Mohs Reconstruction
Mohs micrographic surgery is a treatment for certain skin cancers. During Mohs surgery, cancerous tissue is removed in sections. Both the visible tumor and any “roots” extending beneath the surface of the skin are excised until clear margins are obtained. Because it may be necessary to remove many layers of skin to reach these roots, large wounds or scars, often in prominent areas, can be left behind. In many cases, reconstructive plastic surgery can be performed to repair the wound and improve the skin’s appearance.
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Types of Mohs-Surgery Reconstructions
Reconstruction after Mohs surgery can be performed on the same day as the Mohs procedure or at a later date. Each case is different, but reconstructive options may depend on the location of the tumor, its size, and how far it extends beneath the skin. Unless a decision is made to let the wound heal by itself, the following techniques are used for reconstruction:
- Stitching the wound closed
- Skin graft (skin is taken from another part of the body)
- Skin flap (skin is moved from a nearby area)
Benefits Of Mohs-Surgery Reconstruction
Although one of the benefits of Mohs surgery is that it removes only as much tissue as necessary, in some cases, the wound left behind is unsightly. Reconstruction following Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for a patient who is distressed by a wound or scar on the face or other visible area. The purpose of reconstruction is cosmetic; it attempts to make the skin look much as it did pre-Mohs surgery, so that the patient does not feel self-conscious. The quality of the results from reconstruction will vary from patient to patient based on factors that range from the location of the wound to the patient’s ability to heal.
Risks Of Mohs-Surgery Reconstruction
As with any surgery, risks of Mohs-surgery reconstruction include bleeding and infection. Although rare, its specific risks include nerve damage, skin grafting that does not “take,” and permanent scarring.
