Mohs Surgery - Patients ask Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Mohs Surgery or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Mohs Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a type of procedure that is used to completely remove skin cancer tumors. We work with a few Philadelphia Mohs surgeons who expertly remove the tumor and surrounding skin. To reconstruct the area of the face following excision, our in-office facial plastic surgeon Dr. Tina Ho works closely with the Mohs surgeon and the patient to ensure they look the same, or better, when the skin is healed.
Excision done by Mohs Surgeon
The first step of Mohs surgery involves removing the actual tumor, which sometime occurs in sensitive areas such as nose, lips, hairline, or areas that already have scar tissue. As the surgery begins, all the tissue that is affected by the tumor will be extracted and completely removed from the body. This is a delicate procedure, and is handled with the utmost attention to detail. The surgeon will be careful to leave as much of the healthy tissue as possible.
- The surgeon will give the patient instructions regarding what they should be eating and drinking.
- Instructions will also be given regarding any medication that they are currently taking.
- The affected area(s) will be thoroughly numbed, so there should be no pain or sensation during the surgery
- Typically there is little need for anesthesia
- Surgery time can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity
- Patient will typically be able to go home that same day
Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Ho, Facial Plastic Surgeon
A few days after all the cancerous tissue has been removed, Dr. Ho will perform reconstructive surgery to repair the damaged skin. Her attention to detail, combined with her artistic approach as a board certified facial plastic surgeon, ensure our patients aesthetically pleasing results. Dr. Ho will be able to repair any lesions left over in the skin with minimal scarring. During the process, the patient may undergo a small skin graft or tissue flap. Reconstructive surgery is performed under anesthesia. Whether general anesthesia or sedation is used will depend on the complexity of the surgery.
What is the Timeline for the Recovery Process?
After the procedure the wound will be closed, the patient can start the healing process. Antibiotics will be prescribed to the patient as needed. It is recommended to take it easy for four or five days after surgery and avoid bending over. The stitches will usually be removed within 1-2 weeks, and the entire recovery process is 3-4 weeks.
Mohs Surgery in Haverford, Philadelphia
Dr. Ho is a medical professional with years of experience in the area of cosmetic procedures and reconstructive surgery. She is always happy to answer any questions about Mohs surgery that you may have. Book a consultation at our Philly or Mainline locations today and she will be glad to suggest a customized surgical plan.