Sydney · Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Removing a skin cancer is only half the operation. What happens next — how the defect is repaired — determines how you look and function for the rest of your life. Dr Leo Kim FRACS has performed more than 6,000 facial and skin cancer reconstructions in Sydney.
Why it matters
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and most basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) occur on the face, head and neck — the areas hardest to repair well. Around the nose, lips and eyelids, a few millimetres decide whether skin moves naturally, whether an eyelid closes, whether a scar is noticed across a dinner table.
Dr Kim's practice is dedicated to this problem. He treats BCC, SCC and melanoma, performs excision and repair in a single operation where appropriate, and reconstructs defects created by Mohs micrographic surgery in close coordination with Sydney's dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists.
After Mohs surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery gives the highest cure rate for many facial skin cancers, but it leaves a defect that needs expert repair. Dr Kim has spent his career reconstructing these defects — he has taught dermatology registrars at the Australasian College of Dermatologists for nine years and sits on the Medical Advisory Council of The Skin Hospital.
Repair is usually performed the same day or within a day or two of your Mohs procedure, timed directly with your dermatologist so the wound is not left open longer than necessary. Depending on the site and size of the defect, reconstruction may use direct closure, a local flap of neighbouring skin, or a skin graft — each chosen to restore contour, function and the best possible colour match.
The process
Balanced information
All surgery carries risk. Specific to skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, these include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, visible scarring, partial or complete loss of a graft or flap, the possibility of further surgery, and recurrence of the cancer itself. Dr Kim discusses the risks relevant to your particular repair before any decision is made, and you are encouraged to seek a second opinion.
In this section
Common questions
Reconstruction after Mohs is commonly performed by a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon, particularly on the face where function and appearance matter most. Dr Kim works closely with Mohs surgery specialists and dermatologists across Sydney and has performed more than 6,000 of these reconstructions.
Usually the same day or within a day or two, once clear margins are confirmed — coordinated directly with your dermatologist or Mohs surgery specialist.
All surgery leaves a scar. The aim is to place scars within natural skin lines so they become as inconspicuous as possible; most fade over 6–12 months. Individual healing varies.
Skin cancer surgery and reconstruction are medically indicated, so Medicare item numbers generally apply and private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs. Out-of-pocket costs are explained in writing before surgery.
Yes — a referral from your GP, dermatologist or Mohs surgery specialist is needed for Medicare rebates and helps coordinate your care.
Reconstruction is generally performed under general anaesthesia; sedation or, where appropriate, local anaesthetic alone may be possible. This is discussed with you during the consultation process.
A flap moves neighbouring skin with its own blood supply into the defect — usually the best colour and texture match on the face. A graft transfers a thin piece of skin from elsewhere. The choice depends on the defect's location, depth and size.
Yes. Dr Kim performs both excision and reconstruction, often in one operation, with pathology confirming clear margins.
For referrers
Dr Kim welcomes referrals for excision, reconstruction after Mohs, and complex facial defects. Urgent post-Mohs repairs are accommodated wherever possible. Phone 1300 911 151 · Fax (02) 9475 1370.
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