Is Mohs Reconstruction Surgery Painful?

Mohs reconstruction surgery is designed to be as comfortable as possible. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you’ll be relaxed and won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild swelling or tenderness may occur, but these effects are manageable with simple care and over-the-counter pain relief.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

For Mohs reconstruction surgery, you’ll typically have two primary appointments. The first is a consultation, where your surgeon will examine the area, discuss your options, and develop a customized approach. The second is your surgery day, which combines the removal of cancerous tissue with immediate reconstruction. Depending on your healing progress, a follow-up appointment may be recommended to check your results and ensure your recovery is on track.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results from Mohs reconstruction surgery can usually be noticed quite soon after the initial healing begins, with most patients seeing substantial improvement within a few weeks. Swelling and bruising will slowly diminish, revealing the surgical area’s improved appearance. However, complete results, including scar softening and fading, may take a few months as the area matures and the skin settles.

Can I Combine Mohs Reconstruction Surgery With Other Procedures?

Mohs reconstruction surgery can be effectively paired with other procedures to improve aesthetic and functional outcomes. Suppose you’re considering additional cosmetic enhancements, such as contouring or post-healing treatments like laser therapy to refine scarring. In that case, these can often be coordinated with your Mohs reconstruction.

What Are the Risks Associated With Mohs Reconstruction Surgery?

Patients tend to experience temporary bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the treated area during Mohs Reconstruction surgery. There’s also the possibility of scarring, infection, bleeding, or delayed healing. Additional revision surgery may be necessary for some to achieve your desired outcome. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks and promote a smooth recovery.

Mohs Reconstruction

In Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Mohs Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts understand that dealing with skin cancer can be overwhelming, and they are here to guide you through the next step—Mohs reconstruction surgery. After Mohs micrographic surgery removes the cancer, our goal is to help you heal beautifully, both functionally and cosmetically.

With their extensive experience in facial aesthetics, Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon ensure that the area is restored to look natural and smooth, blending seamlessly with your surrounding skin. They customize each procedure to your needs, whether a minor touch-up or a more intricate reconstruction. Above all, our goal is to ensure you feel confident in your skin again, knowing that his expert care will help you recover and look and feel your best.

Close-up of Dr. Richard Gangnes performing surgery. He is wearing a surgical gown, mask, and loupe, focused on the patient. A gloved hand from another team member is visible. The operating room is dimly lit, with surgical lights highlighting the scene. - MOHs Reconstruction in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is Mohs Reconstruction Surgery?

Mohs reconstruction surgery is a follow-up procedure performed after Mohs surgery, a precise technique for removing skin cancer. While Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer to conserve as much healthy skin as possible, it can leave visible gaps or defects on the face, neck, or other areas. Mohs reconstruction addresses these areas, restoring appearance and function through advanced plastic surgery techniques.

What Are the Benefits of Mohs Reconstruction Surgery?

Mohs reconstruction surgery offers several key benefits, especially for skin cancer patients. It ensures the complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. The reconstruction phase focuses on minimizing visible scarring, especially in delicate areas like the face, using techniques like skin grafts or flaps. This approach improves aesthetics and helps preserve the function of places like the eyelids or lips. By removing only cancerous cells, Mohs surgery reduces the risk of recurrence and creates the best possible outcomes for appearance and functionality.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Mohs Reconstruction Surgery?

The best candidates for Mohs reconstruction surgery are those who have been diagnosed with skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and need reconstruction after the tumor has been removed. Ideal candidates include individuals with tumors in areas where preserving cosmetic appearance and functionality is essential, such as the face, ears, or neck. Patients with larger or deeper skin cancers, or those that have recurred after previous treatment, can also benefit from Mohs surgery, as it allows for precise removal of the cancerous tissue. Additionally, Mohs reconstruction benefits individuals looking to minimize scarring while achieving functional and aesthetic restoration.

How to get started

What’s the First Step?

