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 and scar revision can be advantageous for quite a few Boston, MA individuals. Besides allowing you to get vibrant, clear skin, more benefits include:

• A cure rate of 95 – 99% for the majority of skin cancers

• Just requires one office visit

• More precise compared to other therapies

• Minimal possibility of cancer relapsing

• Low risk of long-lasting scars

• Faster recovery time

• Should not damage as much surrounding healthy skin

• Typically allows for ideal aesthetic outcomes

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%.

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.