Mohs defect is related to a type of skin cancer that causes cancerous lesions. It requires a sensitive skin reconstruction process that aims to remove the skin cancer while leaving minimal damage to the skin tissues.
In many cases, a plastic surgeon is enlisted to work on Mohs defect if the skin areas affected are on the lips, nose, eyelids, and the other regions on the face. The plastic surgery procedure needed to correct Mohs defect is called Mohs micrographic surgery. This technique was developed by Frederick Mohs in the late 1930s to early 1940s, which has been further refined by many plastic surgery experts over the years.
What to Know About Mohs Defect Reconstruction Surgery
Plastic surgery for Mohs defect is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The patient will be placed under general anesthesia through IV sedation. The surgery might take an average of one to three hours.
Because Mohs defect is different for every patient, the techniques used by our facial plastic surgeon in Miami are individualized. Some patients may need a skin graft, while a skin flap or cartilage grafting might be more necessary for other patients. In many cases, the surgeon may not know the exact technique needed until the skin cancer has been thoroughly evaluated.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the most common technique used in Mohs micrographic surgery is a Bilobed flap reconstruction (40 percent) and nasal sidewall (32 percent) for Mohs defect on the nose. Linear closure technique is most common for Mohs defects on the cheek, the forehead, the chin, the eyelids, the upper or lower lips, and the temples. A skin graft, on the other hand, is most common for scalp reconstruction surgery.
But regardless of the technique, the goal of this reconstructive surgery is to make the scars and lesions less visible. Through plastic surgery, the surgeon may also find a way to make the eyes, lips, and nose functional even if there are scar tissues present.
Best Candidates for Mohs Surgery
According to Dr. Zaydon, a facial plastic surgeon in Miami, patients who may best benefit from Mohs surgery are those whose skin cancer has returned and is located in a skin area where it’s quite important to keep healthy tissues intact. Patients who haven’t had surgery but notice that their skin cancer is growing at a fast rate should consider talking to a plastic surgeon to find the best options available to them.
This procedure will require several follow-ups after the surgery to ensure that the recovery is progressing properly. It heals fast and has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas at 95 to 99 percent.
Patients who experience any form of discomfort, skin redness, swelling and bleeding after the surgery should refer back to the plastic surgeon for guidance.
If you think you might benefit from the services of a plastic surgeon, but you can’t visit the clinic, don’t worry. Plastic surgery evaluations are possible through telemedicine. What’s more, Mohs surgery itself is covered by insurance. Simply call us at (305) 856-3030 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about Dr. Zaydon
Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon serves as a workers compensation plastic surgeon and an expert witness plastic surgeon on liability cases around the country. He has reviewed many cases and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant.
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