Mohs Reconstruction Surgery After Skin Cancer Removal
Studies indicate that one in every five Americans is suffering from skin cancer of some kind, and a majority of these malignancies typically affect the scalp, neck, and face. Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent skin cancer in the world, and squamous cell carcinoma is second most common.
Mohs surgery is typically used for treating and removing cancerous lesions on the skin. After the skin cancer has been eliminated, you may need a subsequent plastic surgery procedure called Mohs reconstruction surgery. Reconstructive surgery is typically performed right after the removal of cancerous lesions from the skin.
What Is Mohs Reconstruction Surgery?
Mohs reconstruction surgery is aimed at fixing and repairing the wound that is left after the malignant skin tumor has been removed. However, there is no set formula for going ahead with the reconstruction surgery, as different patients have different locations, types, and amounts of skin tissues that are affected and need reconstruction. Some of the common techniques used for performing the Mohs reconstruction surgery include the following:
- Flap Technique: This is the most commonly used technique for Mohs reconstruction. It incorporates transfer of flaps of tissue for reconstruction of the affected areas after the cancerous lesion has been removed.
- Bone Grafting: In more severe cases of Mohs cancer removal, the affected area may need to be reconstructed using a portion of the bone from the skull to provide definition to the operated site.
- Cartilage Grafting: In this case, instead of bone, the doctors take portions of rib or ear cartilage to restore the original contours of the treatment site.
- Tissue Expansion: The doctor uses this technique to enable the body to grow additional bone, skin, or other tissue in the excision site.
How Is the Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
Since skin cancer is typically found in regions of the face such as the lips, nose, and cheeks, reconstructive surgeons are required to practice specific precautions to avoid causing any aesthetic deformity to the patient. It is, therefore, advisable to meet with a skilled and proficient surgeon who has substantial experience successfully performing the surgery in the past.
Depending upon your specific case, the procedure will typically be carried out under the effect of general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. If your reconstructive surgeon is also the one who has performed the removal of your malignant skin tumor, the surgery may be performed right after the lesion removal.
After the Mohs cancer removal surgery is done, your facial plastic surgeon will perform a series of reconstructive procedures to correct the defect caused by the lesion removal. The wounds are then sutured in a way that they are hidden within the natural crease lines and folds of the skin for minimum visibility.
Learn More About Mohs Reconstruction
With the help of well-respected facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andrew Compton, you can successfully treat your cancerous lesion and reconstruct the area afterwards. Get started by contacting our office.