Close
Written By: Jeffrey Atlas, PA-C, Health Content Writer
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Gopal Grandhige, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon
Last Reviewed: August 19, 2026
Yes, a plastic surgeon can treat skin cancer. They remove cancerous lesions through surgical excision and, more often, rebuild the area afterward using flaps or skin grafts. Their role stands out on the face, ears, and nose, where preserving both healthy tissue and appearance matters most.
That’s the short version. The longer one is more useful, and it’s where most online answers fall flat. They stop at “yes, plastic surgeons can do it” and never tell you when that’s the right call.
I’ve reviewed enough of these cases to hold a firm opinion. For a small, low-risk spot on your back, a plastic surgeon is overkill. For a tumor on the side of your nose, sending it to the wrong hands is the kind of mistake you see in the mirror for a decade. The shifts in aesthetic care this year haven’t changed that basic rule. Skill and location still decide everything.
Yes, and it’s a bigger part of their work than most people guess. Tumor removal, which includes skin cancer, was the single most common reconstructive procedure plastic surgeons reported in 2024, at 361,798 cases, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Reconstructive volume grew about 2% that year, the fastest-rising category in the field.
So this isn’t a side gig.
Plastic surgeons remove skin cancers and, more often, handle the reconstruction after skin cancer once the tumor is out. At Formation in Tampa, Dr. Ahmad Saad, the practice’s plastic surgeon, performs this surgical work. Dr. Gopal Grandhige, a board-certified surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery, leads the consultation and decides who’s a fit before anyone books an operating room.
Removal is only one piece. A skin cancer diagnosis can involve a biopsy, the excision itself, a check of the margins under a microscope, and then the repair. A plastic surgeon can step in at the excision stage, the repair stage, or both, depending on the case.
A plastic surgeon does two separate jobs in skin cancer care, and mixing them up causes half the confusion online. First, they can cut out the cancer through surgical excision, removing the growth plus a margin of healthy tissue around it. Second, and this is the part they train hardest for, they close the wound so it heals clean.
That closing step is real surgery. On a large or awkward defect, a plastic surgeon might use a local flap, sliding nearby skin over the gap, or a skin graft taken from another spot on your body. For big or deep wounds, they can even move tissue with its own blood supply from a distant site. This is the same advanced surgical work used across reconstructive cases, applied to a cancer wound.
A dermatologist can stitch a simple wound just fine. A curved defect on the tip of the nose is a different animal, and that gap is exactly where a trained reconstructive eye pays off.
This is the take that annoys people who want one surgeon for everything: for a lot of facial skin cancers, the strongest plan splits the two jobs. A Mohs surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer, checking each one under a microscope, then a plastic surgeon rebuilds the site.
Why bother with two people?
Because Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any method, up to 99% for a new basal cell carcinoma and 95% to 99% for squamous cell, per Cleveland Clinic. It also spares the most healthy skin, which hands the reconstruction a better starting point. I’d rather see a patient use the sharpest tool for removal and the sharpest tool for repair than force one person to be great at both. On a simple lesion away from the face, though, splitting the work is unnecessary, and one surgeon handling everything is perfectly reasonable.
They’re not rivals. They cover different ground. A dermatologist, and especially a Mohs surgeon, is trained to spot skin cancer early and remove it with tight margins. A plastic surgeon is built for the repair, particularly when the wound is large, deep, or in a spot people notice.
The overlap is real, though. Plenty of plastic surgeons remove cancers outright, and plenty of dermatologists close their own wounds well.
What matters more than the title on the door is the individual’s track record with your exact situation. Learn to vet any surgeon before you commit, because a strong reputation in one procedure doesn’t guarantee skill in another. Ask what they do most often. Ask to see their own results, not a slideshow of someone else’s.
A plastic surgeon earns their keep on the hard cases. Think tumors on the nose, eyelids, ears, and lips, or large growths that leave a wide gap once removed.
The pattern shows up in the research. In one review of excisions covering thousands of cases, plastic surgeons handled the majority of head and neck removals, far more than dermatologists or general practitioners, and they took on the more complex, deeper tumors. That’s the work they train for.
If your cancer sits on a flat, forgiving area like the shoulder or upper back, the location advantage mostly disappears. There, a simpler removal by a dermatologist usually gets the job done without the added cost of a reconstructive plan you don’t need.
Reconstruction starts once the margins are clear, sometimes the same day, sometimes a week or two later. Delaying it is often the safer move, not a sign anything went wrong, because it lets the team confirm the cancer is fully gone before rebuilding.
Then comes healing, which takes patience.
Scars keep changing for 6 to 18 months, and satisfaction with facial reconstruction tends to climb over the first year as the tissue settles. If a scar heals thick or uneven, reducing a scar later is its own procedure, not a failure of the first one. One warning I give every patient: sun protection during this window isn’t optional, and Tampa sun is no joke. New skin burns fast and scars darken with UV exposure.
