Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Best offers reconstructive surgery for patients who have suffered facial deformity secondary to facial trauma or cancer resection. Dr. Best is uniquely qualified to perform facial reconstruction after completing a five-year Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residency in Ottawa, as well as her fellowship year in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Orange County, California.

Damaging ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure or tanning beds increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma skin cancer. Dr. Best performs biopsies and resections for skin cancer on the face and neck. She also performs facial reconstruction following skin cancer resection.

Dr. Best partners with fellowship trained Dermatologists who practice Mohs surgery to treat patients with complex facial skin cancer. Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, layers of cancerous tissue are progressively removed and examined under a microscope until no cancer cells are detected. This process allows for precise removal of the cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is often recommended for skin cancers with high recurrence rates, large size, or those located in cosmetically sensitive areas.

If a complex reconstruction is required after Mohs surgery, you will be referred to Dr. Best. Dr. Best will meet with you to assess your defect and discuss your options for reconstruction taking into consideration both form and function. Smaller reconstructions can often be performed in clinic under local anesthesia, whereas more extensive reconstructions are often done in the Operating Room under general anesthesia.

Disfiguring scars have the potential to profoundly impact one's self-perception. Surgical interventions aimed at addressing scars and skin imperfections can effectively improve unsightly or disfiguring marks.

The objective of scar revision is to replace an unappealing or disfiguring scar with a more favorable one. Anytime the skin is cut, a scar will be left behind, however the goal is to leave a more acceptable scar than the one you started with. An ideal scar is characterized by its narrowness, evenness, seamless integration with the surrounding skin, and absence of distortion of surrounding structures. The ultimate result is influenced by various factors, including the patient's skin type and healing capacity.

Scars can often be further modified with laser or resurfacing techniques, along with post op scar care including massage, silicone application and strict sun precautions.