Is MOHS Reconstruction Painful?

Since this procedure is most often performed under some form of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery, most patients find it to be relatively painless. However, mild swelling and tightness around the treated area are common during recovery and can be easily managed with proper care and pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Following Dr. Compton’s recovery instructions and cleaning the surgical site can also help minimize irritation and discomfort. Dr. Compton and his team are available to address any concerns throughout the recovery process.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients will have an initial consultation, the reconstruction procedure itself, and at least one or two follow-up visits to monitor healing. Additional follow-ups may be necessary for more extensive repairs to assess scar maturation and determine if further adjustments, such as laser therapy or scar revision, are needed. If any complications arise or if patients have concerns during recovery, additional visits can be scheduled as needed. The overall goal is to ensure optimal healing and long-term satisfaction with the results.

How Long Until I See Results?

Full results take time to see as swelling subsides and the skin heals. Most patients see significant healing within 3-6 months, with scars continuing to fade and soften over the course of a year. Factors such as skin type, wound location, and adherence to postoperative care can impact the healing process. Dr. Compton provides guidance on scar care, including possible treatments to enhance results, such as silicone gels or laser therapy. Over time, most scars become much less noticeable, blending naturally with the surrounding skin.

Can I Combine MOHS Reconstruction With Other Procedures?

MOHS reconstruction can be combined with other cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, depending on the patient’s needs and overall health. Scar revision, laser resurfacing, or facial rejuvenation are commonly paired to enhance the final results of MOHS reconstruction. Complementary procedures may be recommended to improve outcomes in cases where functional concerns exist, such as nasal reconstruction that affects breathing. During your consultation, Dr. Compton will evaluate whether combining procedures is safe and beneficial.

What Are the Risks Associated With MOHS Reconstruction?

MOHS reconstruction does carry some risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, or noticeable scarring, though these can often be minimized with proper post-operative care. Minor asymmetry or contour irregularities may occur in some cases, which can be addressed with additional refinements if necessary. Patients with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, may have a slightly higher risk of slower healing. Dr. Compton takes every precaution to ensure a safe procedure, providing thorough preoperative evaluations and detailed recovery guidelines.

MOHS Reconstruction

MOHS Recon In Detroit Metro

Introduction

Introduction to MOHS Reconstruction

MOHS surgery is one of the most effective ways to remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. However, the procedure can leave behind noticeable wounds, particularly on the face, which may impact both function and appearance. MOHS reconstruction is a specialized surgical process designed to restore the skin’s natural contours, ensuring both optimal healing and aesthetically pleasing results.

Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Compton offers this life-changing surgery to patients in the Detroit area from his Troy, MI office, helping them finally feel great again after skin cancer treatment.

MOHS Reconstruction Gallery

MOHS Reconstruction Results

MOHS Reconstruction Results

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What is MOHS Reconstruction?

MOHS reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed after MOHS surgery to repair the skin and restore a natural appearance. Since MOHS surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer, it can leave behind wounds that vary in size and depth, especially on the face. This reconstruction process utilizes techniques such as skin grafts, local tissue rearrangements, or even complex flap procedures, depending on the complexity of the affected area. The goal is not only to close the wound but also to maintain function and achieve a result as natural as possible.

Who Are the Best Candidates For MOHS Reconstruction?

Candidates for this surgery are individuals who have undergone MOHS surgery and need surgical repair to restore their skin. Patients with wounds in highly visible or functionally important areas, such as the face, ears, or hands, are often concerned about scarring, asymmetry, or difficulty with normal facial movements. Non-smokers and individuals who follow post-operative care instructions tend to experience better recovery and results.

What Are the Benefits of MOHS Reconstruction?

This procedure can be life-changing for individuals who have been affected by skin cancer and have undergone MOHS surgery. By using specialized reconstructive techniques, Dr. Compton can restore the natural shape and contours of the affected area, particularly in delicate regions such as the nose, lips, and eyelids. This procedure also reduces the risk of complications, such as improper wound healing or restricted movement due to scar tissue. Patients can expect to see improvement in their appearance, with scars becoming significantly less noticeable over time, as well as restored function in areas that may impact facial expressions, speech, or breathing.

What’s the First Step?

