Do you always need plastic surgery after Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery was originally created to help minimize the risk of scarring and the need for additional plastic surgery after cancer removal. However, a percentage of people who get Mohs do require plastic surgery after their skin cancer removal.

What does a plastic surgeon do after Mohs surgery?

Post-Mohs Reconstruction: Mohs surgery for excision of a skin cancer inevitably results in an open wound. In closing this wound or filling in this defect, special reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons are often needed to optimize healing and restoring proper form and function to the area.

Can you get plastic surgery after Mohs surgery?

Depending on the closure skills of the Mohs dermatologist, a patient may require follow-up with a plastic surgeon. Post-Mohs reconstruction may involve: Flap techniques, especially relevant for facial reconstruction. Cartilage grafting, especially relevant for ear reconstruction.

Is skin graft necessary after Mohs surgery?

Most require stitches to close the wound. Some areas of the body do not have enough skin to stretch to cover a wound and require either a skin graft or skin flap to be used.

Will my nose be disfigured after Mohs surgery?

However, even using the advanced Mohs micrographic surgery technique, your face may be disfigured after the procedure, especially if the tumor was large and deep.

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Is Mohs surgery better than plastic surgery?

Because Mohs surgery removes less normal tissue, it is likely to be superior to surgical excision for cosmetic outcome. After Mohs surgery, the surgical defect typically needs to be repaired.

How long does it take for Mohs scar to flatten?

Once the Mohs surgeon has completely removed your skin cancer through Mohs surgery, reconstruction that optimizes the final functional and cosmetic result becomes the highest priority. Generally, a post-surgical scar improves with time and can take up to one year or more to fully mature.

Does Mohs surgery leave a hole?

Mohs surgery will leave a hole that is usually closed with stitches. Sometimes, if the removed spot is very small, the hole will be covered with a bandage and left to heal on its own.

What happens if you don't get a skin graft?

What Happens If You Don't Get A Skin Graft? If a skin graft isn't performed on the affected area, the wound will take a much longer time to heal. In addition to that, an open wound is also more susceptible to infections. It is generally recommended to undergo a skin grafting procedure if you have severe open wounds.

Is Mohs surgery considered cosmetic?

Q: Is post-Mohs reconstructive surgery considered cosmetic or medically necessary? A: When referred by the dermatologic surgeon for post-Mohs reconstruction, most insurance companies consider it medically necessary and do cover the cost of the procedures.

Does Medicare pay for reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery?

This procedure involves removing skin tissue to remove the cancerous cells. However, Medicare will not cover plastic surgery after Mohs surgery in most cases. Original Medicare will cover the Mohs surgery procedure. However, it will not cover the cost of reconstructive surgery for the removed skin.

Does Medicare cover plastic surgery after Mohs surgery?

Medicare usually doesn't cover cosmetic surgery unless you need it because of accidental injury or to improve the function of a malformed body part. Medicare covers breast prostheses for breast reconstruction if you had a mastectomy because of breast cancer.

What are the pros and cons of Mohs surgery?

Pros: This procedure is very effective. It results in minimal damage to the surrounding skin and the smallest possible wound. Cons: Mohs Surgery is not effective for melanoma skin cancers. Some patients experience bleeding from the wound, minor pain, and tenderness around the surgical site and infection.

How long does it take to completely heal from Mohs surgery?

How long does it take to heal from Mohs surgery? Scars from Mohs surgery continue to heal for 12 to 18 months after your procedure. In the year following Mohs surgery, you'll want to be patient as your scar matures, then fades. If you're unhappy with your scar, talk to your surgeon about your options for scar revision.

How long does Mohs surgery on face take to heal?

Mohs surgery recovery is typically completed within two weeks post procedure, with patients required to rest and avoid heavy activity. Many return to work the next day. Most patients do not require pain medication but may experience sensitivity around the affected area.

Does Mohs surgery leave a big scar?

But this innovative technique means we save as much healthy skin tissue as possible. As a result, after Mohs surgery you end up with a smaller scar compared to traditional surgeries. This makes Mohs surgery an excellent choice if you're diagnosed with skin cancer in a highly noticeable spot, like on your face or neck.

Do skin grafts ever look normal?

At first, the colour of the grafted skin may appear red or purple, but it should begin to look more like your surrounding skin over time. It can take a year or two for the appearance of the skin to settle down completely.

Is there an alternative to a skin graft?

Alternativesto skin grafts and flaps

Scar tissue lacks many of the normal structures and functions of skin, such as a sense of touch, sweat glands, oil glands and hair. By applying a special dressing to your wound and using negative atmospheric pressure, it may heal by itself without the need for surgery.

What can be used instead of skin graft?

Why can't you exercise after Mohs surgery?

The longer it takes a wound to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar, and resuming physical activity too soon could also slow the healing process. “You don't want to overdo it because you can pop a suture or stretch the wound site,” said Dr. Platzer.

Why am I so tired after Mohs?

It's normal to have some tiredness and fatigue the day of and even a few days after surgery. Although many patients are back at work the day after surgery, some patients need more time to rest and recover. Patients should minimize physical activity for about a week after Mohs surgery.

What can you not do after Mohs surgery?

Rest and take it easy for the first 48 hours after surgery. Avoid any vigorous activity, heavy lifting, exercise, straining or anything that gets your blood pressure or heart rate up for at least the first week after surgery, while the sutures are in.

How do you hide Mohs scars?

Silicone strips or gel can help dull the appearance of surgical scars. Silicone strips are reusable bandages that should be worn 12 hours a day for at least three months. Silicone gel is applied directly to the scar to reduce the pigment. Recovery with these products can begin once the incisions have completely healed.

Should I massage my Mohs scar?

When should I start massaging my scars? You should start massaging your scars two weeks after surgery. Wait until the sutures have been removed and all scabs have fallen off by themselves. Do not pull your scabs off.

How long will my face be swollen after Mohs surgery?

It is important to keep in mind that although much of the swelling resolves over the first several weeks after surgery, it takes 12 to 15 months for all of the swelling in the nose to resolve. However, most patients have a good appearance even 2-3 weeks after the operation.