Skin Cancer Surgery in Athens
Skin cancer surgery requires more than simply removing a visible lesion.
The first priority is safe and appropriate treatment. However, the way the wound is closed also matters, especially when the lesion is located on the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, neck, chest, or hands.
At Athenaeum Aesthetics in Vouliagmeni, Athens, selected skin cancers and suspicious skin lesions are treated with a plastic surgery approach. The aim is to remove the lesion responsibly, send tissue for histological examination when appropriate, and reconstruct the area with careful attention to function, scar position, anatomy, and natural appearance.
Skin Cancer Surgery at a Glance
Skin cancer surgery may involve the removal of cancerous, precancerous, or suspicious skin lesions.
The correct treatment depends on:
the type of lesion
the size of the lesion
the location
the clinical suspicion
previous biopsy results
medical history
whether histology is needed
whether reconstruction is required
whether referral to another specialist is more appropriate
Plastic surgery is especially important when removal may leave a visible scar, distortion, contour defect, or functional problem.
This is particularly relevant for lesions on the:
nose
eyelids
lips
ears
cheeks
forehead
scalp
neck
chest
hands
The goal is not simply to close the skin. The goal is to treat the lesion safely while preserving anatomy and appearance as much as possible.
What Are the Main Types of Skin Cancer?
The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Each one behaves differently. This is why proper assessment, treatment planning, and histological confirmation are important.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, often called BCC, is the most common type of skin cancer.
It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, forehead, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, and back.
It may look like:
a shiny bump
a pink or pearly lesion
a small wound that does not heal
a bleeding or crusting spot
a scar-like patch
a slowly growing skin change
BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant parts of the body.
However, it can grow locally and damage surrounding tissue if left untreated. This is especially important on the face, where even a small lesion may affect the nose, eyelid, lip, or ear if it progresses.
Surgical excision is commonly used to treat selected basal cell carcinomas. The removed tissue is usually sent for histology to confirm the diagnosis and assess whether the lesion has been completely removed.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma, often called SCC, is another common type of skin cancer.
It may appear as:
a scaly red patch
a crusted lesion
a thickened area of skin
a non-healing sore
a bleeding or tender growth
a wart-like lesion
SCC can behave more aggressively than BCC.
Some squamous cell carcinomas can grow deeper or spread, especially when they are large, recurrent, poorly differentiated, located in high-risk areas, or occur in immunosuppressed patients.
Surgical excision is often used for treatment, but the plan depends on the risk profile of the lesion.
When SCC is suspected or confirmed, proper diagnosis, histology, margin assessment, and follow-up are important.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is more dangerous because it has a greater potential to spread.
Melanoma may appear as a new mole or as a change in an existing mole.
Warning signs may include:
asymmetry
irregular border
multiple colours
rapid change
increasing size
bleeding
itching
a mole that looks different from the others
Melanoma requires urgent medical assessment.
Treatment depends on the stage. It may involve surgical excision, wider margins, sentinel lymph node biopsy, imaging, oncology referral, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or multidisciplinary care.
At Athenaeum Aesthetics, suspicious lesions are approached carefully. If melanoma is suspected or confirmed, referral for appropriate specialist or multidisciplinary management may be recommended.
When Should a Skin Lesion Be Checked?
A skin lesion should be checked if it is new, changing, growing, bleeding, crusting, painful, itchy, irregular, or not healing.
You should seek medical assessment if a lesion:
changes in size, shape, or colour
bleeds without clear trauma
repeatedly crusts or opens
does not heal after several weeks
looks different from your other moles
appears on chronically sun-exposed skin
returns after previous removal
becomes painful, itchy, or tender
is located on the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, neck, chest, or hands
A suspicious lesion should not be ignored.
It should also not be repeatedly treated with creams, burning, or cosmetic removal methods without proper assessment.
Early diagnosis can make treatment simpler and reconstruction easier.
The Role of Plastic Surgery in Skin Cancer Treatment
Plastic surgeons have an important role in the surgical treatment and reconstruction of skin cancer.
This is especially true when a lesion is located in a visible, delicate, or functionally important area.
The goal is not only to remove the lesion. The goal is also to restore the area as naturally as possible.
