MOHS RECONSTRUCTION

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MOHS RECONSTRUCTION?

If you have skin cancer especially in the head and neck region you are a good candidate for Mohs Surgery removal of your skin cancer. Melanoma is not typically removed by Mohs surgery. This is typically removed directly by a Plastic Surgeon or General Surgeon.

Skin cancer is extremely common on the face, especially in the desert environment of Arizona. Pay attention to the following:

• Color – mole pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance.
• Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin.
• Size Change – any growth of a mole should be of concern and so should the thickening or raising of a previously flat mole.
• Surface – scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, crusting, or softening.
• Surrounding Skin – redness, swelling, or small new patches of color around a larger lesion
• Sensation – itching, tingling, or burning.

CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW

Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment options are best for you by meeting with Dr. Brown and a member of his staff at Brown Plastic Surgery for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

THE MOHS RECONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

The Mohs Procedure is performed by a special Dermatologist Mohs Surgeon. You will be seen in the Mohs Surgeon’s office and under local anesthesia, they will remove the skin cancer layer by layer. This can often times take several hours. Once the Mohs Surgeon has removed all of the skin cancer cells they will bandage the wound and you will then meet with Dr. Brown at the designated time for reconstruction of the wound.

MOHS RECONSTRUCTION RECOVERY*

Swelling and bruising are normal signs of the healing process. Swelling peaks about 48 hours after surgery then rapidly decreases. By the end of the first few weeks, the majority of the swelling is gone.

By 6-8 weeks, most of the residual swelling has diminished. You may usually shower within 24 – 48 hours. Your incisions should not be submerged in a swimming pool or hot tub and should be kept out of a sauna until cleared by Dr. Brown.

During the first several days, patients may sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling. Often times ice may be applied to the area unless instructed not to use ice. Most patients are up and walking around the day after surgery. Strenuous exercise and bending over with the head down should be avoided for 6 weeks.

These are general guidelines, and Dr. Brown will give you more specific instructions at your visit. You should not drive or operate vehicles until you are cleared by Dr. Brown to do so. You may have sutures or bandages that need to be removed by Dr. Brown at your one-week post-surgical visit. Scars and skin grafts will mature and change for a full 12 months after surgery.

You will be seen in our office one week after surgery, and schedule follow-ups accordingly thereafter.