Mohs & Skin Cancer Surgery

Millions of Americans face a skin cancer diagnosis each year. Fortunately, modern diagnosis and surgical techniques have led to a very high success rate when it comes to identifying and removing malignant (cancerous) skin cells. Mohs surgery, which allows for the precise excision of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, maximizes the preservation of healthy non-cancerous tissue. Still, even the best outcome will leave its telltale mark, which is why many patients from the Lake Norman area such as Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson; Lake Wylie communities including Tega Cay and India Hook; Belmont; Indian Trail; and other nearby cities choose reconstruction after Mohs and skin cancer surgery in Charlotte, NC.

As dual board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz approach reconstructive skin cancer surgery as an opportunity to preserve the form and function of critical and very visible facial structures.

What Is Reconstructive Skin Cancer Surgery?

A common treatment for certain types of skin cancer is surgical removal to prevent the cancer from spreading. Excising a mole or tumor leaves behind a hole in the skin, which can be particularly noticeable on the delicate features of the face.

Reconstructive skin cancer surgery involves the closure of that hole, restoring skin and other vital tissues to the area with an emphasis on minimizing scarring, preserving function, and achieving natural aesthetically pleasing results. There are a variety of skin cancer reconstructive surgery techniques available, depending on the location of the site of cancer removal and the size of the area to be repaired.

Types of Skin Cancers and Treatments

Skin cancer is the general term for the abnormal growth of cells in the skin, attributable mostly to damage from ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun and other sources, such as bulbs in tanning beds.

There are 3 common types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Though the most common form, basal cell carcinoma, is not usually fatal—especially if detected and treated early—it can significantly impact the area where it is found, growing into the surrounding skin. This cancer often appears on the face and neck, as these areas experience significant sun exposure. Since these areas are also so prominent, many patients choose reconstructive skin cancer surgery after the cancerous tissue is removed.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma tends to grow and spread more quickly than basal cell carcinoma, but still has a high success rate if caught and removed in an early stage. This cancer also tends to appear on areas that are often exposed to the sun, frequently developing on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and neck.  Removal of squamous cell carcinoma often results in larger defects, making reconstructive skin cancer surgery a procedure of choice for patients after tumor removal.

Both of these carcinomas may be treated with Mohs surgery as recommended by a skin cancer specialist.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is also the most aggressive and deadly. Surgical removal may be an option in some cases, but other typical treatments include medication, radiation, and chemotherapy. Anyone undergoing treatment for skin cancer is encouraged to talk to our facial plastic surgeons to learn their options for reconstructive skin cancer surgery as necessary.

How Does Mohs Surgery Work?

Reconstruction after Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer from the face and neck is a common procedure. 

During Mohs surgery, a specialty trained Mohs dermatologist removes the cancer, takes thin samples of the tumor’s margins, and examines them under a microscope. This process is repeated until no sign of cancer remains in the tissues being examined, indicating that the entire growth has been removed.

After your Mohs surgeon confirms the entire tumor has been removed, your facial plastics surgeons, Drs. Garcia and Surowitz, will reconstruct the defect.

Other Reconstructive Procedures

Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz have a comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy, giving them particular insight into various structures’ proper function and appearance. In addition to skin cancer reconstructive surgery, they also offer scar revision and mole removal surgery.

How Much Does Reconstructive Skin Cancer Surgery Cost?

Because skin cancer can appear in a variety of forms virtually anywhere on the body—not just where sun exposure occurs—the cost of reconstructive skin cancer surgery depends on factors unique to each patient. We partner with many insurance companies to make costs more affordable. Pricing and other details will be discussed at your skin cancer surgery consultation.

Request Your Consultation

If you would like to meet with our Charlotte Mohs and skin cancer surgery specialists to discuss what is possible for you, please request your consultation online or call (980) 949-6544.