Is Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction painful?

Most of our Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients won’t feel any pain during the procedure thanks to the anesthetic we use (which will be discussed during your consultation). As you recover, you can expect to experience some minor pain or discomfort, as well as some swelling and bruising at both the donor location and the treated area. Dr. Cohn will prescribe you some temporary pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may feel during the initial recovery.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments you will need is determined by the extent of your skin trauma, as Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction can be performed in multiple stages. After you consult with Dr. Cohn, he will be able to create the most effective surgical plan to repair the wound and minimize any visual scarring. Regardless of how many surgeries you will need, you should expect to have a follow-up a few days after surgery so that Dr. Cohn can observe your initial healing and remove any sutures or bandages. After that, you can expect a few more appointments over six months so we can monitor your progress. We encourage all post-Mohs surgery patients to routinely meet with their Dermatologist and Oncologist to ensure the skin cancer is completely gone and remains that way.

How long until I see results?

Many patients will notice some positive results immediately following their surgery, however, there will be some swelling and bruising of the tissue. On average, most patients can expect to see their full results within 10 and 12 weeks post-surgery, with the incision scars slowly disappearing over the next year.

Can I combine Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction with other procedures?

While the nature of your trauma will determine if you are a good candidate for multiple procedures at the same time, patients may still consider additional procedures once they have fully healed and with Dr. Cohn’s blessing. Some of the more common cosmetic procedures that our Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients in Long Island may be interested in include a Brow Lift or Cheek Implant , or some of our non-surgical options like BOTOX & Wrinkle Relaxers or Dermal Fillers . If you have a specific area of interest that you would like for Dr. Cohn to examine and discuss with you, please let him know during your Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction consultation, and he will be more than happy to provide you with his expert recommendations.

What are the risks associated with Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

Dr. Cohn and his team take great pride in providing safe and successful results for all of his facial plastic surgeries, however, there are always some potential complications associated with each procedure. Some of these risks connected with Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Infection Hair loss Hematoma ( collection of blood hematoma under the skin) Nerve injury Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Scarring In addition to the aforementioned complications, if you receive Skin Grafts as part of your surgery, you may have the added risk of your skin rejecting the graft, which would require additional surgery being necessary to close the wound. While these risks are exceedingly rare, if you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please contact our office immediately.

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction

In Long Island

older woman smiling with nice skin | Cohn Plastic Surgery Long Island

What is SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION?
Who are the best candidates?
What are the benefits?
What’s the first steps?
What to expect?
SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION recovery
What’s the cost?
SKIN CANCER RECONSTRUCTION FAQ’s

Introduction

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction

What began as “chemosurgery”, Mohs surgery was created by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in 1938 and was designed to treat both common and rare types of skin cancer. This lifesaving surgery has been so helpful for cancer patients as it possesses a very high cure rate, however, it also typically requires removing sections of facial tissue, which can result in an unfavorable appearance. At Cohn Plastic Surgery, we know that now that you’ve removed that horrible cancer, you want to be able to live life to the fullest, which means you shouldn’t have to be self-conscious about your appearance; Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction can be the answer to that concern.

Dr. Cohn routinely sees Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients from all over Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and even from Manhattan. His boutique office is located in Smithtown, New York, making it a convenient destination for any Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients on the North Shore.

Gallery

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction Before & After Photos

ear surgery results before | cohn facial plastic surgery new york

ear surgery results | cohn facial plastic surgery new york

mohs surgery before | cohn facial plastic surgery new york

mohs surgery after | cohn facial plastic surgery new york

Enter Gallery

woman admiring her skin that doesnt have cancer or maybe it did but its gone now because mohs surgery | Cohn Plastic Surgery Long Island

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Basics

What is Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction is a surgical procedure that has the goal of preserving both form and function so that is harmonious with the rest of the face.

There are typically two areas of focus when performing this surgery:

Nasal Reconstruction
Cheek & Lip Reconstruction

Depending on the size of the cancerous lesion, the location, the types of tissues affected, and the depth of its roots, Dr. Cohn may utilize one or more of the following techniques for your Long Island Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction:

Flap Surgery

Flap Surgery is the most common type of reconstruction performed for most skin cancer defects, which involves using skin that is immediately adjacent to the site of the cancer. There are several different types of local flaps that have different designs and provide specific methods of movement. The exact type of flap chosen is based on the location and size of the defect left after skin cancer removal, along with the unique characteristics of the skin in that location.

