moh’s reconstruction

Overview
Moh’s surgery is the excision of skin cancer directed at removing the entire cancer while taking the least amount of healthy tissue. The
procedure is commonly performed on the face because the face is prone to skin cancer since it is constantly exposed to the sun. In
addition, the face is the most important aesthetic element of a person’s body and preserving it is very important. Oftentimes the Moh’s
procedure leaves a large open wound or defect which needs a complex reconstruction. The Moh’s surgeon will often have this defect
reconstructed by another, more specialized surgeon. Dr. Marcus is a facial plastic surgeon with vast experience reconstructing Moh’s
defects. He has trained under one of the world’s leading Moh’s reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Shan Baker.

The reconstructive options for Moh’s defects are infinite. Each defect can be reconstructed with a myriad of different reconstructive
techniques, but the surgeon’s choice of reconstruction is critical to the final aesthetic and functional result. Dr. Marcus will determine the
right reconstructive option for each patient depending on their individual cosmetic goal, their personal health history, and the functional
component of the area under reconstruction. Options can be as simple as a primary closure or tissue advancement and as complex as
a tissue flap reconstruction taken from a different part of the face or body.

Goal
The goal of Moh’s reconstruction is to make a tissue defect on the face look very close to the original, pre-surgical appearance and to
make every scar unnoticeable.

Procedure
A Moh’s reconstruction can include any number of procedures and therefore consultation with Dr. Marcus is essential in determining the
best choice for you. Some of the more common options for reconstruction include: 1) primary closure, 2) tissue advancement, 3) tissue
rotation, 4) flap reconstruction, and 5) skin grafting.

Recovery
The recovery from a Moh’s reconstruction entirely depends on the reconstructive technique used. In general, the recovery is anywhere
from 1-4 weeks depending on the reconstruction performed. The recovery period is not painful and mild narcotics will adequately treat
any discomfort. Occasionally, there is wound care that must be performed for optimal results but this is easily taught to the patient or
patient’s family members.