Mohs Reconstruction

Skin cancer has among the highest rates of diagnosis, with over 3.5 million cases detected each year.

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Surgical removal of the affected tissues is the primary form of treatment, and since the cancer is most commonly found on the head and neck, the procedure has a high risk of disfiguring the delicate structures of the facial area. For this reason, an experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon can provide both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to the area to minimize any potential deformity. Being cancer-free does not require sacrificing your beautiful complexion. Contact Dr. Cox right away for Mohs reconstruction in Boulder, CO.

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What Is Mohs Reconstruction?

Mohs surgery works within a narrow surgical margin, allowing for the precise removal of cancerous skin while preserving the surrounding healthy tissues, as is typically performed by a specialized dermatologist. Mohs reconstruction is a special procedure performed by a skilled plastic surgeon to maximize healing and restore the appearance and function of the treated area, following the necessary removal of cancerous skin.

What Are the Advantages of Being Treated by an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon?

If the wounds are stitched too tightly or left on their own to heal without the care of a cosmetic expert, the removal of cancerous tissues can lead to poor healing, excess scarring, decreased functionality, or disfiguration. When the surgery is performed by a skilled aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, patients not only receive the security of knowing that the cancerous skin is being removed, but they can also relax into the procedure with trust that their face will simultaneously be restored to aesthetic balance.

With the cosmetic expertise that Dr. Cox brings to each patient’s treatment, some benefits include:

Optimal healing and function
Less noticeable surgical scars
Minimized chance of deformity that could result from the removal of skin cancer

How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?

If you have had cancer removed from an anatomically or cosmetically delicate area, such as the eyelids, brows, or cheek, you may wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cox for Mohs reconstruction, especially if the structure or functionality of the skin or facial muscles have been damaged. Patients who are in good health, do not smoke, and can stop blood thinning medications for the weeks before and after surgery are ideal candidates for this procedure.

What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

Depending on the complexity and magnitude of the reconstruction required to restore the face to aesthetic balance, Mohs reconstruction may be performed with local or general anesthesia or IV sedation. The targeted area is cleaned and debrided to reopen the wound bed in preparation for healthy reconstructive closure. There are a variety of closure options, depending on the width and depth of the wound, that Dr. Cox will discuss with you to optimize the healing and cosmetic results. These options include:

Layered closure

This repair option involves layering skin, fat, and muscle together, as needed, to close the wound edges with sutures.

Regional or local flap

This process involves transferring a neighboring flap of tissue to cover up the wound while preserving the blood supply for optimal healing.

Grafts

By harvesting a graft of skin, cartilage, or fat from a different part of the body, the donor tissue closes and nourishes the wound and provides a new blood supply to revitalize the area.

What Is the Recovery Process?

After Mohs reconstruction surgery, some swelling, bruising, and soreness can be expected for the first week. These symptoms are generally well-managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Suture removal takes place within 7-10 days. Most regular daily activities can be resumed after a few days, but you will want to avoid heavy exercise for about three weeks. While patients are able to return to work after a few days, most choose to rest for 1-2 weeks for optimal healing. The full extent of the healing can vary, but results are typically visible within several weeks. Furthermore, the reconstructed area will continue to change for up to 12 months.