Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery: What You Need to Know
How a post-Mohs reconstructive surgery is performed varies based on the location and amount of skin removed during Mohs surgery and other factors. Several surgeries may be considered for facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery, and they include:
1. Local Flap Reconstruction
Flap surgery is one of the most-common procedures for plastic surgery after Mohs surgery. The procedure involves taking a piece of tissue connected to a patient’s major artery and vein and attaching it to the treatment site from Mohs surgery.
There are four types of flaps: advanced, rotation, transposition, and interpolation. To determine which type of flap should be used, Dr. Azizzadeh evaluates a patient and the treatment site from their Mohs surgery. If a patient qualifies for flap surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh then decides which type of flap can help a patient achieve the best treatment results.
2. Skin Grafting
Skin grafting involves taking skin from one section of the body and using it to repair the treatment site after Mohs surgery. Full thickness skin grafts can be used to avoid placing new incisions or extending existing incisions at the treatment site. Comparatively, partial thickness skin grafts can also be used during plastic surgery after Mohs treatment.
With skin grafting, Dr. Azizzadeh tries to identify skin that matches the color and contour at the Mohs surgery treatment site and ensures that a skin graft is properly attached to a patient’s face. Dr. Azizzadeh also uses dressing to prevent the graft from moving immediately after plastic surgery.
3. Nasal Reconstruction
Nasal reconstruction involves advanced surgical techniques and attention to detail, due in large part to the nose’s importance to a patient’s overall facial appearance. The nose consists of overlying skin of varying thicknesses, and it has a support framework of cartilage and bone and an inner lining of specialized skin. All three of these factors must be considered to ensure that a nasal reconstruction procedure can be successful.
Dr. Azizzadeh’s goal is to perform nasal reconstruction that enables a patient to maintain nasal function and enjoy a balanced, natural-looking nose that complements the rest of the face. To achieve his goal, Dr. Azizzadeh analyzes the anatomy of a patient’s entire face and how the lips, chin, and other facial features correspond to the appearance of the nose.
Also, Dr. Azizzadeh uses a specialized imaging system to capture 3D photographs of a patient’s face. This system allows Dr. Azizzadeh to show patients how they will look following nasal reconstruction before they undergo treatment.
Is Reconstruction After Mohs Safe?
There are risks associated with plastic surgery after a Mohs procedure, and they include:
- Pain
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Fatigue
Along with these risks, the length of time a patient waits to undergo reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery can impact their risk of complications.
Dr. Azizzadeh explains any risks associated with plastic surgery prior to treatment. He also determines a realistic timeline for when a patient can undergo plastic surgery after Mohs surgery without putting their health and wellbeing in danger.
What to Expect During Plastic Surgery Recovery
The plastic surgery recovery process can be extensive, and Dr. Azizzadeh requests follow-up appointments with his patient to ensure that their recovery stays on track. Dr. Azizzadeh provides detailed instructions for treatment site care to help a patient limit the risk of complications. If a patient has concerns or questions during plastic surgery recovery, Dr. Azizzadeh is available to respond to them as well.
Will I Need Plastic Surgery After Mohs?
If Dr. Azizzadeh believes plastic surgery is too risky for a patient after Mohs, he will not provide treatment. Or, if alternative treatments are available, Dr. Azizzadeh can then discuss these options with his patient.
Is Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery Right for You?
Dr. Azizzadeh can help a patient determine if reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery is both safe and effective. By meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh, a patient can receive an in-depth evaluation, along with personalized treatment options. To learn more plastic surgery after Mohs or to schedule a treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.