What is Mohs Reconstruction?
Mohs Reconstruction is a surgical procedure employed to repair facial defects that result from the removal of skin cancers. This can involve simple closure of the wound or, in more complicated cases, may require the transfer of adjacent tissue. Our goal is to minimize any change and restore your appearance using techniques that maintain the same aesthetic approach that we use for our cosmetic patients.What are the doctor qualifications and training for Mohs Reconstruction surgery?
As double board certified and fellowship trained in both Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Drs Jacob and Moulthrop have truly unique, advanced training in the complexities of Mohs Reconstruction surgery.What is involved in Mohs Reconstruction surgery?
- Consultation. During the consult, we will perform a detailed physical exam and then discuss the intricacies of the operation with you.
- Surgical Procedure. There are numerous techniques employed to reconstruct defects from Mohs surgery most often employing a flap of skin from nearby areas of the face to close the wound.
- Post-Op and Further Recommendations. Patients typically will need to follow up 5-7 days after surgery for suture removal. In certain cases further minor interventions may be required to improve and camouflage scars. Wound healing and scar maturation can take up to one year.
How long does it take to recover from Mohs Reconstruction surgery?
Many of our patients are curious about the recovery time and procedures for Mohs Reconstruction surgery. Mohs Reconstruction surgery recovery involves the following steps:- In-hospital recovery. Reconstructive surgeries can often be performed under local anesthesia or if they are more involved we can employ IV sedation or general anesthesia. In most cases patients will go home the same day.
- In-home recovery. Patients will be required to limit their activity and perform local wound care. Typically, they experience minor discomfort. Patients are allowed to return to full activity about one month after the procedure.
- Follow-up consultations. The patients will follow up in 5-7 days for suture removal. The next visit will be in 4-5 weeks after operation. The patient will then have follow-up 2-3 months, 6 months and 1 year monitoring the scar/flap as it matures and becomes less conspicuous. The need for additional procedures/interventions will be assessed during the recovery period to maximize cosmetic outcomes.
What are the side effects from Mohs Reconstruction surgery?
You may experience the following side effects:- Bleeding, infection as with any surgical intervention
- Minor pain and discomfort that usually are controlled with short term prescription medications and commonly OTC medications
- Poor cosmetic result. There are certain cases where the result and/or scarring are not cosmetically acceptable requiring further intervention/procedures.
Please contact us at our New Orleans facial plastic surgery facility to schedule your mohs reconstruction consultation.
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