Mohs surgery is a type of surgery that aims to remove skin cancerous lesions and moles. During Mohs surgery, a surgeon removes thin layers of skin and examines each layer for the presence of cancer. Mohs surgery is very effective in treating the most common forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, depending on the intensity of the procedure, some skin cancer reconstructive surgery may be necessary to fully restore a patient’s appearance after Mohs surgery.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is considered a low-impact and minimally invasive method for treating skin cancer. The procedure can typically be completed in one sitting, though it involves many different stages. The steps of Mohs surgery are as follows:
- Examination: The physician examines the area of the skin that has become cancerous and marks it. Local anesthesia is applied.
- First-stage removal: The surgeon removes thin layers of cancerous tissue from the target area using a scalpel. The eventual goal of the procedure is to remove the entire tumor or lesion.
- Analysis: As the tissue is cut and sequestered, a sample is sent to a lab to be frozen for further analysis.
- Microscopic examination: The tissue samples are put onto a slide and examined under a microscope to see if there are any remaining cancer cells. Additional layers of tissue may be taken as samples to determine the state of the cancer.
- Reconstruction: Once all of the layers of tissue from the cancerous area have been removed, the wound may be left to heal normally or be surgically repaired. The decision in this situation depends heavily on the size and severity of the wound.
- Completion: After the correct course of action for wound care has been determined, you will be given a set of post-surgery instructions related to aftercare and follow-up appointments. Following these instructions closely is an essential part of the overall process.
At the completion stage of Mohs surgery, no further work should be needed. However, due to the aggressive nature of cancerous cells, you likely will have to return for further checkups of your skin and surgical site on a semi-regular basis.
Is Reconstructive Surgery Necessary After Mohs Surgery?
The type of reconstructive surgery performed after a Mohs surgery is appropriately called a Post-Mohs surgery. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that a patient’s skin and appearance are wholly restored following their Mohs procedure. Several types of reconstructive surgeries can be performed:
- Cartilage grafting
- Bone grafting
- Tissue expansion
- Skin grafts
- Flap techniques
All of the above components will impact your recovery period and the duration of the surgery itself. Discussing the exact components of your procedure with your physician prior to the operation will help you prepare more adequately for the work that is to be done.
Some or all of the above techniques may be employed to fully restore a patient’s appearance. You and your physician will determine which one or ones are best suited to you following your initial Mohs surgery.
Recovering from Reconstructive Surgery
Once your procedure is complete, you will be observed in the operating room for some time. Your physician will give you instructions for your recovery period to optimize your results.
If your procedure was particularly invasive, you may be given antibiotics to take for some time following it. It is important to note that many individuals who undergo reconstructive surgery following a Mohs procedure will end up returning for surgery after a couple of weeks, as it can take multiple sessions to produce the desired results.
Prior to the surgery, you can assist your surgeon by being as informative as possible about any health issues you may be suffering from and any concerns you have regarding your recovery period.
The Top Oculofacial Surgeon in Miami
Dr. Sarah Avila is a double-board-certified oculoplastic surgeon practicing in Miami. If you are in Southern Florida and would like to inquire about reconstructive surgery following a Mohs Procedure, contact our office to schedule an appointment and start looking and feeling your very best today.