The best outcomes usually come from a team, not a lone hero. A dermatologist or Mohs surgeon confirms and removes, a plastic surgeon reconstructs, and for aggressive cases an oncologist joins in. Each person does what they do best.
Skin cancer skews toward older patients with years of sun exposure, and facial cases are common. Men often put off getting checked, which means their tumors can be larger by the time they act. That’s part of why men weighing surgery should ask directly who will handle the reconstruction, not just the removal.
The question sounds basic. It changes the result.
Picking your surgeon in 2026 comes down to fit, not fame. Confirm board certification, ask who performs the removal and who performs the repair, and look at photos of that surgeon’s own healed results.
Two questions cut through the noise. Ask what happens if the margins come back positive. Ask how they’d rebuild your specific defect. A confident, specific answer tells you more than any framed certificate on the wall. Finding the right surgeon for skin cancer work is less about the biggest name in town and more about who has closed a wound like yours, on skin like yours, dozens of times.
So, can a plastic surgeon treat skin cancer? Yes, and on the right case they’re the reason a face heals clean instead of scarred. Match the job to the location, ask the two questions above, and you’ll land in good hands. At Formation in Tampa, that conversation starts with a candidacy review before anyone picks up a scalpel.
ย Yes. A plastic surgeon can both remove a skin cancer and reconstruct the area. In 2024, tumor removal was the most common reconstructive procedure plastic surgeons reported, at 361,798 cases. For high-risk facial tumors, many still coordinate with a Mohs surgeon for the removal.
ย It depends on the step. A Mohs surgeon, usually a dermatologist, offers the highest removal cure rate, up to 99% for a new basal cell carcinoma. A plastic surgeon typically gives the better cosmetic repair on the nose, ears, or eyelids. Many facial cases use both.
ย Every removal leaves some scar, but technique matters. Scars mature over 6 to 18 months and often fade well with proper care. A plastic surgeon plans the closure to hide the line in a natural crease when possible, which is why facial cases benefit from their training.
ย On delicate areas, a plastic surgeon rebuilds the gap with a local flap or skin graft after the cancer is removed. These spots have little spare tissue, so the repair is technical. This is where a plastic surgeon's reconstruction skill matters most.
ย Not always. Reconstruction can happen the same day or be delayed a week or two. Delaying is often safer because it confirms the margins are clear before rebuilding. Neither timing signals a problem; both are standard practice.
ย Ask who performs the removal and who performs the reconstruction, and what happens if margins come back positive. Confirm board certification and review the surgeon's own healed-result photos. Clear, specific answers matter more than reputation alone.
Everyoneโs anatomy and aesthetic goals are uniqueโwhich is why a personalized assessment is key.
Ready to see if Renuvion is the right fit for your transformation?
DM us or give us a call at (813) 922-2920 to schedule your consultation.
#renuvion #jplasma #skintightening #skingoals
Tampa, we have a secretโฆ and ELLE Magazine just confirmed it. ๐โจ
Say hello to Picofy by InModeโofficially named the Best Glass Skin Laser by ELLE! And the best part? We are the ONLY clinic in Tampa that has it.
If youโve been dreaming of that effortless, glowing glass skin with zero downtime, this is your sign.
Why weโre obsessed with Picofy:
๐ Painless treatments (yes, really!)
๐ Safe & effective for ALL skin tones
๐ Ultimate skin rejuvenation, pigment reduction, and glow
Ready to upgrade your skincare routine?
Drop a ๐ช in the comments or head to the link in our bio to book your consultation!
You can also stop by for our open house this Thursday, July 30 to check it out in person!!โจ๐ฅ
โI just want to look like me, but fitter.โ โ Mission accomplished. ๐
Here is an incredible 3-month update for our patient following a circumferential body lift with liposculpting.
By addressing excess skin 360 degrees around the beltline while strategically sculpting the chest, shoulders, and abdomen, we achieved a smooth, athletic frame without sacrificing a natural appearance. He looks leaner, stronger, and completely redefined.
Ready to start your journey? DM us or click the link in our bio to book your consultation.
#tampa #360lift #plasticsurgeryclinic
RSVP (link in bio) and get a raffle entry.
โผ๏ธget another raffle ticket for every three friends you tag. Unlimited entries. You can essentially guarantee a prize !
Weโre going ALL OUT for our July 30th Party, and our raffle lineup this year is unmatched. ๐ฅณ
Every ticket you get puts you in the running for some serious glow-ups and top-tier treatments!
