Moh's Reconstructive Surgery
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime. That works out to more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer annually. Roughly 80% of these cancers are on the face, scalp, or neck. Basal cell skin cancer (BCCA) is the most common form of skin cancer, and in fact is the most common of all cancers. Squamous cell skin cancer (SCCA) is the second most common type of skin cancer and is estimated to affect nearly 250,000 thousand Americans each year.
Cure rates for Basal cell and Squamous cell skin cancers are extremely high when treated early. Typically they are removed by a Moh’s dermatologic surgeon to ensure complete removal of the tumor. In addition, many of these lesions require careful cosmetic reconstruction to achieve minimal deformity and a natural aesthetic result.
Dr. Zimbler has extensive experience repairing Mohs surgical defects. Dr. Zimbler is the Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgery for the department of Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center. Dr. Zimbler has published numerous peer reviewed articles, written several textbook chapters, and has lectured extensively on skin cancer reconstruction. Dr. Zimbler works closely with many of New York’s best dermatologists to ensure proper treatment of your skin cancer with minimal scarring.
After your Mohs surgery is complete your dermatologist will bandage the wound and send you to our office. In most cases this will be done the same day as your Mohs procedure. Once the defect is assessed Dr. Zimbler will tailor your reconstruction to obtain the best result with minimal scarring. Most Moh’s reconstructions can be done with either local anesthesia or a twilight monitored anesthetic. Most defects can be repaired with either skin flaps or skin grafts. A skin flap utilizes local excess tissue and ‘flaps’ it over to cover the defect. For defects that are large or a flap cannot be used, a skin graft is often chosen. A skin graft involves taking a piece of skin from another site and then sewing it into the Mohs defect. Donor sites are typically chosen from areas with excess skin in inconspicuous locations, such as behind the ear. Bandages are usually minimal and sutures are typically removed in less than a week.
Most procedures require single stage reconstruction with excellent results. During the early healing process we encourage our patients to apply specifically chosen camouflage makeup, scar creams, scar patches and sun block. In some instances further refinement of the scar can be obtained. Dermabrasion, lasers or minor scar revision surgery can further camouflage any irregularities. This can be done months to years after the initial procedure.
Typically insurance companies will cover these services because they are reconstructive rather than cosmetic in nature.
Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Before & After
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How to get started with Moh's Reconstructive Surgery?
Marc S. Zimbler, MD and his staff will be happy to discuss Moh's Reconstructive Surgery with you. Please call for a private consultation or schedule an appointment online at our office.
Flexible & interest free financing available
We are pleased to offer affordable financing options. Choose from a variety of installment and interest free payment plans and, upon approval, start your treatment today. Visit our patient financing section of our website or call us @ 212.570.9900 to find out more details.
