What is reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique that requires advanced training to surgically remove a skin cancer. After Mohs surgery, a defect or hole from the skin cancer remains. Reconstructive surgery is the procedure that repairs the defect to preserve the function of the normal anatomy as well as avoid disfigurement.

How is a defect repaired using reconstructive surgery?

Several techniques exist to repair defects after Mohs surgery. They can be as simple as your fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon stitching it up in a straight line. When a defect is larger, it may require rearrangement of local tissue, called a flap. Sometimes, excess skin can be removed from another area of the body and placed over the wound. This is called a graft. Every wound is different and your fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon will discuss the best options with you.

Why a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon?

While any board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon may perform Mohs surgery and reconstructive surgery, only members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) have undergone rigorous fellowship training. Chosen through an extremely competitive review and selection process, fellows are required to complete an intensive 1 or 2-year post-residency fellowship training program that focuses entirely on skin cancer removal and reconstructive surgery. No other fellowship or training program offers this. The extensive training includes participation in at least 500 Mohs surgery cases under the supervision of an experienced ACMS-approved Mohs surgeon.

Additionally, reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia. This is safer than riskier general anesthesia, plus more cost effective for the patient as unnecessary facility fees or anesthesia fees are eliminated. Recent studies of Medicare data have also shown that the vast majority of reconstructive procedures are performed my Mohs surgeons and board-certified dermatologists, giving patients the most experienced hands at the most cost-effective price.

What should I expect during my recovery after my reconstructive surgery?

Your incision sites may be sore, red or drain small amounts of fluid. It is important to follow all wound care instructions such as cleansing and applying topical medications exactly as directed. You will have a follow-up appointment within the next one to two weeks to evaluate the scar. Healing will continue for up to a year. In some cases, a secondary procedure may be required to complete or refine the reconstruction.

At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, you can feel confident that your fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon will treat you as if you were their own family member. We strive to provide world-class care in a caring, compassionate, and friendly manner. Contact us today if you have a lesion of concern or would like to learn more about reconstructive surgery.

See before and after cases