Meet Ann. Look closely at Ann’s chest. Now you see it. Now you don’t. Thanks to the plastic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert Lee, Ann looks good as new.
A year and a half ago, Ann noticed an unusual spot smack dab in the middle of her chest. She showed it to her primary care doctor who attempted to treat the area two times with laser. When the unusual spot remained, Ann sought the expertise of her dermatologist who used liquid nitrogen to remove the lesion.
When the lesion grew back, Ann’s dermatologist biopsied the area. Malignant melanoma was discovered and Ann was scheduled for Moh’s surgery. After five separate Moh’s excisions, the margins were cleared, and cancer halted.
But Ann had a 4 cm. by 4 cm. hole in her chest.
Dr. Gilbert Lee, San Diego plastic surgeon, was selected to close Ann’s wound. After consulting with Ann, Dr. Lee determined that, because of the large size of the wound, he would use a skin graft to repair the wound. He selected the left clavicle area for the donor site (circled above) because of the skin thickness and similar pigmentation pattern as the wound area.
The wound closure is seamless as is the clean smooth scar on the clavicle. Ann reports “I’m so happy with Dr. Lee’s work. No one notices anything!” The pictures above prove now you see it. And now you don’t. Thank you Dr. Lee.
Gilbert Lee, M.D. is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego. For more information please visit call us at 858-720-1440 or fill out the contact form below.
Copyright 2014 Jill Darrah for Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa