Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery

Facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery, also referred to as post-Mohs surgery, is a reconstructive plastic surgery designed to restore the natural contours of the face after the skin cancer is removed. Our board-certified Encino plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Cohen, is highly skilled and qualified to perform post-Mohs surgery to improve the aesthetics and function of your skin.

• Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery Candidates
• Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery Procedure
• Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery & Insurance

Will I Need Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery?

Not everyone who undergoes Mohs surgery may need or desire facial reconstruction. Depending on the Mohs surgeon, the advanced skin cancer removal procedure can provide aesthetic results. However, since Mohs surgery is often performed in highly visible areas — including the nose, forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes — some individuals may want additional reconstruction to look more like themselves again.

In general, most patients that have had (or will be having) Mohs surgery can be a candidate for facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery, as long as they are in overall good physical health and have realistic expectations for the final outcome. Typically, post-Mohs surgery patients have been treated for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other nonmelanoma skin cancers, and wish to defer to more complete coverage over the wound.

During a consultation with Dr. Cohen, he will go over your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and evaluate the size and location of your skin cancer removal. Based on this assessment, he can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this type of facial reconstruction.

What Does Post-Mohs Facial Reconstruction Involve?

Specific details of facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery vary from patient to patient based on the treatment site and severity of the condition. During a detailed evaluation, Dr. Cohen will assess potential donor skin sites while factoring in any other existing medical conditions to determine if the procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia for more advanced cases of extensive reconstruction.

The evaluation will also decipher which reconstruction technique should be used based on the location, size, and type of skin cancer that is removed. This may include the flap technique that utilizes surrounding tissue with a good blood supply (most common); a bone, cartilage, or skin graft that takes material from another area and places it at the treatment site; or a tissue expansion that promotes the growth of more tissue in that area over time (less common).

When possible, closing sutures are placed along the natural creases and curves of the face to minimize the appearance of scarring. Facial reconstruction surgery after Mohs may need to be completed in at least two stages to achieve the desired cosmetic result, which can occur for approximately *15% of patients. Overall, the recovery time for this procedure is about one to three weeks.

Is Plastic Surgery After Mohs Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for post-Mohs reconstructive surgery depends on the condition of the patient, insurance provider, individual policy and benefits, and other factors. It is best to discuss the circumstances with your surgeon, as well as contact your insurance company to inquire about possible coverage and eligibility. Our team is available to review payment, financing, and insurance information in further detail after your initial consultation based on your customized treatment plan, along with any additional questions or concerns you may have.

Medical Resources for Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery:

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Mohs Surgery

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Mohs Surgery and Skin Cancer Reconstruction

*Very Well Health: What Happens During Post-Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

American Society for Mohs Surgery

The University of Kansas Health System

National Library of Medicine: Facial Reconstruction for Mohs Defect Repairs