Plastic surgery planning considers:
safe excision
scar placement
skin tension
facial anatomy
eyelid function
lip movement
nasal contour
ear shape
skin colour and texture
local flap options
skin graft options
long-term scar quality
In many cases, the way the wound is closed makes a significant difference to the final result.
Surgical Excision of Skin Cancer
Surgical excision involves removing the lesion together with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue.
The removed tissue is usually sent for histological examination. This allows confirmation of the diagnosis and assessment of whether the lesion has been fully removed.
The closure depends on the size and position of the defect.
Small defects may be closed directly.
Larger or more complex defects may require:
local flap reconstruction
skin grafting
staged reconstruction
scar revision at a later stage
combined specialist care when needed
The plan is always individualised.
Why Reconstruction Matters
After a skin cancer is removed, the remaining wound may be larger than the visible lesion.
This is because the surgeon may need to remove a margin of surrounding tissue to treat the lesion properly.
Reconstruction matters because the skin is not the same everywhere.
A wound on the back is different from a wound on the nose. A wound on the cheek is different from a wound on the eyelid. A wound on the ear is different from a wound on the lip.
Plastic surgery reconstruction aims to:
close the wound safely
preserve function
respect natural facial anatomy
reduce distortion
position scars discreetly
restore contour
achieve the best possible cosmetic result
This is why skin cancer surgery on the face should be planned carefully.
Surgical Excision of Skin Cancer
Surgical excision involves removing the lesion together with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue.
The removed tissue is usually sent for histological examination. This allows confirmation of the diagnosis and assessment of whether the lesion has been fully removed.
The closure depends on the size and position of the defect.
Small defects may be closed directly.
Larger or more complex defects may require:
local flap reconstruction
skin grafting
staged reconstruction
scar revision at a later stage
combined specialist care when needed
The plan is always individualised.
Why Reconstruction Matters
After a skin cancer is removed, the remaining wound may be larger than the visible lesion.
This is because the surgeon may need to remove a margin of surrounding tissue to treat the lesion properly.
Reconstruction matters because the skin is not the same everywhere.
A wound on the back is different from a wound on the nose. A wound on the cheek is different from a wound on the eyelid. A wound on the ear is different from a wound on the lip.
Plastic surgery reconstruction aims to:
close the wound safely
preserve function
respect natural facial anatomy
reduce distortion
position scars discreetly
restore contour
achieve the best possible cosmetic result
This is why skin cancer surgery on the face should be planned carefully.
Skin Cancer Surgery on the Face
The face is one of the most common areas for sun-related skin cancers.
It is also one of the most delicate areas for surgery.
Skin cancer surgery on the face requires careful planning because the final result can affect both appearance and function.
Important areas include:
nose
lower eyelid
upper eyelid
lips
cheeks
ears
forehead
scalp
In these areas, even small lesions can require precise reconstruction.
For example, surgery near the eyelid must protect eyelid position and eye function. Surgery on the nose must respect nasal contour. Surgery on the lip must consider movement, symmetry, and oral function.
This is where plastic surgery expertise is especially valuable.
Mohs Surgery and Plastic Surgery Reconstruction
Mohs surgery is a specialised technique used for selected skin cancers, especially in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas. It involves removing cancerous tissue in stages and examining the margins during the procedure.
Mohs surgery is not necessary for every skin cancer.
In some cases, standard surgical excision is appropriate. In others, Mohs surgery may be recommended, especially for high-risk, recurrent, or facial lesions where tissue preservation is very important.
When Mohs surgery is performed elsewhere and leaves a defect, plastic surgery reconstruction may be needed afterwards.
At Athenaeum Aesthetics, patients may be assessed for surgical excision, reconstruction, or referral when Mohs surgery or multidisciplinary care is more appropriate.
Scars After Skin Cancer Surgery
Every surgical removal leaves a scar.
The aim is to place and close the scar as carefully as possible.
Scar quality depends on:
lesion size
location
skin type
skin tension
wound closure technique
healing biology
smoking
sun exposure
aftercare
previous surgery
whether reconstruction was needed
Scars often change significantly over time. They may look red, pink, firm, or raised in the early months.
With time, many scars become softer, flatter, and paler.
