Skin Reconstruction Surgery in NYC
Skin Reconstruction Surgery | Brad Gandolfi, MD
The face tells a story—of identity, of resilience, of healing. When skin cancer removal results in visible changes, skin reconstruction provides a path toward restoration. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery as the best way to remove cancerous tissue and stop the spread of the disease. Depending on the type of cancer and the amount of skin that needs to be removed, you may need to have the surgery performed by a trained plastic surgeon, as opposed to a dermatologist.
Brad Gandolfi MD, FACS, approaches skin reconstruction with equal attention to medical integrity and refined design. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, he has extensive experience in skin cancer removal and skin reconstruction. His method emphasizes precise closure techniques and scar minimization, restoring natural form while protecting skin health and function.
Skin reconstruction involves rebuilding your skin after the removal of cancerous tissue, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, confident appearance post-treatment. Often, the best way to optimize your results is to have skin cancer removal and skin reconstruction procedures performed simultaneously. In other cases, skin reconstruction follows Mohs micrographic surgery performed by a specially trained dermatologist called a Moh’s surgeon. In this procedure, thin layers of cancerous skin tissue are removed one by one until there is no longer any cancerous tissue detected. Once the cancer is removed, Dr. Gandolfi will perform the reconstructive procedure. The exact procedure done depends on the size and location of the wound. Dr. Gandolfi emphasizes an approach to skin reconstruction that minimizes scarring.
Dr. Gandolfi provides reconstructive care for patients who have undergone removal of:
While cancer removal is curative, reconstruction is restorative, helping patients heal both physically and emotionally by reestablishing a natural, harmonious appearance.
The skin reconstruction process will vary significantly according to your needs. Here is a general outline of what you can expect from your treatment.
To begin your journey, you will receive a phone call from a member of our team to discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals. During this call, you will also have the chance to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Gandolfi.
During your consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will perform a physical evaluation, assess medical images, and talk with you about your expectations for treatment. He will welcome your questions and provide further details about the anesthesia options offered. This consultation lasts around half an hour.
Dr. Gandolfi and his team will provide you with instructions to help you prepare for skin reconstruction. This may mean abstaining from smoking, pausing certain medications, and ensuring that you fast for a few hours before the procedure. You can always contact our practice directly with specific questions.
Upon your arrival at our NYC surgery center, you will receive a warm welcome from our care team. They will guide you to your operating suite and begin administering anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the surgery. The specifics of the surgery can vary greatly, depending on the type of cancer and the amount of skin that must be removed.
Depending on the complexity of the defect, reconstruction may involve:
Surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or, for larger cases, under general anesthesia in a certified surgical setting. No matter which surgical method is employed, Dr. Gandolfi will work to keep scarring to a minimum, often avoiding long-lasting scars altogether. His goal is always to completely remove cancerous tissue while also restoring healthy, beautiful, and natural-looking facial aesthetics.
Skin reconstruction can be performed on nearly any area of the body but is most commonly done on the face, nose, eyelids, lips, and ears—areas where precision and aesthetic outcome are paramount.
Dr. Gandolfi’s background in craniofacial reconstruction allows him to repair these delicate structures while maintaining both expression and function.
Beyond closing a wound, skin reconstruction restores the subtlety and structure that define your natural appearance. Patients often experience:
Dr. Gandolfi’s artistic eye ensures every repair honors your face’s natural contours and character.
You may be a good candidate for skin reconstruction if you have recently undergone or are planning to undergo skin cancer removal and wish to restore your appearance. Dr. Gandolfi often collaborates directly with Mohs dermatologic surgeons, coordinating same-day reconstruction for optimal outcomes. Candidates should be in good overall health and understand that full healing can take several weeks as scars mature and the tissue remodels.
To be sure that your cancer has been fully removed, you will need to have a series of follow-up appointments with a dermatologist or oncologist.
For the reconstruction itself, you can expect bruising and swelling for several days. These symptoms will subside on their own and can be managed with cold compresses. Pain medications can be used to manage physical discomfort.
Before you are discharged, you will receive all the guidelines you need concerning wound care and recovery. By adhering to these guidelines, you can minimize the visibility of your scarring and promote full, expedient healing.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
As healing progresses, the reconstructed skin gradually blends with the surrounding tissue. Scars soften, fade, and in many cases, become virtually imperceptible. Patients regain confidence knowing their reconstruction is both medically sound and aesthetically harmonious.
The goal is not simply to conceal but to restore balance and continuity, helping patients look like themselves again, with subtle, natural results that honor their individual features.
Do you need skin cancer removal or skin reconstruction? Patients trust Dr. Gandolfi for his technical precision, compassionate approach, and artistry in minimizing visible signs of surgery. His philosophy is simple: heal the tissue, preserve the form, and restore the person.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a highly trained, double board-certified plastic surgeon with much experience in skin reconstruction. He combines artistic skills with advanced surgical techniques to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi, contact (212) 287-7211.
Having surgery always entails some level of risk. You can minimize this risk simply by ensuring that you have a skilled, well-trained surgeon. Dr. Gandolfi is double board-certified, signifying a high level of clinical knowledge and training, and he has a proven track record for promoting patient safety and optimizing clinical outcomes.
Skin cancer reconstruction is generally covered by health insurance, though it’s always a good idea to check the specifics of your policy. Our front-office team is happy to help you navigate any questions about insurance or financing.
In most cases, reconstruction can be done immediately following Mohs surgery, once all cancerous tissue has been confirmed as removed.
While some scarring is inevitable, Dr. Gandolfi’s advanced techniques and careful placement of incisions significantly reduce visibility. Over time, scars fade naturally or can be refined further.
Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and well managed with medication. Most patients experience mild tightness or tenderness during the early stages of healing.
Initial recovery usually takes one to two weeks. Full healing and scar softening occur over several months.
Yes. Dr. Gandolfi frequently performs secondary reconstruction or scar revision to refine previous outcomes and enhance aesthetic results.
