Mohs surgery for removing skin cancer is a vital, life-saving procedure. Unfortunately, patients often end up with some damaged tissue following treatment. Patients who are looking to restore their skin can achieve this with reconstruction surgery.
Post-Mohs reconstructive surgery can provide comprehensive aesthetic reconstruction following melanoma treatment. It is also a good option for patients who have suboptimal scarring or healing following a previous procedure.
What is post-Mohs reconstruction surgery?
Mohs surgery is a procedure that accomplishes the complete removal of skin cancer in the face while simultaneously preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It works by mapping out the spread of skin cancer at a microscopic level, allowing for the removal of cancer cells one skin layer at a time. This process is repeated, examining each skin layer one at a time, to ensure that no cancer cells remain.
While the treatment is incredibly precise, it often leaves behind a wound that causes both functional and aesthetic issues. Patients will require an additional treatment to address this.
While removing the cancer has priority, and for good reason, removing the wound left behind is also an important part of the process. Once this issue is addressed, patients can close the book on their struggle with cancer, as they no longer have to see a reminder when they look in the mirror.
Who can undergo post-Mohs reconstruction treatments?
Virtually all patients who have had Mohs surgery are considered to be good candidates for plastic surgery, provided that the cancer treatment is completed and that they are in good health.
Some cancer treatments that often require post-Mohs reconstruction include:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Non-melanoma skin cancers
- Squamous cell carcinoma
How does post-Mohs reconstruction surgery work?
Mohs surgery was originally designed to reduce the risk of scarring and the need for additional surgeries following cancer removal. However, a certain number of people who undergo Mohs surgery will need an additional surgery following their skin cancer removal.
Reconstructing the skin tissue is a highly delicate procedure that requires great expertise. Facial areas such as the lips, nose, and eyes are all of great importance for aesthetic and functional reasons. As such, patients must seek out an accredited and well-revered dermatologist to carry out this procedure.
The advantages and risks of post-Mohs reconstruction
Out of all skin cancer surgeries, Mohs surgery is ranked as the most effective. Nonetheless, it comes with the risk of removing more tissue than is needed and causing scars. Post-Mohs reconstructive surgery can address any aesthetic issues in the treatment area, such as scarring or other irregularities.
As post-Mohs surgery is performed in multiple stages, the practitioner will have time to carefully plan out each step. This ensures that all issues are addressed without any unwanted complications. Post-Mohs reconstruction is a vital complement to the ever-important Mohs surgery, and both are life-changing.
What is the takeaway?
Post-Mohs surgery is an essential part of the skin cancer surgical process. While Mohs surgery is incredibly effective at treating various forms of skin cancer, it can leave the patient with wounds that require further work. As such, post-Mohs reconstruction helps patients get to where they want to be, enabling them to move on from their bout with cancer once and for all.