Scar maturation can take 12 to 18 months, and sometimes longer.
Can Scars Be Improved Later?
Yes. In selected cases, scars can be improved after healing.
Options may include:
scar massage
silicone gel or sheets
sun protection
steroid treatment in selected scars
laser treatment
microneedling
dermabrasion
surgical scar revision
The best approach depends on the scar type, location, maturity, and patient’s healing pattern.
Scar improvement should be discussed after the wound has healed and the scar has had time to mature.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Many skin cancers are related to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Prevention is an important part of skin health.
Useful habits include:
using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
reapplying sunscreen during prolonged outdoor exposure
wearing a wide-brimmed hat
wearing UV-protective sunglasses
using protective clothing
avoiding tanning beds
seeking shade during strong sun hours
avoiding intentional sunburn
checking the skin regularly
arranging medical review for suspicious lesions
Sun protection is especially important in Greece, where sun exposure can be intense for much of the year.
Skin Checks and the ABCDE Rule
The ABCDE rule is a useful guide for suspicious pigmented lesions.
It stands for:
A — Asymmetry
B — Border irregularity
C — Colour variation
D — Diameter or darkening
E — Evolution or change
However, not all skin cancers follow this pattern.
Some skin cancers may look like a small wound, a scaly patch, a shiny bump, a crusted spot, or a bleeding lesion.
If something is new, changing, or not healing, it should be assessed.
Skin Cancer Surgery at Athenaeum Aesthetics
At Athenaeum Aesthetics in Vouliagmeni, Athens, selected skin lesions and skin cancers are treated with a plastic surgery approach.
The consultation focuses on:
clinical assessment
medical history
lesion location
surgical options
need for biopsy or excision
reconstruction planning
expected scar
histology
follow-up
referral when needed
Our role is to provide careful surgical treatment and reconstruction when appropriate.
If a lesion requires dermatology, oncology, Mohs surgery, imaging, or multidisciplinary care, this will be discussed and appropriate referral may be recommended.
The priority is always safe, responsible, and patient-centred care.
Skin Cancer Surgery in Vouliagmeni, Athens
Athenaeum Aesthetics is a plastic surgery clinic in Vouliagmeni, Athens, offering surgical treatment of selected skin lesions and skin cancers.
For visible or delicate areas, the aim is not only removal, but also careful reconstruction.
Patients considering skin cancer surgery in Athens are welcome to arrange a consultation to discuss lesion removal, reconstruction options, scars, histology, and follow-up.
Are dark circles always caused by lack of sleep?
No. Although fatigue and poor sleep may temporarily worsen the appearance of dark circles, many patients primarily have anatomical or structural causes such as thin skin, visible underlying muscle, tear trough hollowing or genetic predisposition.
Why do dark circles become worse with age?
As we age, collagen, elastin and facial fat volume gradually decline. The lower eyelid skin becomes thinner and more translucent, while hollowing and shadowing beneath the eyes become more noticeable. This increases visibility of the underlying muscle and vascular structures.
Are all dark circles caused by pigmentation?
No. In many patients, dark circles are caused more by thin translucent skin, visible underlying structures, volume loss and shadowing rather than true pigmentation alone.
What causes pigmentation beneath the eyes?
Pigmentation beneath the eyes may occur due to:
genetics,
chronic rubbing of the eyes,
allergies,
eczema,
inflammation,
or long-term sun exposure.
In many patients, pigmentation exists alongside anatomical and structural factors simultaneously.
Can whitening creams completely remove dark circles?
Not necessarily. In selected patients with significant pigmentation, topical brightening treatments may help improve discoloration. However, many dark circles are structural or anatomical in nature and cannot be fully corrected with skincare products alone.
Why do many under-eye treatments fail?
Many treatments fail because dark circles are often multifactorial. Treating every patient with the same approach without understanding the underlying anatomy may lead to limited improvement or unnatural results.
Can fillers completely correct dark circles?
Not always. Some patients may benefit from carefully selected under-eye filler treatment, particularly when tear trough hollowing is significant. However, excessive filler may worsen puffiness, edema or contour irregularities in unsuitable patients.
What is the Tyndall effect?
