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- Treatment of Multiple Skin Cancer Lesions - June 1, 2016
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Should I have a facial plastic surgeon close my defect after Mohs surgery?
Question: I have basal cell carcinoma of my forehead. My dermatologist recommended that I see a Mohs Surgeon. My Mohs Surgeon does his own reconstruction. Should I, instead, request a facial plastic surgeon? I do want to obtain the best possible results.
Discussion: The answer to this question mostly depends on the experience of the Mohs surgeon. In most instances the Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist who has completed a one year Mohs surgical fellowship. During that year the dermatologist must learn how to appropriately remove lesions, how to read the pathological slides and how to close the defect. A facial plastic surgeon on the other hand spends 5 years studying various surgical approaches to the head and neck and then adds another year of fellowship training to further study the cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face.
If a Mohs surgeon’s fellowship focused mostly on reconstruction then they should be able to handle most defects they come across. In most cases you should review the before and after photos and patient testimonials to better understand your surgeon’s level of skill and comfort with these procedures.
Key Points
- Cosmetic results following Mohs surgery are mostly dependent on the location and size of the tumor and the experience of the person who is closing the defect.
- Experience matters the most. A facial plastic surgeon should be specifically trained in the care of facial cosmesis. Fellowship training with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a great way to assure this level of training.
Read patient stories about Dr. Hootan Zandifar from the Skin Center, at the internationally renowned Osborne Head & Neck Institute.
To learn more about Dr. Zandifar and other facial plastics procedures offered at the internationally renowned Osborne Head and Neck Institute visit our website at: http://www.ohnifacialplastics.com
