Mohs Surgery and Facial Scar Revision in Boston, MA

Cancer can be an intimidating word, but for patients who are diagnosed with skin cancer, there might be a remedy. Mohs surgery is a process that carefully and precisely removes skin cancer tumors. The purpose of this method is to remove as little of your healthy skin tissue as possible while still maintaining a high success rate for skin cancer eradication. The surgical technique is used to remove squamous and basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, along with other, less common types of tumors. Skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa also works to improve facial scars caused by previously completed Mohs surgery procedures. Schedule a consultation at DeRosa Center Facial Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston, MA to learn more about Mohs and facial scar revision surgery.

MOHS surgery can be used to treat three major forms of skin cancer, including:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Caused by an abnormal growth of squamous cells and appears as scaly patches that may bleed.
• Basal cell carcinoma: Begins in the basal cells and appears as white lumps or brown patches on the skin.
• Melanoma: Starts in the cells that cause the pigment in the skin and presents as an unusual lump or changes to an existing mole.

The Mohs surgery procedure is typically employed to treat the two most prevalent kinds of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, as well as a variety of other skin cancer subtypes. If you are suffering from melanoma or another form of rare skin cancer, a consultation can help determine if you're an ideal candidate for Mohs surgery. Besides the specific type of skin cancer you have, there are also other qualifying criteria that may make you a fantastic candidate for Mohs surgery.

Facial scar revision surgery can be used to repair previously caused surgical scars or as a follow-up surgery after Mohs has been performed and the incisions have healed. 

During your Mohs surgery, Dr. DeRosa will typically utilize local anesthetics to numb the affected region prior to incisions that are created for elimination. The incisions may be compared to a map (similar to a clock face) and are created to correspond with the orientation of your skin that had been removed. The excised layer is suspended, processed, and examined under the microscope. When additional cancer roots are detected, they are indicated on the corresponding map and the process is repeated. The process continues until a fresh coating with no residual cancer is reached. The number of layers eliminated and the duration of the procedure is dependent on the phase of cancer and how long it has been present. The conclusion of this process will render a wound. Healing solutions range from easy sutures to close the wound to more complex reconstructive (plastic) surgery for bigger wounds.

Your facial scar revision surgery will be performed under local or general anesthesia and will involve the use of carefully placed incisions and sutures to artistically repair your scar. 

Mohs surgery is not a simple process, but with a proficient team and advanced techniques, many patients report minimal pain. Mohs surgery and/or facial scar revision surgery is normally performed as an outpatient procedure with patients able to drive home afterward. Even though the treated site will be heavily bandaged, it is likely you can resume regular non-strenuous actions the next day. This rules out any strenuous exercise or heavy activities for up to 1 – 2 weeks. If sutures were used, they will be taken out within 6 – 14 days. Scarring will differ based upon the procedure. The success rate of eliminating the cancerous tissue from the treated site is extremely high when treating main basal cell carcinoma with thin melanomas achieving around a 99% cure rate. Primary squamous cell carcinoma has a bit of a lower cure rate at around 97%.

What will the procedure cost?

Mohs surgery and facial scar revision are highly customized procedures. In order to determine the cost of your specific surgery, Dr. DeRosa will meet with you during a consultation to understand your needs and cosmetic goals. Prior to scheduling your surgery, we will discuss the approximated cost of your procedure and help you understand what methods of payment our practice accepts. 

Where will the procedure take place?

In most cases, the surgery can take place in our office. For cases that require long surgeries or large treatment areas, we may recommend more in-depth anesthesia options and an accredited surgical facility. 

How long will recovery take?

You will be sent home after your procedure with detailed wound care instructions. It is very important to carefully follow these directions to prevent infection and expedite healing. Your individual recovery period will be dictated by the extent of the procedure. May patients can have their sutures removed in approximately one week.

When confronting a skin cancer diagnosis, it's essential to do your research and locate an experienced Mohs surgeon who is an ideal fit for your expectations and needs. Success rates of this process are directly correlated to your physician's skill and experience. To learn more about the experience, training, and personal success rates of Dr. DeRosa, contact DeRosa Center Facial Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today and simply schedule an appointment.