Reconstructive Plastic Surgery After Mohs Surgery
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop at least one skin cancer over their lifetime. Most of these cancers are related to sun exposure so consequently over 90% of the lesions are found in the head and neck.
Dermatologists provide the mainstay of care, but because of the large amount of facial involvement, plastic surgeons are frequently part of the team. Dr. Thomas Leach offers care either in the removal of these cancers or providing reconstruction after a specially trained dermatologist (Mohs surgeon) has removed the cancer.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery (named after Frederic Mohs) is performed by specially trained dermatologists who carefully remove the tumor while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. They stay close to the tumor and then look at each section under a microscope to see if they have completely removed the tumor. This technique assures complete removal and leaves the smallest possible defect. The Mohs surgeon then either closes the defect or consults with a plastic surgeon to perform the repair. Dr. Leach works with several well-trained Mohs surgeons in this consultant capacity.
Post-Mohs Surgical Repair Results
Before
After
This 65-year-old male with a left ear defect after excision of basal cell cancer by a dermatologist using the Mohs technique. The ear was repaired with helical rim advancement flap.
We invite you to review more patient results of Dr. Thomas A. Leach, located in Princeton, NJ.
What is Post-Mohs Surgery?
Reconstructive plastic surgery is frequently employed to close defects left after skin cancers are removed. Dr. Leach is frequently involved in cases where the defect is exceptionally large or involves a delicate structure, such as an eyelid, or lip, or nasal tip.
There are also times where a patient prefers to have a plastic surgeon complete the repair. Typically, the patient has been seen preoperatively by both doctors and the offices have coordinated the timing of the surgeries. At the point Dr. Leach becomes involved, the cancer has been removed and he can focus his complete attention on restoring the patient’s appearance. Most of the repairs Dr. Leach provides are completed using the “flaps.” This involves manipulating tissue adjacent to the defect to close the hole. This procedure provides the best color, texture, and thickness of the skin for the job.
Dr. Leach will have shown patients in the preoperative consultation examples of possible flaps available for closing their specific defects. These surgeries are almost always done in the office under local anesthesia. In situations where the surgery is more extensive, or the patient would be more comfortable with additional anesthesia, then an outpatient surgical setting is scheduled.
Select an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Post-Mohs Surgery of the face or body is a complex procedure that requires the education, skill and experience of a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Thomas A. Leach is a Board Certified Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon serving the Princeton, New Jersey area for more than 30 years. His years of experience, surgical skills and his caring and warm demeanor will reassure that you have selected an expert surgeon who can help you achieve optimal results with your Post-Mohs Surgery. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
