Mohs Reconstruction in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL
Large skin cancers are best treated with Mohs surgery. Unfortunately, general surgeons primarily focus on treatment and not aesthetic appearance. As a dual-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Dean G. Davis is able to perform Mohs reconstruction surgery with an eye on treatment and appearance. If you live in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas of Florida, contact Davis Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.
Mohs surgery is a popular and effective method for treating large skin cancers. This treatment also necessitates a subsequent plastic surgery to address cosmetic concerns because, while health is the chief goal, physical appearance is also important for patients once their health concerns are addressed. Dr. Davis has the expertise to restore your skin’s appearance after Moh’s surgery has been performed.
Although new treatments for skin cancer are constantly emerging, Mohs surgery has stood the test of time. It has become increasingly popular over the last decade with a growing number of surgeons. Mohs surgery is recognized as the single most effective method for the reduction of the two most common types of skin cancer. It targets the cancerous cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery is superior to other methods in that all excised tissues are examined during the procedure, rather than after the surgery. This takes care of the need to guess the depth of the cancer’s spread. As a result, the surgeon is able to reduce all cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones. This addresses the guesswork and produces the best results for the patient.
Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery surgically reduces cancerous skin cell layers, leaving behind only healthy, benign tissue. Mohs is known as a highly effective treatment for most skin cancer types but can result in prominent scarring, which can cause displeasure for those patients who have been successfully treated for skin cancer with this method.
Mohs surgery can also cause certain facial defects that adversely affect the way the structures of the face function. Because of this, it helps to have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is board-certified to perform the Mohs micrographic surgery, ensuring that any resulting scarring is as minimal and unnoticeable as humanly possible. This provides for the best possible outcome, both in cosmetic and functional terms. Repairing cosmetic or functional defects following Mohs is a reconstructive process that requires specialized training and methods designed to minimize scarring while maintaining the natural facial structure of the patient.
Mohs Reconstruction Procedure
Your Mohs reconstruction will take place at Davis Facial Plastic Surgery, and will probably be hours after your Mohs micrographic surgery is performed. This reconstruction can take place under local anesthesia and normally lasts under one hour.
Dr. Davis will use a skin graft or local flap technique to correct the defect. The local flap technique involves the use of skin near the area of the scar for coverage. The skin graft method reduces and transplants skin from around the ear or base of the neck. Sometimes, difficult nose area defects necessitate additional surgeries to achieve ideal results.
Recovery from Mohs reconstructive surgery usually takes about one week. Any discomfort you experience during this time can be managed with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. Within one week, your sutures will be taken care of, and you will be instructed to use scar cream and proper sun protection to ensure you heal properly. Your scar should look better within three weeks of your reconstruction, and your results should gradually improve over the following 9-12 months.
Understanding Mohs Surgery
Conventional skin cancer surgery involves the reduction of all cancerous cells in the affected area. However, this also results in the reduction of many healthy cells, as well. Mohs surgery is a more targeted procedure that is less invasive and leaves more healthy skin cells intact.
Although Mohs surgery leaves behind more healthy tissue than other methods, some scarring and skin imperfections can still occur. Dr. Davis has the knowledge and experience to restore your skin after Mohs surgery.
Recovery and Results
Most patients heal quickly following surgery and reconstruction, and are able to return to work within one week. In order to promote healing, it is important for patients to protect the area from damaging sunlight while they recover to lower the chances of any scarring taking place.
How Much Does the Mohs Reconstruction Surgery Cost? Will My Insurance Pay?
Mohs surgery is considered a medical service, not a cosmetic service. Currently, most insurance plans cover the procedure under their provided benefits, unless you have an out of pocket deductible first. With many changes in insurance plans, it is always advisable to contact your insurance carrier prior to scheduling surgery and confirm your eligibility and benefits.
Mohs surgery can mean the difference between being cancer-free and living with the long-term effects of skin cancer. Dr. Davis offers Mohs reconstruction surgery to ensure that your skin cancer treatment keeps you cancer-free and feeling confident about your appearance. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your options with Dr. Davis.
