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Mohs Surgery
In New Orleans

What Is Mohs Surgery?

we offer several reconstructive options

Mohs Surgery Reconstruction is performed for patients who have just had a Mohs surgery or cancer removal surgery and need the defect to be reconstructed. At Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer several reconstructive options to address these defects caused by skin cancer excision. In addition, if you are concerned about a spot or area on your skin, schedule a visit for evaluation and possible biopsy of the area.

What Are The Benefits of Mohs Surgery?

Cancer Cell Removal

The main benefit of having Mohs surgery is that the excision of the cancerous lesion is performed in stages, minimizing the size of the defect. With each small excision at the edge of the lesion, the skin is examined under a microscope to ensure that all of the cancer cells have been removed. This is important in places like the face because there is not a lot of available tissue to reconstruct a large defect without it appearing very disfiguring. At Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, we work with several local Mohs surgeons to assist with reconstruction of these defects caused by removal of their cancer.

New Orleans Mohs surgery model looking into distance

Am I a Candidate for Mohs Surgery in New Orleans?

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer of the face or neck, you may be a candidate for New Orleans mohs surgery by a facial plastic surgeon.

If this is the case, you will be seen by Dr. Melancon for examination, review of medical history, and likely reconstruction of the defect. In many instances, Dr. Melancon will work with the Mohs surgeon or dermatologist to determine the ideal time for reconstruction after excision of the cancer.

Mohs Surgery & Reconstruction

This surgery generally will only take a couple of hours to complete, depending on the size of the defect. You can be awake during the procedure if the defect is small, with only local anesthesia used on the area to be treated. If the defect is larger, then sometimes you will require sedation or general anesthesia.

Procedures for Mohs Surgery

Depending on the size of the defect as well as its location, there are many different mohs surgery options for how the defect will be reconstructed.

Local Flaps

Local flaps are often used for closure of smaller Mohs defects of the face. During this procedure, Dr. Melancon uses available skin near the defect to rotate or advance into the defect in order to close it.

Cartilage Grafting

For Mohs defects of the nose, sometimes the cancer has invaded the cartilage of the nose, requiring excision of the cartilage and possibly jeopardizing the support to the nose. In this instance, during Mohs reconstruction, cartilage may be harvested from the ear or the septum in order to restore the support and shape of the nose. If this technique is required, the incisions are well hidden and do not cause a noticeable defect.

Skin Grafting

In some situations, a skin graft from another part of your body may be used to help cover the Mohs defect. In this situation, Dr. Melancon will harvest a skin graft from an area of your body that generally heals very well with minimal scarring or visibility.

Staged Flaps

In some defects, based on size or location, the best reconstruction plan involves staged flaps, such as a nasolabial flap or a forehead flap. In these cases, skin and soft tissue is borrowed from a surrounding area, such as the cheek or forehead, but part of it is left attached to the donor site during healing to keep the blood supply intact. After several weeks, a second procedure is performed most times in the office to divide the flap from its donor site, as it no longer needs the blood supply. Staged flaps have a longer recovery time, and the procedures will be discussed in detail with you by Dr. Melancon so you are prepared for every step.

New Orleans Mohs surgery model smiling

Recovery from Mohs Surgery

Recovery times vary depending on the size of the affected area and defect. You will have stitches that will need to be removed, typically a week later. Mohs surgery is not a very painful procedure in general. You will have swelling and bruising, but this will decrease with time.

Dr. Melancon facial plastic surgeon New Orleans

New Orleans Mohs Surgery Consultation

If you have skin cancer requiring Mohs surgery and subsequent reconstruction, consider making an appointment with Dr. Melancon to discuss your reconstructive options. Dr. Melancon has spent years doing skin cancer excision and reconstruction and will work with you to find the best option for reconstruction for you. We strive to deliver the best mohs surgery New Orleans has to offer. Contact Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery today to set up your customized treatment plan.

Mohs Surgery FAQs

During surgery, you will not feel anything. After surgery, you may feel soreness and tenderness that you can typically alleviate with over the counter pain medication.

Mohs surgery is especially effective at treating skin cancer as it is designed to ensure complete removal of the affected areas. Currently, Mohs surgery cures the vast majority of all new skin cancers, giving it the highest rate for curing basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. Given this high cure rate, that is why it is safe to reconstruct Mohs defects prior to final pathologic evaluation.

At Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, we know one of the most challenging parts of this process is the first step. We are a welcoming, restful place for you to come and learn about all the ways you can live life to the fullest and be the most beautiful you. Call or click to schedule a consultation to learn how you can breathe easy at Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery.

6001 Magazine St. Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70118

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