Skin Cancer Removal in Colorado Springs

These credentials, combined with his experience as an international eye specialist, ensures that your eyelid and facial skin cancer removal and reconstruction is performed with exceptional techniques. Mohs surgeons are fellowship trained dermatologists for skin cancer removal that have the highest success rates for complete removal with the smallest and most efficient surgical defects.

The most respected Mohs surgeons in southern colorado select Dr. Burroughs for his expertise for skin cancer reconstruction skills.  Dr. Burroughs with his former ophthalmic surgical training complements his plastic surgical skills in the critical areas around the eyes.  This is especially critical for ensuring the eyelids function as normal as possible to protect the eye.  Secondarily Dr. Burroughs is a cosmetic eyelid and facial plastic surgeon, so he always strives whenever possible to obtain the best aesthetic outcome given the circumstances.  Dr. Burroughs, along with the very best aesthetic surgeons, knows and follows the principle that "function follows form."

How Much Does Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction Cost?

The average cost of eyelid and facial skin cancer removal and reconstruction is determined on a patient-by-patient basis, but this varies significantly as each case of skin cancer is unique. We will provide you with a more specific cost during your consultation. For your convenience, we work with CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, two of the leading healthcare financing companies.

What Do the Early Stages of Skin Cancer Look Like?

There are different types of skin cancer, which can also appear on the eyelids.  Warning signs vary, but typical features of concern include: irregular discoloration, irregular borders, variable areas of elevation or depression, crusting, ulceration, and periodic bleeding.  If you have a discoloration or growth on your eyelid or face that matches the following criteria, we recommend that you be evaluated by Dr. Burroughs.  Remebering the "ABC's" followed by the "DE's" is an easy method to use when you should seek care for a suspected skin cancer.  The "ABCDE's" are:  asymmetry; border irregularity; color variances; diameter >6mm (even smaller on the eyelids); and evolving shape or size.

What Kinds of Cancer Form on the Face?

• Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer that forms on the skin. Up to 25% of actinic keratosis can turn into a squamous cell cancer.  It appears as small spots on the skin . The skin may have a scaly or rough texture.
• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and they appear as slow growing raised bumps on the skin.  Other characteristics include: translucency, pearly, finely vascular, and oftentimes with a dimple on top of the raised area.
• Squamous cell carcinoma develops as scaly or rough spots on the skin. The spots may become crusty and easily bleed when slightly bumped or scraped.
• Melanoma is the most concerning of all skin cancers. It can spread to other parts of the body and be deadly. Melanoma typically appears as an irregular mole-like growth on the skin. What distinguishes melanoma from a mole is that melanoma is typically asymmetrical with irregular borders. The color may be black, tan or brown. Melanoma growths vary in size from small "dots" on the eyelids to even a quarter inch or larger on the face and other sites. What are Orbital and Tear Duct Tumors?

Orbital tumors are growths that develop in the eye socket. These types of tumors require specialized skills to be safely and effectively removed. Tear duct tumors develop in the corners of the eyes, and these are very rare. Dr. Burroughs specializes in the removal of orbital and tear duct tumors.

How is Skin Cancer Removed?

Skin cancer removal on face and eyelids deals with very delicate skin and intricate systems of blood vessels and nerves. Dr. Burroughs uses various techniques to remove skin cancer in these areas based on the individual case. He will explain his surgical plan during the consultation.  Dr. Burroughs for most skin cancers recommends Mohs surgery, and he collaborates with the best in southern Colorado.  Mohs surgeons are fellowship trained dermatologic subspecialists that utilize techniques that have the highest success rates and the smallest surgical defects to remove the skin cancer.  Dr. Burroughs is often referred eyelid cancer patients from Mohs surgeons because of his track record of providing excellent functional and cosmetic reconstructive outcomes.

Are There Non-Surgical Options?

Yes, but typically surgery is the best option for skin cancers.  Radiation is one such option.  Actinic keratosis can respond well to freezing methods, but this is not always successful and there can be undetectable skip areas.  There are some newer topical chemotherapy options, but these are typically more prophylactic than for treatment.  Lastly, there are some medications that can be very helpful for some patients with very extensive or with skin cancers at multiple areas around the eyelids or face.  These can be prohibitively expensive and many insurances won't cover these medications since in most circumstances surgical removal is the proven "gold standard of care."

What is Recovery Like After Skin Cancer Removal?

Recovery after skin cancer varies by patient. To the degree possible, Dr. Burroughs will minimize tissue trauma during the eyelid and face skin cancer removal and/or removal procedures to manage your downtime and recovery.  Dr. Burroughs can also employ the advantage of the high technology services in the Springs Aesthetics MedSpa that can speed healing and improve the aesthetic outcomes in many circumstances.  Dr. Burroughs has heavily invested in many of the best aesthetic devices to deliver the very best in care that most other plastic surgical offices do not have.  The Springs Aesthetics medical spa also has advanced skincare can help prepare the skin to heal and recover the best it can.  The aestheticians also have excellent skill in recommending cover-up makeup to camouflage the healing areas.

For more than 20 years, Dr. John Burroughs has helped men and women in Colorado Springs, South Denver, Castle Rock and other areas of Colorado, as well as internationally, by providing exceptional care in plastic surgery and eyelid surgery. At his practice, he also offers medical spa treatments that are performed by his aestheticians that complement healing of eyelid and skin cancer reconstruction healing. To learn more about Skin Cancer Removal, contact us today to schedule a consultation.