Bette, hopefully you have read my replies on your other thread.
The surgeons do not need to cut the skin of the face away . They simply peel it back and then sew it down again after the internal reconstruction has been completed.
How much internal reconstruction is needed depends on the extent of the tumour. I am presuming that Reggie has had a MRI or other scan to tell the Drs the extent of the tumour.
Kris had part of his pharynx removed too along with the bilateral radical neck dissections. They did not have to cut any of his face away.
I hope you are a bit more relaxed now. I know though that until treatment starts it is just incessant worry. Go get the anti anxiety meds. Coffee with friends is good, but not good enough.
Always here to help you, Tammy


Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!