Reconstruction after Mohs
Skin cancers, like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are some of the most common forms of cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery, a procedure that excises the cancerous tumor while removing as little of the surrounding tissue as possible, can be highly effective at getting rid of cancer, but often leaves a noticeable hole in the skin of the face or neck. Reconstruction after Mohs completes the process by minimizing this effect and providing a more natural result.
Dr. Waleed Ezzat is the lead surgeon at the Boston Center for Facial Plastics. He is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. In addition, Dr. Ezzat’s research on reconstructive surgery has been presented at national meetings and published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals. He is highly experienced with reconstructing the features of the face, making him one of the top surgeons in Boston for Mohs reconstructive surgery.
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When to Consider Mohs Reconstructive Surgery
Almost anyone who requires Mohs surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the face can be a good candidate for Mohs reconstruction. If you’re interested in reconstruction after Mohs, you should be in good overall physical and mental health, without an adverse reaction to local or general anesthesia.
Many people choose a plastic surgeon who performs facial cosmetic surgery for their Mohs reconstruction to ensure an aesthetically high-quality result. Just as removing the cancer itself is critical to your overall health, restoring the face, neck or head to the pre-treatment state, both in form and function, is just as important in the treatment of your skin cancer.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Before Your Mohs Reconstruction
Prior to your Mohs reconstructive surgery, you’ll meet privately with Dr. Ezzat to discuss your needs. He’ll ask you about your medical history, overall health and your cosmetic goals. He’ll also explain the reconstructive procedure in greater detail and inform you of the kind of results you can expect.
Each Mohs reconstructive procedure is custom-tailored to the individual. Dr. Ezzat is an active member of the Boston Medical Center multi-disciplinary head and neck and multi-disciplinary skin oncology tumor boards to ensure that any additional therapies are coordinated as well. This ensures a focused, patient-centered treatment plan that includes making sure the functional and cosmetic results are optimized.
Your Mohs Reconstruction Procedure
Mohs surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using a local or general anesthetic. There are a few different approaches Dr. Ezzat commonly uses to reconstruct a skin wound from Mohs.
The simplest approach is a primary closure. Candidates for a primary skin closure have fairly small wounds that can be closed by simply loosening the edges of the skin and fastening them over the wound with layered sutures.
For larger wounds, Dr. Ezzat may perform a flap closure. For this procedure, he will use skin and tissue from another area to cover the wound and create the most natural-looking result. In some instances, you may require a “staged” procedure where two procedures may be needed to give you the most natural looking result possible. In other cases, a skin graft may be a better way to close the wound effectively and encourage optimal healing. Each approach is custom-tailored for each patient to ensure you get the most natural-looking result possible.
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Your Mohs Reconstruction Recovery
Recovering from Mohs reconstructive surgery is usually a simple process. You should keep the wound clean by using half-strength hydrogen peroxide to wipe the edges a couple of times each day for the first several days. Dr. Ezzat will also ask you to use a special topical ointment to encourage optimal scar formation and healing.
Most people take at least 1 week off of work and other normal activities after getting Mohs reconstruction. Your wound will continue to need daily care for 2 weeks and after, you should always use a sunscreen with an SPF protection factor of 60 or greater. You should avoid doing any strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks after reconstruction. Your final results will gradually develop over the following year.
Your Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Results
Once your results heal, you should no longer have an obvious wound. For many people, this results in greater self-confidence, a more positive attitude and closure from their illness. Your results may continue to improve for up to 1 year.
Contact us online or call our Boston office at 857-350-4205to take the first step toward improving your quality of life with Mohs reconstruction.
Before & After Gallery
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