomy so you don't have too much tightness or restrictions.  In areas with lots of movement, a plastic surgeon may be better unless the derm truly is well versed in these type of surgical techniques.  Ask questions!

                    • July 10, 2015 at 1:52 am
                    Jenncat0402
                    Participant

                      My melanoma was also on my anterior deltoid. My derm did not want to do it she recommended a plastice surgeon. I am really glad i went with the plastic surgeon, even though the scar is 6" it looks amazing even after only 7 months. If you have to have a SLNB like I did I had a general surgeon do that at the same time the plastic surgeon did my WLE.

                        • July 12, 2015 at 10:50 pm
                        _Paul_
                        Participant

                          I think that is the optimal way to do it. My general surgeon sent me home after my WLE and SLNB with an open wound full of sutures that pulled through. I had to have a plastic surgeon go back and clean up the mess.

                          • July 12, 2015 at 10:50 pm
                          _Paul_
                          Participant

                            I think that is the optimal way to do it. My general surgeon sent me home after my WLE and SLNB with an open wound full of sutures that pulled through. I had to have a plastic surgeon go back and clean up the mess.

                            • July 12, 2015 at 10:50 pm
                            _Paul_
                            Participant

                              I think that is the optimal way to do it. My general surgeon sent me home after my WLE and SLNB with an open wound full of sutures that pulled through. I had to have a plastic surgeon go back and clean up the mess.

                            • July 10, 2015 at 1:52 am
                            Jenncat0402
                            Participant

                              My melanoma was also on my anterior deltoid. My derm did not want to do it she recommended a plastice surgeon. I am really glad i went with the plastic surgeon, even though the scar is 6" it looks amazing even after only 7 months. If you have to have a SLNB like I did I had a general surgeon do that at the same time the plastic surgeon did my WLE.

                              • July 10, 2015 at 1:52 am
                              Jenncat0402
                              Participant

                                My melanoma was also on my anterior deltoid. My derm did not want to do it she recommended a plastice surgeon. I am really glad i went with the plastic surgeon, even though the scar is 6" it looks amazing even after only 7 months. If you have to have a SLNB like I did I had a general surgeon do that at the same time the plastic surgeon did my WLE.

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