Can I Choose My Mohs Reconstruction Surgeon?

If you've been told you need Mohs surgery for skin cancer on your face, you may be wondering who will repair the area after the cancer is removed. In many cases, you can request or discuss your preferred reconstruction surgeon before Mohs surgery, although your options may depend on the surgical site, complexity of the reconstruction, insurance coverage, surgeon availability, and coordination between physicians.

If you have a specific surgeon in mind, it’s best to bring this up before your Mohs procedure. Discussing your preferences early can help you understand who will be involved in your care and how the Mohs and reconstruction procedures will be coordinated. Because the final size and depth of the surgical defect may not be known until the cancer has been fully removed, the reconstruction plan may also need to be adjusted after Mohs surgery.

Planning ahead can help you understand who will be involved in your care, when reconstruction may take place, and what questions to ask before surgery.

When Should I Start Thinking About Reconstruction?

Ideally, before your Mohs surgery. You do not need to know exactly how the surgical site will be repaired because the final size and depth of the surgical defect may not be known until the Mohs surgeon has completely removed the cancer and confirmed that the margins are clear.

Before surgery, you can discuss who will perform the reconstruction and what types of repair may be considered. A consultation may be especially helpful when skin cancer affects areas where preserving anatomy and function is important, such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, cheeks, or forehead.

What Should I Ask Before Choosing a Reconstruction Surgeon?

A consultation is an opportunity to ask practical questions about your care. Consider asking:

1. Who will perform my reconstruction?

Find out whether your Mohs surgeon will repair the wound or whether another specialist will be involved.

2. How do you coordinate with my Mohs surgeon?

If two surgeons are involved, ask how they will communicate and coordinate the timing of your care.

3. How much experience do you have with facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery?

Experience with facial anatomy can be particularly important when reconstruction involves the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, or other structures where function and appearance are closely connected.

4. Can I choose who performs my Mohs reconstruction?

In many cases, you can discuss or request your preferred reconstruction surgeon before Mohs surgery. Your options may depend on the surgical site, complexity of the reconstruction, insurance coverage, surgeon availability, and coordination between your Mohs and reconstructive surgeons.

5. What happens if the surgical defect is larger than expected?

Because the final defect may not be known until Mohs surgery is complete, ask how your surgeon approaches situations where the resulting defect is larger or more complex than initially anticipated.

6. What should I expect during recovery?

Your surgeon can explain the expected recovery process and provide instructions specific to your procedure.

Does Choosing a Reconstruction Surgeon Guarantee a Certain Result?

No. Choosing a particular surgeon cannot guarantee a specific cosmetic or functional result.

The final outcome can be influenced by factors including the location and size of the defect, the amount of tissue removed, your individual anatomy, healing, and the reconstruction required.

A consultation can help you understand the potential options and limitations before surgery, but the exact reconstruction may need to be adapted to the surgical defect once the cancer has been completely removed.

Mohs Reconstruction Expert in Southeast Michigan

For patients in Southeast Michigan, Dr. Eric Succar of ENT Care of Michigan provides facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients who may need reconstruction following Mohs skin cancer removal.

Dr. Succar evaluates the surgical site, anatomy, and reconstructive needs to help determine an appropriate reconstruction plan.

If you have been scheduled for Mohs surgery and want to discuss who will perform your reconstruction, a consultation can help you understand your options and determine whether coordinating care with a facial plastic surgeon is appropriate.