The Tyndall effect refers to bluish discoloration that may occur when hyaluronic acid filler is placed too superficially beneath thin lower eyelid skin.
Why is under-eye filler sometimes controversial?
The lower eyelid region is anatomically complex. In some patients, filler may improve tear trough hollowing, while in others it may worsen puffiness, swelling or contour irregularities if not carefully selected.
Can microneedling improve dark circles?
Medical microneedling may gradually improve skin quality, collagen density and translucency beneath the eyes in selected patients.
How does medical microneedling work?
Medical microneedling creates controlled microscopic injury at carefully selected depths in order to stimulate collagen remodeling, elastin production and gradual improvement in skin quality over time.
Is medical microneedling different from cosmetic microneedling?
Yes. Medical microneedling uses medical-grade devices and carefully controlled treatment protocols aimed at collagen induction and structural skin remodeling rather than superficial skin refreshing alone.
Why does device quality matter in microneedling treatments?
Precise depth control and treatment consistency are particularly important in delicate anatomical areas such as the lower eyelids. Medical-grade devices allow more controlled collagen induction and safer treatment planning.
Why do some microneedling treatments show excessive bleeding online?
Visible bleeding during microneedling is often emphasized in social media content for marketing purposes. Proper medical microneedling focuses on controlled collagen induction and careful depth selection rather than aggressive tissue injury.
Does more bleeding during microneedling mean better results?
No. Excessive bleeding does not necessarily correlate with superior collagen stimulation or better outcomes. Overly aggressive treatment may increase inflammation and prolong recovery without improving clinical results.
Is the lower eyelid area more delicate than other facial regions?
Yes. The skin beneath the eyes is among the thinnest skin on the body and requires particularly careful treatment planning and conservative protocols.
Can collagen stimulation improve lower eyelid skin quality?
Yes. Treatments such as medical microneedling and fractional CO₂ laser may stimulate collagen remodeling and improve lower eyelid skin quality over time in selected patients.
Can fractional CO₂ laser improve dark circles?
Fractional CO₂ laser may improve lower eyelid skin quality, texture, crepiness and overall rejuvenation in selected patients.
How does fractional CO₂ laser work?
Fractional CO₂ laser creates controlled microscopic thermal zones within the skin in order to stimulate collagen remodeling, skin tightening and long-term skin quality improvement.
Is CO₂ laser safe around the eyes?
When properly performed using appropriate eye protection and conservative protocols, fractional CO₂ laser may be safely used around the lower eyelids in suitable patients.
Why does lower eyelid laser treatment require experience?
The lower eyelid region is technically demanding because the skin is extremely thin and delicate. Overaggressive treatment may increase the risk of prolonged redness, swelling or pigmentary changes.
How many sessions are usually required?
Most patients require multiple treatment sessions performed over several months depending on anatomy, skin quality and the severity of the concern being treated.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Collagen remodeling requires time. Depending on the treatment performed, improvement may continue progressively over several months following a series of treatments.
Will one treatment completely remove dark circles?
In most patients, complete elimination is unrealistic because dark circles are often multifactorial and anatomically based.
Can lower blepharoplasty improve dark circles?
In selected patients with lower eyelid fat prolapse, puffiness or lower eyelid aging, lower blepharoplasty may improve the appearance of the under-eye region.
Are dark circles hereditary?
Yes. Genetics play a major role in lower eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, pigmentation and vascular visibility.
Are creams enough to treat dark circles?
Topical products may provide limited improvement in hydration and superficial skin quality, but most anatomical causes of dark circles cannot be fully corrected with creams alone.
What treatments are commonly used at Athenaeum Aesthetics for dark circles?
Treatment plans are individualized, but commonly used approaches may include:
medical microneedling,
skin quality improvement protocols,
selected injectable treatments,
and lower eyelid rejuvenation strategies based on anatomy.
What kind of improvement is realistically possible?
Depending on anatomy and contributing factors, realistic improvement may range approximately between 20–40% in many patients following gradual collagen remodeling and staged treatments.
Why is realistic assessment important before treatment?
Dark circles are frequently caused by multiple overlapping anatomical factors. Proper assessment helps avoid overtreatment and allows more individualized, medically grounded treatment planning focused on natural-looking improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Surgery