Some of the advantages of flap surgery are that this technique can provide a closer color and contour match to your skin and the thickness of the flap can better match the depth of the cancer defect. Typically following flap repair, sutures will remain in place for up to one week and will be removed in the office at follow-up.

Primary Closure

Primary Closure using sutures is the most straightforward method when repairing a skin cancer defect. This technique converts the wound from a circular opening to a linear scar. There are natural lines that correspond to tissue elasticity called relaxed skin tension lines (RSTL). When incisions are placed in the same direction as these lines, the scars blend in much better and are less visible than incisions that are placed across these lines.

Dr. Cohn takes a great amount of care when selecting the best orientation of the final scar concerning these skin lines, as well as the scar’s proximity to your surrounding facial structures.

Skin Graft

Skin Grafting is the process of removing skin from one area of your body that is used to repair another location. Skin grafts can be shaved off the very top layer of skin without making an incision (partial thickness) or surgically removed and closed with a suture (full thickness). Partial thickness grafts tend to heal with significant contraction and may appear lighter in color and shinier than the surrounding skin, so they may be utilized in certain locations, but are rarely the first choice for repairing defects.

One advantage of skin grafts includes avoiding extending or placing additional incisions at the skin cancer removal site which are designed to perfectly match the shape of the defect. Commonly selected sites include high on the forehead, behind or just in front of the ear, or low on the neck. Dr. Cohn will carefully choose the location of the donor tissue that has the best color, surface, and thickness to match the cancer defect. One of the key disadvantages of skin grafting is the limited color and contour match to the skin; since the skin is taken from a different location on the body, the match isn’t always seamless.

Skin grafts can only be used to repair fairly shallow cancer defects because taking a very thick graft decreases the chance of it receiving enough new blood supply to survive following the procedure. Despite these limitations, a skin graft provides a very reliable and good aesthetic outcome without the need for lengthening incisions around the defect and keeps the operative time short.

Who are the best candidates for the Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction procedure?

If you have already gone through Mohs surgery and have been cleared of any skin cancer, you are already considered to be an excellent candidate for Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Long Island. Other characteristics that make a good candidate include:

Maintains realistic expectations
Is in overall good health
Are not immuno-suppressed

What are the benefits of Skin Cancer Reconstruction

The benefits of Mole Removal in Long Island extend beyond just cosmetic improvements. Here are some key advantages:

Enhanced appearance
Boosted confidence
Reduced skin cancer risk
Prevent irritation
Ease of makeup application
Peace of mind

First Steps

What’s the first step?

image of a steeple | Cohn Plastic Surgery Long Island

The first step in getting Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery in the Long Island area is to contact Cohn Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. When you come into our office to meet with Dr. Cohn, he will answer any questions you may have, address any concerns, and examine the area you are looking to have treated. He will discuss the different options you have and what he believes would be best for you. It is very important to be open and honest with Dr. Cohn when having this conversation because it will not only help you achieve the best aesthetic results but will also prevent any unnecessary risks. You will be provided with directions to follow prior to surgery, to endure the most successful procedure, as well as a more comfortable recovery.

What to expect on the day of Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery

On the day of your Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction surgery, you will meet with Dr. Cohn who will discuss the steps of your surgery again and may make some markings that will act as a guide during the procedure. You will then meet our Anesthesiologist will ask you some medical questions and administer your anesthesia.

Once you are sedated, Dr. Cohn will begin the surgery using one or more of the following techniques.

Flap Surgery

This technique has Dr. Cohn extending incisions from the original cancer defect to allow for a flap of skin to be rotated or advanced to cover the defect. The final shape of the scar may have an irregular shape (as opposed to a straight line) with a longer scar length than the original defect. Once finished, he will re-drape the skin smoothly and hide the scarring in existing facial lines and creases.

Primary Closure

Dr. Cohn will first make the wound longer to allow the edges to come together evenly and avoid skin bunching, which will make the final scar two to three times the length of the original defect. The benefit of a longer scar with smooth skin edges is that it is often less visible than a shorter scar with bunched edges.

Skin Grafting

Dr. Cohn will remove the graft from a pre-determined area and suture the incision closed, with the removed skin then applied and sutured into its new location. This can be a very quick and reliable method to repair some facial defects. A special dressing called a “bolster” is usually placed at the time of surgery and sewn in place to prevent the graft from moving. This is typically kept for one week and is then removed during your first follow-up appointment in our office.