The first step in MOHS reconstruction is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Compton at his Troy, MI office to assess the wound and discuss the best reconstructive approach. He does this by evaluating the defect’s size, depth, and location and reviewing your medical history and experience with MOHS surgery to determine the most suitable surgical method. He will also explain the reconstruction process in detail, addressing any concerns and setting realistic expectations for recovery and results. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and discuss any cosmetic or functional preferences throughout this process. If necessary, Dr. Compton may collaborate with a MOHS surgeon or dermatologist to ensure continuity of care. Once a surgical plan is established, patients will receive preoperative instructions to help them prepare for their procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of MOHS Reconstruction Surgery

You’ll first arrive at the surgical facility in Troy, where you will be prepared for the procedure. This may involve administering local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgical approach will vary, ranging from simple wound closure to advanced techniques such as skin grafts or local flaps. Dr. Compton carefully sutures the area to aid with healing while preserving natural facial contours. The procedure duration depends on the extent of the repair, but most cases are completed within a few hours. After surgery, you’ll receive detailed post-operative care instructions before being discharged to recover at home.

MOHS Reconstruction Recovery

Recovery from MOHS reconstruction varies depending on the extent of the procedure; however, in most cases, it’s common to experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first couple of days. Dr. Compton will provide aftercare guidelines, including instructions on how to clean the surgical site, manage discomfort, and minimize the risk of scarring. Stitches are typically removed within a week, and most patients can return to light activities shortly after surgery. While some scarring is inevitable, proper wound care and follow-up visits help to minimize this as much as possible. The skin continues to heal over the following weeks and months, with scars gradually softening and blending with the surrounding tissue. If needed, Dr. Compton monitors each patient’s healing progress and offers additional treatments, such as scar revision or laser therapy.

How Much Does MOHS Reconstruction Cost in Detroit, MI?

The cost of MOHS Reconstruction in Detroit depends on the individual, the severity of the procedure, and the affected area. General estimates range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, considering factors such as the size and shape of the wound, type of reconstruction, whether anesthesia is required, and the surgeon’s skill set, among other general costs like facility fees and medications. Since MOHS reconstruction is often considered a medically necessary procedure, a portion of the cost may be covered by insurance, depending on your provider and plan. Dr. Compton’s team will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and discuss potential insurance coverage or financing options.

Why Choose Dr. Compton?

Dr. Andrew Compton is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in the Detroit area with extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, making him uniquely qualified to perform MOHS reconstruction. His approach ensures that patients heal properly and achieve the most natural-looking results possible. His practice in Troy, MI, is equipped with advanced surgical techniques and a compassionate team dedicated to supporting patients throughout their recovery. By choosing Dr. Compton, patients can feel confident that their reconstruction is in the hands of a skilled surgeon who values both precision and aesthetics because his commitment to his patients has helped countless individuals restore their appearance and confidence after skin cancer treatment.

MOHS Reconstruction FAQ’S

Since this procedure is most often performed under some form of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery, most patients find it to be relatively painless. However, mild swelling and tightness around the treated area are common during recovery and can be easily managed with proper care and pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Following Dr. Compton’s recovery instructions and cleaning the surgical site can also help minimize irritation and discomfort. Dr. Compton and his team are available to address any concerns throughout the recovery process.
Most patients will have an initial consultation, the reconstruction procedure itself, and at least one or two follow-up visits to monitor healing. Additional follow-ups may be necessary for more extensive repairs to assess scar maturation and determine if further adjustments, such as laser therapy or scar revision, are needed. If any complications arise or if patients have concerns during recovery, additional visits can be scheduled as needed. The overall goal is to ensure optimal healing and long-term satisfaction with the results.
Full results take time to see as swelling subsides and the skin heals. Most patients see significant healing within 3-6 months, with scars continuing to fade and soften over the course of a year. Factors such as skin type, wound location, and adherence to postoperative care can impact the healing process. Dr. Compton provides guidance on scar care, including possible treatments to enhance results, such as silicone gels or laser therapy. Over time, most scars become much less noticeable, blending naturally with the surrounding skin.
MOHS reconstruction can be combined with other cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, depending on the patient’s needs and overall health. Scar revision, laser resurfacing, or facial rejuvenation are commonly paired to enhance the final results of MOHS reconstruction. Complementary procedures may be recommended to improve outcomes in cases where functional concerns exist, such as nasal reconstruction that affects breathing. During your consultation, Dr. Compton will evaluate whether combining procedures is safe and beneficial.
MOHS reconstruction does carry some risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, or noticeable scarring, though these can often be minimized with proper post-operative care. Minor asymmetry or contour irregularities may occur in some cases, which can be addressed with additional refinements if necessary. Patients with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, may have a slightly higher risk of slower healing. Dr. Compton takes every precaution to ensure a safe procedure, providing thorough preoperative evaluations and detailed recovery guidelines.

Take the first step towards your transformation

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve undergone MOHS surgery and need expert reconstruction, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Andrew Compton is the best first step. To schedule your appointment, please contact Dr. Compton’s office in Troy, MI, by calling (248) 289-7300 or submitting an online appointment request.

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