What Is Skin Flap Surgery?
Skin flap surgery is a reconstructive procedure used to close wounds—most often after the removal of skin cancer. Instead of pulling the skin tight or taking skin from another part of the body, we reposition healthy tissue near the site of the removal while preserving its original blood supply.
This technique supports faster healing, helps maintain function, and offers a more natural cosmetic result—especially in delicate areas like the face, nose, ears, and hands.
Do I Need This Procedure?
We may recommend skin flap surgery if:
- The skin cancer removal left a deeper or wider wound
- The location (face, nose, lip, etc.) requires a precise repair
- There’s not enough loose skin nearby for a simple closure
- You want the best possible cosmetic outcome after cancer treatment
If flap surgery is recommended, it means we want to give you the safest healing and best appearance possible.
Why Summit?
At Summit, you’ll be in the hands of experienced skin cancer surgeons and reconstructive specialists. Our team performs flap surgeries regularly and collaborates across dermatology and plastic surgery to ensure both medical success and cosmetic satisfaction.
Whether you’ve had Mohs surgery or another excision, we’re focused on restoring both your health and your confidence—with clear communication every step of the way.
Trust your skin to experienced hands.
If you’ve had skin cancer removed, we can help restore both form and function with expert skin flap surgery.
Doctor Spotlight
Dr. Roger Sica – Mohs Surgeon
As a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgery specialist, Dr. Roger Sica performs over 1,000 skin cancer cases each year. He’s known for his calm, compassionate demeanor and ability to explain complex procedures in plain, reassuring terms.
“Every patient deserves a physician who listens, answers clearly, and genuinely cares,” says Dr. Sica. “With Mohs and flap reconstruction, I focus on achieving the highest cure rate while preserving both function and appearance.”
Practicing in the Wilmington area since 2010, Dr. Sica is a fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery and a recipient of multiple patient care awards. Outside the clinic, he values time with his family and is an avid tennis player—both of which, he says, help keep him focused and grounded.
What to Expect
Skin flap surgery is usually performed in our office under local anesthesia—you’ll be awake, but the area will be completely numb. After your skin cancer is removed (often through Mohs surgery), your provider will carefully reposition nearby healthy tissue to close the wound while preserving blood flow and reducing skin tension.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes. You’ll go home with a bandage, simple aftercare instructions, and a scheduled follow-up to check healing and remove sutures. Most patients return to their usual routines within a few days, with only mild soreness or tightness at the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as a skin graft?
No. A skin flap uses nearby skin that stays connected to its own blood supply, which often leads to smoother healing and a more natural look—especially on the face or hands. Grafts, which take skin from elsewhere on the body, are used when local closure isn’t possible.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Will there be a scar?
What’s the recovery like?
Is this covered by insurance?
Real Stories From Real Patients
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Dr. Sica is one of the best doctors I have ever been to. He cares deeply for the patient and naturally thinks outside the box to co-create a solution that’s best for the patient. We are very fortunate to have him in our community. I am forever grateful for the gentle, caring and thoughtful skin cancer services he provides.
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Dr Sica made a large (5 in incision),removed the cancerous lesion and sewed it up. I am well pleased with the results 3 months later. There is only a single pink line visible . From experience, I expect the scar will hardly visible in a few mre months. I scar easily and am surprised at the results.
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I am so pleased that Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology took me in as a new patient. Finding new doctors when you move to a new area is not an easy task. Dr. Sica and his staff are so caring and welcoming. I felt at ease with him from the first moment I met him. The practice is well run from the front office staff to the medical staff that assist the doctors. I would recommend Dr. Sica to anyone who needs this type of medical treatment and follow up care.
Trust your skin to experienced hands.
If you’ve had skin cancer removed, we can help restore both form and function with expert skin flap surgery.