Posted by: North Georgia Eye Associates in Blog
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer. Luckily, it’s also highly treatable, especially when caught early.
One of the best treatments for high-risk skin cancer is Mohs reconstructive surgery. Mohs reconstructive surgery has a cure rate of 99%.
If you have a high-risk skin cancer, undergoing this procedure could save your life. It’s also minimally invasive, removing the smallest amount of skin possible.
But when you have Mohs reconstructive surgery, particularly if you have skin cancer on your face, it can leave some pronounced scars. Scars may be more noticeable if the procedure is performed on the eyelid or around the eyes.
In such cases, though, Mohs reconstructive surgery can reduce noticeable scarring, so you don’t have to worry about your appearance after having it. Keep reading to learn what Mohs reconstructive surgery is and what the benefits of undergoing it are!
What is Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
Mohs reconstructive surgery is used to remove basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are the two most common forms of skin cancer. It can also treat melanoma, although you’re unlikely to have melanoma around the eye or on the eyelid.
It’s more common for melanoma near the eyes to form inside the eye itself. Mohs reconstructive surgery removes as little skin as possible by removing layers of skin.
Each layer that’s removed is checked for cancerous cells and removed until there’s no longer any sign of cancer. This allows your reconstructive surgeon only to remove as much skin as is necessary to remove the cancer, so scarring and healing from surgery are minimized.
However, when Mohs reconstructive surgery is performed on the face and around the eyes, even this minimally invasive treatment can leave noticeable imperfections in the skin. That’s where Mohs reconstructive surgery comes in.
Specialized Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery
Typically, Mohs surgery itself is performed by a dermatologist. But Mohs reconstructive surgery, when performed around the eyes or eyelids, could be performed by an oculoplastic surgeon or other specialists like dermatologic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons if eyelid reconstruction is necessary.
Although visible scarring or other imperfections left on the skin are usually small, they are often more noticeable because they are on the skin. Eyelid anatomy is also rather complex, meaning covering up signs of scarring can be more challenging after Mohs surgery.
However, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon and other specialists are well-versed in eyelid anatomy and can use advanced reconstructive techniques to restore the appearance of the eyelid.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
If you’re having Mohs surgery, you may be a good candidate for Mohs reconstructive surgery. However, your candidacy will depend on the size and location of where you’ll need surgery.
Reconstructive surgery isn’t limited to a particular part of your body. However, it’s often most common on visible parts of the body or those with more complete structures like the face, ears, nose, and eyelids.
The surgeon performing your Mohs surgery will determine if you need Mohs reconstructive surgery. If they decide this is appropriate, they will coordinate with the necessary specialist, which may be a plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or a dermatologic surgeon.
Reconstructive surgery isn’t always necessary and depends on factors like the size of what’s been removed, its location, and if there is the potential for any function or aesthetic impacts. Some patients may see smaller wounds heal well independently without the need for reconstruction or only simple closures.
If Mohs reconstructive surgery is recommended, it’s usually to help restore function and appearance. This is especially true for areas like the eyelids, where removing cancer may affect your ability to blink or close your eyes properly.
What are the Benefits of Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
The most significant benefit of Mohs reconstructive surgery is looking like yourself after removing your skin cancer. Scarring on your face and missing skin from your eyelids can make you self-conscious about your appearance and attract unwanted attention.
Mohs reconstructive surgery can make you look and, more importantly, feel better about your appearance after skin cancer removal. Your surgeon may schedule your Mohs reconstructive surgery in advance for better results.
The timing and approach may vary based on factors like the location and size of the surgical site and your individual needs. Although Mohs reconstructive surgery can help significantly improve your appearance, realistic expectations are necessary.
The procedure can help restore your appearance and functionality, but there may still be some noticeable changes. Mohs reconstructive surgery can be performed on various parts of the body, and the kind of specialist performing the procedure will depend on the complexity and location of the surgical site.
Dr. Brent Hayek performs Mohs reconstructive surgery at North Georgia Eye Associates. Dr. Hayek is a highly qualified, experienced ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon who can give you the best results with Mohs reconstructive surgery.
Learn more about Mohs reconstructive surgery and how this procedure could improve your appearance after undergoing Mohs surgery by requesting an appointment at North Georgia Eye Associates in Braselton, GA, today!
