Mohs Nose Reconstruction After Cancer
After skin cancer is removed through Mohs surgery, patients often face the challenge of restoring the shape and function of their noses. Whether a small area or a larger portion of the nose has been affected, Mohs nose reconstruction allows patients to regain their confidence and normal appearance.
In this blog, we will examine how this reconstructive approach helps those recovering from skin cancer treatments.
What is Mohs Nose Reconstruction Surgery?
Mohs nose reconstruction surgery is a specialised procedure performed after Mohs micrographic surgery, which is used to remove skin cancer from the nose or surrounding areas. Mohs surgery is highly effective at eliminating skin cancer while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
However, depending on the size and location of the tumour, it can result in a significant loss of skin, cartilage, or tissue in the nose. This is where reconstruction becomes crucial.
The primary reasons for Mohs nose reconstruction include:
- Leaves visible scars or deformities on the nose, which is a central feature of the face.
- Helps improve the nose’s structural integrity, allowing patients to breathe properly and maintain nasal airflow.
- Reduces the risk of complications such as nasal collapse or obstruction.
- Improves feelings of self-consciousness and emotional distress.
What Cancer Types are Removed With Mohs Surgery?
Mohs nose reconstruction surgery is primarily used to treat skin cancers on the nose and surrounding areas. The procedure is most commonly used for the following types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Mohs surgery can also be used for other less common types of skin cancer, especially when they affect the nose or other critical areas where tissue preservation is important for both function and appearance.
How to Prepare for Mohs Nose Reconstruction Surgery?
On the day of the surgery, patients undergo abdominoplasty under general anaesthesia in a hospital. The surgical technique employed may vary depending on the patient’s specific concerns and desired outcomes. For individuals with mild to moderate abdominal laxity, a mini tummy tuck may be performed, focusing on the lower abdomen beneath the belly button. Conversely, a full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, incorporating extensive skin and muscle tightening for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Excess Skin Removal and Muscle Tightening
Preparing for Mohs nose reconstruction surgery is an important step to ensure the best possible outcome. Below are key steps to help you prepare for the procedure:
- Stop certain medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs, as advised.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, ideally with buttons or zippers for easy removal.
- If you smoke, it is highly recommended to quit smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery.
How is Mohs Nose Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
- Local Anaesthesia: The procedure starts with applying local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the skin cancer.
- Removal of Visible Cancer: The surgeon carefully removes the visible tissue of cancer along with a thin margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This step minimises the removal of healthy skin, ensuring maximum tissue preservation.
- Lab Analysis: The removed tissue is sent to an on-site lab, where it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The goal is to determine whether cancer cells are present at the margins or edges of the removed tissue.
- Additional Tissue Removal (if needed): If cancer cells are detected at the margins, the surgeon removes another thin layer of tissue from the affected area. The surgeon ensures that only the affected area is targeted, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Repeat Lab Analysis: The newly removed tissue is sent to the lab again for analysis. The process of removing tissue and analysing it is repeated until no cancer cells are found at the edges of the wound, confirming complete cancer removal.
- Wound Management: After the cancer is fully removed, the surgeon will evaluate the wound to determine the best healing approach. Options may include:
- Closing the wound with stitches.
- Applying a skin flap or graft to cover larger wounds.
The goal of Mohs nose reconstruction surgery is to completely remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional result.
Book Your Appointment for Mohs Nose Reconstruction with Dr Frank Conroy
For Mohs Nose Reconstruction, contact Dr Frank Conroy, a distinguished specialist renowned for his compassionate approach and expertise in Mohs nose reconstruction following skin cancer.
Whether you’re seeking consultation for post-cancer reconstructive options, require a precise skin assessment, or need reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery, Dr Frank Conroy offers state-of-the-art technology to provide highest level of care. Dr Frank Conroy’s meticulous approach and advanced techniques help restore both form and function, ensuring you achieve natural-looking, confident results after Mohs nose reconstruction.
FAQs
What Skin Cancer Types Are Treated with Mohs Surgery on the Nose?
Mohs surgery is commonly used in treating Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In certain cases, it’s also used for melanoma in situ and other rare types of skin cancer affecting the nose or surrounding facial areas.
Is Mohs Nose Reconstruction Painful?
The surgery itself is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring patients do not feel pain during surgery. Afterwards, patients may experience some soreness, swelling, and discomfort, which can generally be managed with prescribed pain medications.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the surgical site, which usually improves after the first two weeks. Following aftercare instructions—like keeping the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities—will help minimise discomfort and support healing. Complete healing can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the reconstruction.