Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery

When you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, the goal is to treat the lesion so the chance of recurrence is very low. Moh’s Surgery is one of the most advanced, precise, and effective treatments for skin cancer. Moh’s Surgery has the highest success rate for all treatments for cancer, at up to 99%.. During this procedure, a dermatologist who specializes in Mohs Surgery removes thin layers of cancerous skin until there is no microscopic evidence of cancer present. Once this is complete, a skin defect remains, which if left alone could result in significant scar or disfigurement. So, what happens after Mohs Surgery?

Plastic surgery can be used to reconstruct the wound left behind by Mohs surgery. Various techniques can be used depending on the size and location of the defect. Reconstructive surgery provides an ideal surgical result and promotes proper healing. Particularly when performed by a plastic surgeon, whose training is intimately tied to the reconstruction of the head and neck, as well as creating aesthetically pleasing results.

Once your Mohs surgery is complete, the plastic surgeon will examine your defect and discuss the options for healing with you. Several options for reconstruction may be considered including primary closure, rotation of adjacent tissue, or placement of a skin graft taken from another area on the body.

This process aims to achieve the best possible cosmetic and functional results, utilizing various techniques such as sutures, flaps, or grafts. The choice of reconstruction method depends on the size and location of the excised tissue, ensuring not only the elimination of cancer but also the preservation of the skin's appearance and functionality.