Take a look at what you could win:
1๏ธโฃ 3-Pack Picofy Laser Facialsโจ($3,375 value)
2๏ธโฃ COMPLETE Tattoo Removal โ Unlimited sessions until itโs gone! ๐ซ๐จ ($4,340 value)
3๏ธโฃ 100 Units of Botox ๐ ($1,500 value)
4๏ธโฃ Full Syringe of Filler ( @juvederm ) ๐ ($900 value)
5๏ธโฃ $500 Gift Card toward Peptides ๐งฌ
6๏ธโฃ FULL Permanent Makeup Brow Set (Nano/Powder/Combo)๐๏ธโจ ($1,000 value) @bladingbybrent
7๏ธโฃ Epicutis Gift Bag packed with luxury skincare ๐๏ธ
*Exclusive Event-Only Discounts just for showing up!* ๐ธ
Which prize are you claiming? Drop the number in the comments below! ๐๐ฌ
๐
When: July 30th
๐ Where: Formation (1315 S Howard Ave, Tampa)
โฐ Time: 5:30pm
Tag your party bestie who needs to enter with you! ๐ฏโโ๏ธ๐
Edited ยท 2d
1 Month Post-Op Transformation! ๐ฅ
Fixing previous surgical outcomes requires precision, expertise, and a tailored approach.
Hereโs how Dr. Grandhige transformed this patientโs core and chest:
The Challenge:
Previous tummy tuck left uneven abdominal fat distribution
High scar placement creating a visible โshelfโ effect
The Solution:
HD Liposculpture to refine and sculpt a athletic, masculine core and chest
Scar Revision to eliminate the shelf-like appearance and create a smoother profile
Keep in mind, at just 1 month post-op, swelling is still settling and we are nowhere near final results! Canโt wait to see this shape mature over the next few months. ๐ฅ
๐ฌ Questions about revision procedures? Drop them in the comments or send us a DM!
Trust the process. ๐ค
This beautiful tummy tuck transformation is only 1 month post-op!
What makes this journey even more special is where it began. Two years ago, this patient came to us wanting change but wasnโt quite ready for the operating table. Instead of rushing, we partnered with her for the long haul. Through the strategic use of GLP-1 therapy, dedicated nutrition guidance, and mindset coaching, she completely transformed her health to get to where she is today.
While she is already looking incredible, itโs important to remember that residual swelling and inflammation are completely normal at this stage. Healing takes time, but the foundation for an amazing result is officially set!
We are so incredibly honored to be a part of every patient`s unique journey, and we are committed to being with you every single step of the way.
Drop a โค๏ธ to wish her a continued smooth recovery!
#TummyTuckJourney #PlasticSurgeryResults #BodyTransformation
Thinking about breaking up with your ink? ๐
Here is exactly why Formation should be your go-to for tattoo removal:
1๏ธโฃ We use PICOFY: Our advanced picosecond laser treats all ink colors. No stubborn blues or greens left behind. ๐จ
2๏ธโฃ Fewer Sessions: Your time is valuable. Our laser targets ink more efficiently, meaning you get results in fewer visits than traditional lasers. โฑ๏ธ
3๏ธโฃ Practically Painless: No, seriously. We can inject lidocaine under the skin to completely numb the area. Say goodbye to the โrubber band snapโ feeling! ๐โจ
4๏ธโฃ Safe for ALL Skin Types: Our laser is highly precise and safe for every beautiful skin tone, minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation. ๐ค๐ค๐ผ
Bonus reasons to choose Formation:
โจ Certified Laser Experts: We donโt do โone-size-fits-all.โ Your treatment plan is completely customized to your skin, ink depth, and goals.
โจ Fading vs. Full Removal: Whether you want a clean slate or just want to fade a piece enough for a flawless cover-up, weโve got you covered.
Stop living with a tattoo youโve outgrown. Tap the link in our bio to book your free consultation today! ๐ฒ
#TattooRemoval #PicoLaser #PainlessTattooRemoval #InkRegret #FormationTattooRemoval
NOW is the time to start planning for next years summer body!
Schedule your consultation today to determine the next steps in your unique journey: https://formation.janeapp.com
#bodycontouring #Tampa #hdlipo
Face, neck, and chestโbecause your glow shouldnโt stop at your jawline. ๐๐
We are obsessed with the Picofy Laser for total skin rejuvenation.
Why we love Picofy:
โจ Full Coverage: Treats the delicate skin on your neck and chest just as effectively as your face.
โจ The Benefits: Boosts collagen production, shatters unwanted pigment, minimizes pores, and smooths skin texture.
โจ Minimal Downtime: Get that radiant glow without the lengthy recovery.
โจ Safe for ALL Skin Tones: Unlike older laser technologies, Picofyโs ultra-fast pulses deliver incredible results safely and effectively across the entire Fitzpatrick scale.
Ready to level up your skin game? ๐ค Click the link in our bio to book your consultation!
#Picofy #PicofyLaser #SkinRejuvenation #LaserSkinToning #AllSkinTypes
We previously posted this beautiful patientโs immediate before and after following her PDO Lifting Thread treatment.
Take a look at her fantastic results now that the 10 threads we placed are settled.
Send us a DM or click the link in our bio to schedule a consultation to discuss what treatments are the right fit for you!
#Tampa #Beauty #LiftingThreads #beforeandafter
