Mohs surgery is a surgical technique that doctors use to treat skin cancer. During the surgery, thin layers of cancerous skin are removed and observed progressively until only cancer-free skin tissue is left behind. Also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, the procedure aims to remove as much cancerous skin as possible without damaging the healthy tissue that surrounds the target area.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. It is a significant improvement from other techniques like local excision, which removes visible cancerous tissue along with healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery allows surgeons to ensure that all the cancerous tissue gets removed from the skin. The procedure can help increase your ability to recover effectively and eliminates the need for additional treatments.
Skin Reconstruction after Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a very safe and effective alternative to other skin cancer treatments. There are a possible complications associated with Mohs surgery. However, and they include bruising, bleeding, keloid, cosmetic disfigurement, skin discoloration, and post-surgical marks. These complications will subside in time, but with the right treatment, it can be addressed even faster.
You can reduce the marks left behind by the surgery with skin reconstruction. This treatment is popularly used by people who have undergone Mohs surgery to repair any post-surgical marks created after the removal of malignant skin cancer. The procedure requires a highly experienced surgeon who can close the wound by stitching it.
After the surgery is completed, your surgeon will make sure that the targeted region is free from cancer. Skin reconstruction depends on the size, location, and depth of the wound. Depending on these factors, your surgeon may adopt one of the following options:
• Secondary intention healing, where the wound is allowed to heal on its own if it is small and simple.
• Stitching, in case the wound created is large.
• Skin grafting, in case of large and complex wounds.
In most cases, doctors prefer to let the wound heal on its own. In extreme cases where the wound is taking a lot of time to heal, posing the risk of infection due to prolonged exposure, stitching or grafting becomes necessary. These procedures are safe and can safely reduce the appearance of post-surgical marks.
You may experience some minor discomfort and red skin near the wound while it is healing, but these effects are temporary and will go away as you recover. The skin usually contracts and closes within four to six weeks after the surgery.
Although skin reconstruction may not completely remove scars, it can certainly lighten the area and prevent the wound from getting infected due to prolonged exposure to open air.
Depending on the size of the wound, your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help limit bacteria build-up during the healing process. Antibiotics raise the body’s ability to produce antibodies and fight likely infections in the wound. It is important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the healing process so that complications do not arise in the future.
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If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complementary consultation, contact our office today. Dr. Richard Lee, an experienced plastic surgeon, provides exceptional care in a friendly environment. He is dedicated to helping each and every patient, and will help you receive the results you desire.
