Dr. John Bull is an accomplished plastic and reconstructive surgeon who offers a range of procedures that improve both function and aesthetics, including skin cancer resection and reconstruction. Skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer, can be caused by a range of factors. However, nearly 80 percent of skin cancers are found in sun-exposed areas of the face.
The most common types of skin cancer include:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Malignant melanoma
Although, some types of skin cancer are less dangerous than others, skin cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. When left untreated, skin cancer may spread to the underlying tissue and bone, resulting in disfigurement and, in extreme cases, affecting other organs.
Although rare forms of skin cancer are difficult to recognize, patients should seek immediate medical attention after observing any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual skin growth
- Skin discoloration or white patches
- Abnormal bumps on the surface of the skin
- Painful sores
Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis of skin cancer is vital to the success of treatment. The most effective method of diagnosing skin cancer is a biopsy. During a biopsy, Dr. Bull removes a small sample of the affected skin under topical/local anesthesia. Next, he performs a microscopic examination of the sample to detect cancer cells. A biopsy also helps identify the type of skin cancer, which is essential in developing an effective treatment plan.
Following diagnosis, Dr. Bull works closely with each patient to devise the most effective treatment plan to both address the skin cancer and restore normal appearance to the treatment area following skin cancer removal. He and his highly experienced Naperville plastic surgery team utilize the most advanced techniques and perform skin cancer resection with a conservative approach in order to preserve as much of the patient’s skin as possible. Dr. Bull is among a select few Naperville reconstructive surgeons who hold advanced training in a range of advanced skin cancer removal techniques.
For the most effective skin cancer treatment, Dr. Bull may utilize any of the following methods:
- Surgical removal of skin cancer
- Mohs surgery
- Cryosurgery (freezing the cancer cells)
- Radiation therapy
- Topical chemotherapy
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Skin cancer removal leaves most patients with a defect that requires reconstruction. In fact, reconstructive surgery to restore normal appearance is often part of the overall skin cancer treatment. As a highly skilled aesthetic surgeon, Dr. Bull is adept at performing skin cancer reconstruction as an effective way to disguise scars and minimize damage to the skin as a result of skin cancer. Skin cancer reconstruction treatment options generally range from direct wound closure to a complex transfer of tissue (skin graft), bone and/or cartilage to achieve optimal restoration results.
During skin cancer reconstruction surgery, Dr. Bull uses his unsurpassed surgical skills and fine-tuned aesthetic judgment to provide his patients with the most natural and remarkable restoration results possible.
Dr. John Bull is recognized as a leading reconstruction surgeon who specializes in an array of medical skin care treatments and restoration procedures. He has helped many Naperville breast reconstruction patients achieve a normal chest appearance following breast cancer. Dr. Bull also offers a full range of aesthetic procedures of the face, body and breasts, including breast reduction.
