Repairing Your Skin from Mohs Surgery

August 9th, 2016 Posted in Scar Revision
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Did you know that it is estimated that two million Americans are diagnosed each year with skin cancer? It is becoming an epidemic, with predictions that 20% of Americans will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their life. The good news is that many types of skin cancer are treatable and the prognosis for recovery is high. One of the reasons for the high recovery rate is the use of Mohs surgery to remove the cancer cells.

Mohs surgery was first created back in the 1930’s by the doctor whom it was named after, Frederick Mohs. This technique removes the cancer affected skin, removing layer by layer. As a larger and deeper layer of cells are removed, they are closely examined for the appearance of cancer cells. This procedure continues until the layer removed is free of cancer. This method is 99% effective in removing all the skin cancer cells and is one of the preferred treatments.

The problem with Mohs surgery is that though it does remove the cancer, it also removes a large portion of skin. Since skin cancer is often found on the face, this can leave a large scar. However, an experienced plastic surgeon can repair the scar damage and help reconstruct the area to reduce a deformed appearance. Using techniques such as skin grafts, the Mohs surgery site can be repaired so that it is barely visible.

If you have had Mohs surgery and want to have your skin repaired, consult with a plastic surgeon that offers Mohs surgery reconstruction. After surviving cancer, you deserve to look great and not be reminded of this scary period of your life every time you look in the mirror.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter Moyer, MD
1400 Northside Forsyth Dr.  #390
Cumming, GA 30041
(404)  250-3393

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Mohs Surgery

September 15th, 2014 Posted in Skin Cancer
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Finding out that you have cancer can be a devastating moment in your life. Recent numbers show that one in every five Americans will probably develop skin cancer at some point in life. Since we don’t hear about skin cancers as much in the news as breast, colon, or lung cancer it may be surprising to learn that almost 80 percent of cancers are on the neck, scalp, or face. When cancer is found in these parts of the body, Mohs surgery is a technique that many doctors like to use if they can. Mohs surgery has improved the removal of cancerous tissue that used to be done only by excision. 

Mohs surgery is done to remove as much of the skin cancer as possible while doing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is a precise surgical technique that progressively removes layers of cancerous skin until only healthy tissue remains. Repeated procedures are done, typically as outpatient procedures, by using a local anesthetic. 

Mohs surgery is especially preferred by doctors when patients have cancer in areas where they want to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. As opposed to breast cancer where a mastectomy can be performed, when cancer is on the face or hairline, there is not an option to remove a large area of surrounding tissue. Mohs surgery is precise enough to target specific cancer tissue. Dermatologists are trained to perform Mohs, but many patients choose to trust a plastic surgeon who will partner with a cancer specialist. A plastic surgeon who specializes in Mohs surgery understands how the incisions can best be reconstructed for minimal scarring. 

If you are faced with having to undergo Mohs surgery, talk to your trusted plastic surgeon about using meticulous care during surgery.

Posted on behalf of Benjamin Stong, MD, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC 

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