Eyelid Skin Cancer Excision in Westchester, New York

Skin cancers often involve the eyelid, particularly the lower lid, as well as the eyelid margins, the corners of the eye, the skin around and beneath the eyebrows, and areas of the face near the eye. The most common eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Whether the skin cancer is slow- or fast-progressing, removal needs to be considered due to the chance of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasizing) or of recurring in the future. Dr. James Gordon is a board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery for his patients in Westchester County and Manhattan.

WHY DR. GORDON?

Many doctors, including dermatologists and ophthalmologists, can perform eyelid skin cancer removal, but Dr. Gordon specializes in eyelid surgeries. Dr. Gordon is an award-winning oculoplastic surgeon who focuses on both the complete removal of the skin cancer and reconstructing the eyes for the best appearance. With over 16 years of experience, he has performed thousands of procedures from common eyelid enhancement to major reconstructive surgery.

The two goals of eyelid skin cancer surgery are complete removal and reconstruction. First, the cancer is removed and the tissue is tested to ensure that the entire tumor has been excised. Next, Dr. Gordon reconstructs the eyelid so that it both functions properly and looks normal. The reconstruction surgery is tailored to each patient based on the size and location of the defect. There are many advanced techniques for removing eyelid skin cancers as well as for reconstructing the lid so that it looks cosmetically appealing.

After the eyelid skin cancer surgery, Dr. Gordon will apply a clean bandage to the treated site and give the patient instructions on how to clean the wound. Patients may have swelling, bruising, tenderness, and discomfort for the first 1 – 2 days after the surgery. Patients should return to Dr. Gordon’s office for a follow up exam 1 – 2 weeks after their surgery. 

The cost of eyelid skin cancer surgery will be based on the complexity of the removal and the amount of reconstruction that is needed. Patients should expect to pay $5,000 to over $10,000, but our office can contact the patient’s health insurance company to determine their coverage.

The eyelid is one of the most common sites for non melanoma skin cancer, but less than 5% of patients will have a recurrence after eyelid skin cancer surgery. Dr. Gordon advises patients to use sun protection around their eyes at all times, which includes the regular use of sunscreen and sunglasses.

Many doctors, including dermatologists and ophthalmologists, can perform eyelid skin cancer removal, but Dr. Gordon specializes in eyelid surgeries. Dr. Gordon is an award-winning Oculoplastic surgeon who focuses on both the complete removal of the skin cancer and reconstructing the eyes for the best physical appearance. Over 15 years of experience, makes Dr. Gordon an expert at delicate and complex eye surgeries.

More than 90% of eyelid skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma that can cause problems to the function and comfort of the eye if left untreated. Eyelid skin cancer may also be squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and markel cell carcinoma. If detected early, eyelid skin cancer can be treated effectively.