What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a commonly performed procedure that involves removing cancer from the skin. The surgery is performed by removing only cancerous skin, leaving only healthy tissue behind, as determined by examining the tissue under the microscope. This allows for minimizing the amount of healthy tissue removed while maintaining a high cure rate by removing all of the cancer containing skin. This is particularly important in vital areas like around the eyes, lips, or nose, where you would want to keep as much healthy tissue as possible.
What Is Mohs Surgery Best Suited For?
Mohs surgery is best used in the critical areas of the face, specifically the ears, nose, lips, and eye regions. These parts of the face contain critical structures that are often difficult to repair following cancer surgeries. By minimizing the size of the hole left after cancer removal through Mohs surgery, it provides for better reconstruction. The alternative would be to remove cancer through more traditional means that may result in excessive tissue loss and more difficult reconstructions.
You will meet with Dr. Mourad where he usually spends an hour going over everything related to your surgery. He will evaluate and make sure that he can specifically tailor a custom care plan to your exact needs. During the consultation, Dr. Mourad will determine the exact nature of your complaints and the exact causes. He may prescribe medications that will assist in your complaints. Once a tailored plan is made, Dr. Mourad and his staff will take you through all the necessary information needed to make sure that your surgery happens without issue. We take care of the details so that you can have the most enjoyable experience.
Dr. Mourad views treating his patients to be nothing short of a privilege and an honor and enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and fully understand their issues. Dr. Mourad’s office provides a boutique experience that takes you out of the mindset of being at the doctor’s office. It is a warm, comfortable environment, providing a bespoke experience.
When Is Mohs Surgery Indicated?
More than 90% of skin cancer types can be treated with the Mohs procedure. The most commonly treated skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
What Is Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
Mohs reconstructive surgery is the process of fixing the defect left after the removal of the skin cancer. This can involve simply bringing the edges of the defect together (i.e. primary closure) to rearranging the tissues surrounding the defect (i.e. local flap). Sometimes the hole left after surgery is so large that it requires transplantation of tissue to repair (i.e. free flap).
Depending on your work, Dr. Mourad typically recommends taking a minimum of 3 days off before returning to work. He also discourages his patients from any heavy lifting. If you wear glasses, you may require some alterations if applicable. Dr. Mourad will provide you with pain medications, ointments, nasal sprays, all to help maximize your results. Dr. Mourad will then see you in visitations two weeks later, and then one month after that. Dr. Mourad enjoys the continued visitation of his patients and will see them in follow up for many years thereafter.
Who Performs Mohs Surgery And Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
The vast majority of Mohs surgery is performed by dermatologists with advanced training in the procedure. Some Mohs surgeons will perform the closures and reconstruction following removal of the skin cancer, especially if it is only a small defect. These types of closures are usually done the same day as the skin cancer removal. Other Mohs surgeons will enlist the assistance of plastics and reconstructive surgeons for the closures, particularly if the defect is large.
What If I Want A Plastic Surgeon To Perform My Reconstruction?
You should speak with your dermatologist and discuss enlisting a plastic surgeon for the closure. This is important if the cancer is in a critical region, particularly on the face. Often times the closures can be performed on separate days. The dermatologist may remove the skin cancer and apply a clean dressing. Several days later, you may have the reconstruction performed by a plastic surgeon. It is important to know the options available to you for both the skin cancer removal as well as the repair.
Does The Surgeon I Chose To Make A Difference?
The plastic surgeon you chose makes a difference. “General Plastic Surgeons” have trained all over the body and are probably the most appropriate choice for MOHs reconstructions below the neck. “Facial Plastic Surgeons” have the highest level of training in the form and function of the nose, ears and other structures of the face. Dr. Mourad is a Facial Plastic Surgeon who has extensive training in reconstructing all levels of defects of the head and neck. If you think we can help you please feel free to contact our office.
Will Insurance Pay for My Mohs reconstruction?
Most often Yes. This is not seen by insurance as a cosmetic procedure. Please contact our office with any insurance questions you have. We are happy to check your benefits coverage and clearly walk through any potential out of pocket coverage that may be required.
Why you should see Dr. Mourad for your Mohs reconstruction?
The plastic surgeon you chose makes a difference. “General Plastic Surgeons” have trained all over the body and are probably the most appropriate choice for MOHs reconstructions below the neck. “Facial Plastic Surgeons” have the highest level of training in the form and function of the nose, ears and other structures of the face. Dr. Mourad is a Facial Plastic Surgeon who has extensive training in reconstructing all levels of defects of the head and neck. He has pioneered many new techniques and has been featured in numerous scientific journals for his innovative work in skin cancer as well as reconstructive surgery of the head, neck, and face. If you think we can help you please feel free to contact our office.