Reconstruction After MOHs
The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These conditions are often treated successfully with a minimally invasive surgical procedure called Mohs surgery. Experienced dermatologists may recommend Mohs for malignant melanoma when caught early. The Mohs technique works by removing a single layer of tissue at a time. The removed tissue is immediately examined under a microscope for evidence of remaining cells. The procedure ends when a removed layer of tissue contains no abnormal cells.
As with many types of surgery, skin removal surgery does have the potential to cause scarring. For this reason, your surgeon may recommend you undergo reconstructive surgery after your Mohs surgical procedure.
In some cases, the reconstructive procedure will be completed immediately after your Mohs surgery. Other times, you may need to return later for the reconstruction. The exact reconstructive procedure you’ll undergo depends on the extent of your Mohs surgery and how much cancerous tissue was removed. You may need simple stitches to help your wound heal properly, or you may require a more extensive procedure to help the surgical site heal as optimally as possible.
Mohs surgery achieves high cure rates while preserving healthy tissue making it the optimal treatment for skin cancer. The goals of eyelid reconstruction after Mohs surgery include restoring eyelid structure and function while attaining acceptable aesthetic results. Given the variety of eyelid defects encountered after Mohs surgery, a thorough understanding of the complex eyelid anatomy as well as an in-depth knowledge of the numerous reconstructive techniques available are required to accomplish these reconstructive goals.