Once the procedure is complete, you will be kept in our recovery room until you awaken from sedation. Depending on the techniques used and the extent of your surgery, it can take up to 4 hours or longer.

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction recovery

After you are released from our care, you will be able to return home and rest in comfort that same day. You will need a friend or relative to drive you home and potentially help you around the house for the next day or two. There will be some minor bruising and swelling, and potentially some pain immediately after surgery, but we will provide you with directions on how to alleviate any discomfort.

Any individual who is affected by skin cancer should have regular follow-ups with a Dermatologist or Oncologist who is experienced in skin cancer to continue to look for cancer recurrence or the development of a new cancer. You will also have regular follow-ups with Dr. Cohn so he can monitor your healing process.

The healing period for all incisions can take up to one year to be fully complete. Even after healing is complete, Dr. Cohn may suggest other cosmetic procedures that will help optimize the outcome and minimize the appearance of scarring.

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction Cost

How much does Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction cost in Long Island, NY?

The cost of Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Long Island is determined by numerous factors, including the extent of your skin cancer, the desired outcome, which technique Dr. Cohn uses, and the number of procedures you will require. In order to learn about how much your surgery

Patient chair inside a plastic surgery office | Cohn Plastic Surgery Long Island

Rediscover your true self

Why choose Cohn Plastic Surgery?

When you choose Cohn Plastic Surgery for your Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction, you are not only choosing one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the Long Island area, but you are also choosing a practice that cares about your results. Dr. Jason Cohn is an AAFPRS fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Dr. Cohn forges genuine connections, aiming to be your partner in achieving natural, top-tier results when it comes to helping you achieve your desired appearance. With warmth beyond the clinical, he will not only restore your confidence but can elevate it to new heights.

Contact

Schedule a consultation

You’ve already experienced a lot, so now that you are skin cancer-free, you can regain a normal appearance with Mohs Skin Care Reconstruction surgery in Long Island from Cohn Plastic Surgery. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Jason Cohn, contact us today at 631-759-9173 or use our website to request your appointment. Our friendly, highly-trained staff will take care of your scheduling needs and set up a consultation. We offer in-person and virtual appointments to best accommodate your needs.

Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction FAQ’S

Most of our Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients won’t feel any pain during the procedure thanks to the anesthetic we use (which will be discussed during your consultation). As you recover, you can expect to experience some minor pain or discomfort, as well as some swelling and bruising at both the donor location and the treated area. Dr. Cohn will prescribe you some temporary pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may feel during the initial recovery.
The number of appointments you will need is determined by the extent of your skin trauma, as Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction can be performed in multiple stages. After you consult with Dr. Cohn, he will be able to create the most effective surgical plan to repair the wound and minimize any visual scarring.

Regardless of how many surgeries you will need, you should expect to have a follow-up a few days after surgery so that Dr. Cohn can observe your initial healing and remove any sutures or bandages. After that, you can expect a few more appointments over six months so we can monitor your progress.

We encourage all post-Mohs surgery patients to routinely meet with their Dermatologist and Oncologist to ensure the skin cancer is completely gone and remains that way.
While the nature of your trauma will determine if you are a good candidate for multiple procedures at the same time, patients may still consider additional procedures once they have fully healed and with Dr. Cohn’s blessing.

Some of the more common cosmetic procedures that our Skin Cancer Reconstruction patients in Long Island may be interested in include a Brow Lift or Cheek Implant, or some of our non-surgical options like BOTOX & Wrinkle Relaxers or Dermal Fillers.

If you have a specific area of interest that you would like for Dr. Cohn to examine and discuss with you, please let him know during your Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction consultation, and he will be more than happy to provide you with his expert recommendations.
Dr. Cohn and his team take great pride in providing safe and successful results for all of his facial plastic surgeries, however, there are always some potential complications associated with each procedure. Some of these risks connected with Mohs Skin Cancer Reconstruction include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Hematoma ( collection of blood hematoma under the skin)
- Nerve injury
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Scarring
In addition to the aforementioned complications, if you receive Skin Grafts as part of your surgery, you may have the added risk of your skin rejecting the graft, which would require additional surgery being necessary to close the wound.

While these risks are exceedingly rare, if you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please contact our office immediately.