What Am I Going to Look Like After Mohs Surgery?

It’s an anxiety provoking thought patients often share through a nervous question. “So… what grade did you get in stitching class, Dr. Dabade?” Rest assured, drawing is my forte and I can confidently say I am an excellent Pictionary player.

I get it. When a lesion involves the nose, eyelids, lips, or any highly visible area, there’s a concern about appearance. Our role is not only to cure the cancer, but also to help you heal in a way that preserves your confidence and sense of self.

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for treating many types of skin cancer because it allows us to remove cancer with precision while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This technique gives us the highest cure rates available and provides the best opportunity for an excellent cosmetic and functional result. Once the cancer is fully removed, the reconstruction becomes the focus.

Reconstruction is not just “stitching the wound,” it is a thoughtful, personalized process. Every face is unique, and the repair considers that. Depending on a person’s facial characteristics, personal preferences, defect location and size, we may use a linear closure (closing as a line), a flap, a graft, or sometimes allow the area to heal naturally. Unlike a randomly shaped scar from an accident, we prospectively choose where to place the closure lines to best blend them in. The goal is to restore the area in the most natural and seamless way possible.

Equally important is seeing patients in follow-up from surgery, and ensuring their goals are reached. Patients most commonly will share that during conversations with friends and family the area treated isn’t noticeable. The “art” of the repair has advanced over the decades of Mohs surgery, and my personal preferences have similarly evolved over time.

I’m always in awe of how our body heals, and when something seems amiss, I do not rest until it is addressed. The before and after photos included in this article are just a few of the thousands of cases I’ve done. They show typical outcomes utilizing various repairs in different areas.

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, please know that all of us at Advanced Dermatology are here to help. My commitment is to guide you through each step with clarity, compassion, and expertise. I’m here to answer any questions and ensure you achieve the best possible outcome in both cure and appearance.