The first step in Mohs reconstruction surgery is meeting with Dr. Brandon or Dr. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts for a personalized consultation. During this session, your surgeon will carefully evaluate the area that needs reconstruction and discuss your goals for restoring a smooth, natural appearance. You’ll go over your medical history and be explained the entire process, including the different techniques that may be used. With a clear understanding of your needs, Your customized plan to address the specific areas of concern. Afterward, you’ll schedule your surgery and receive detailed instructions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

What to Expect on the Day of Mohs Reconstruction Surgery

During Mohs reconstruction surgery, your surgeon will carefully rebuild the area where cancerous tissue was removed, using precise techniques to repair it so it matches the surrounding skin in texture, color, and contour. Depending on the size and depth of the excised tissue, the surgeon may use local tissue flaps, which involve repositioning nearby skin, or grafts, which take skin from a donor site to cover the wound.

If a flap is used, the surgeon will shape and place it to restore a natural appearance while maintaining blood supply to the area. The surgeon will carefully match the donor skin for grafts to blend well with your natural complexion. Sutures or specialized adhesives hold the reconstructed area in place, ensuring a seamless fit as it heals. Throughout, the surgeon’s focus remains on preserving function and achieving a balanced, aesthetically pleasing result.

Mohs Reconstruction Surgery Recovery

For the first few days after surgery, keep the treated area clean and avoid activities that could put stress on the wound, like heavy lifting or intense exercise. Most patients are able to return to their routine within 7 to 10 days. However, attending follow-up appointments with our post-operative team is essential to check on your healing process and remove any stitches if necessary.

The total recovery time will depend on the size and complexity of the reconstruction. Still, you should generally expect to see your final results within a few weeks to a couple of months as the scar gradually fades and becomes permanent.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Mohs Reconstruction Surgery Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of Mohs reconstruction surgery in areas like San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and the greater Orange County area can vary depending on several factors. These include the reconstruction’s complexity, the tumor’s location and size, and whether the surgery is being performed alone or in combination with other procedures. On average, you can expect the cost of Mohs reconstruction surgery to range between $3,000 and $6,000. However, additional costs may be involved if there are multiple stages of reconstruction or if anesthesia or facility fees are required.

For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to schedule a consultation at Facial Aesthetic Concepts so we can provide you with a tailored cost breakdown.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

Since 1980, Facial Aesthetic Concepts has been a leading name in cosmetic surgery throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, specializing in procedures like facelifts, microlifts, and rhinoplasty. With a meticulous and artistic approach, both Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes are dedicated to achieving natural-looking results while ensuring a comfortable and collaborative experience. Having performed over 4,000 combined facial rejuvenation procedures, they combine technical precision with a focus on each patient’s unique aesthetic goals.

Dr. Bryan Brandon, our skilled lead surgeon, brings a wealth of expertise and education to our practice. He graduated as valedictorian in high school, earned a biomedical engineering degree from California Polytechnic University, and completed his medical training at UC Irvine. He further honed his craft through a prestigious fellowship with Dr. Vito Quatela in New York.

Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and as a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Mohs Reconstruction FAQ’S

For Mohs reconstruction surgery, you’ll typically have two primary appointments. The first is a consultation, where your surgeon will examine the area, discuss your options, and develop a customized approach. The second is your surgery day, which combines the removal of cancerous tissue with immediate reconstruction. Depending on your healing progress, a follow-up appointment may be recommended to check your results and ensure your recovery is on track.
Results from Mohs reconstruction surgery can usually be noticed quite soon after the initial healing begins, with most patients seeing substantial improvement within a few weeks. Swelling and bruising will slowly diminish, revealing the surgical area’s improved appearance. However, complete results, including scar softening and fading, may take a few months as the area matures and the skin settles.
Patients tend to experience temporary bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the treated area during Mohs Reconstruction surgery. There’s also the possibility of scarring, infection, bleeding, or delayed healing. Additional revision surgery may be necessary for some to achieve your desired outcome. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks and promote a smooth recovery.

Schedule A
Consultation

Take the first step towards restoring your skin’s natural appearance by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Richard A. Gangnes and Dr. Bryan Brandon at Facial Aesthetic Concepts. With their expert guidance, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. He’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and help you feel confident about your decision. Reach out today to begin your journey toward a refreshed and confident you.