MOHS Surgery

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Mohs Plastic Surgery

Skin cancer is one of the deadliest cancers if not treated promptly and properly. For patients that have cancerous lesions on the face, surgical removal is necessary. While Mohs surgery is considered the most successful and refined technique for removing skin cancer, it can still leave unsightly or gaping wounds in highly visible areas of the face. This can be a significant setback for patients that are trying to overcome skin cancer. To ensure your skin cancer is effectively removed without compromising your appearance, a skilled Mohs reconstructive plastic surgeon is essential. Dr. Kenrick Spence of Hillcrest Plastic Surgery is proud to be one of the country’s most trusted Mohs plastic surgeons alongside Dr. Fernando Ovalle. They understand the intricacy and artistry required to produce ideal results in this complex skin reconstruction.

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Spence and Dr. Ovalle are qualified to perform Mohs reconstructive surgery for all areas of the face, including the ears, lips, eyes, cheeks and nose. He understands how to seamlessly repair the delicate tissues of the face after skin cancer removal so that you can put the past behind you and reclaim a confident, more beautiful appearance. Dr. Spence and Dr. Ovalle bring expertise in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, which means he is able to address both functional and aesthetic concerns that develop after skin cancer removal.

Mohs surgery is undoubtedly the best procedure for removing skin cancer, as it uses specialized techniques to dissect and remove the cancerous cells in layers while leaving as much healthy skin tissues as possible. However, the procedure can often leave unattractive skin deficits or scars on prominent areas of the face. Dr. Spence and Dr. Ovalle have undergone special training to address these skin concerns left behind by Mohs surgery. Regardless of the location or extent of your Mohs wound, we are confident we can restore your complexion the way you deserve.

It Seems Like My Biopsy Removed the Growth. Do I Really Need to be Treated?

The purpose of a skin biopsy is to confirm or rule out the presence of cancerous cells. If your biopsy confirmed skin cancer but you no longer see the visible presence of this disease, that doesn't mean all of the cancerous cells were removed. It's very common for the signs of skin cancer to disappear after a biopsy but for the invisible signs to remain. Skin cancer lesions often have roots that extend inward from the skin's surface. The reason your doctor will recommend Mohs micrographic surgery or another form of skin cancer treatment is to eliminate all of the cancerous cells in the area of the growth that was seen on the skin. It is very important to undergo the recommended treatment for skin cancer even if you don't see the signs of cancerous cells after your biopsy. Without proper care, cancer cells could continue to spread, even to other parts of the body.

Do you need Mohs surgery for skin cancer? There may be other treatment options that can successfully treat this diagnosis. That said, there Mohs offers advantages that other techniques do not. Mohs achieves the highest cure rate for skin cancers. It is ideal for large skin cancers and those that are in very prominent areas, such as the face. Mohs may be the best choice for fast-growing skin cancers or those that are recurrent from a previous skin cancer lesion. During your consultation, you can explore the various reasons why Mohs may be the best choice for you. 

How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?

If you've done any research on Mohs surgery, you have likely read or heard that the process takes longer than a standard excision. This depends on what you measure. If you choose to undergo Mohs surgery, you'll be in the office for a few hours. This process is meticulous. It can take up to an entire day. Your doctor may estimate how much time your Mohs surgery may take, but this is just an estimate. Because tissue is removed layer by layer, it stops only when no cancer cells are present in the microscopic examination. From this perspective, Mohs surgery may "take longer" than a skin cancer excision. That said, if you undergo excisional surgery for skin cancer, you'll wait up to a few weeks to receive your results from the pathology lab. 

When considering the skin cancer treatment that is best for you, consider how quickly you want to gain peace of mind that all of the cancer cells have been removed. Where standard excision is a shorter treatment, it doesn't offer results for weeks. Where Mohs surgery may take several hours, you know when you leave the office that all skin cancer cells have been removed.

Will I Have a Scar After Mohs Surgery?

Surgery leaves scars. This is true regardless of the extent of the procedure. Mohs is a preferred method of skin cancer treatment for several reasons, including minimal scarring. That said, there are cases in which patients who undergo Mohs surgery still need formal scar treatment or even reconstructive surgery to repair the surgical wound. After Mohs surgery, it may take up to one year for scars to fully mature. Initially, scars may feel tight. They may be raised and red or smooth and iridescent. As you progress through your skin cancer recovery, your doctor can discuss the various remedies that can promote optimal tissue regeneration. 

Consulting with Dr. Spence or Dr. Ovalle prior to your Mohs surgery is recommended, as the timing of your cosmetic reconstruction after your removal surgery is important. Contact our office today to learn more about Mohs reconstruction for the eyes, lips, nose or ears in Orlando.

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