After Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer, it’s very common to be left with a large and complex wound in a prominent area on your face. When this occurs, Dr. Ridgway will perform a Mohs reconstruction to expertly address the defect and restore your normal facial appearance.
An overview of your Mohs reconstruction procedure
Because each patient’s facial anatomy and wound are completely unique, your Mohs reconstruction procedure will be entirely customized. Dr. James Ridgway will begin by carefully analyzing your facial features, skin quality and the defect, before composing a personalized treatment plan that will give you back your beautiful and healthy face.
To begin your actual procedure, Dr. Ridgway will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. From there, he will either use a skin graft or skin flap to repair the defect, depending on which option he feels is likely to produce an optimal outcome. If using a skin flap, Dr. Ridgway will use skin near the area of the scar to repair the wound. If using a skin graft, he will remove skin from the base of the neck or around the ear and transplant it to cover the defect. Both are excellent options, and during your initial consultation Dr. Ridgway will offer guidance on which one is in your best interest. During that time, the two of you will discuss your entire procedure in detail, so you know exactly what to expect before, during and after your reconstruction.
What to expect during recovery
Once your reconstruction is complete, you will be sent home to begin the healing process. That evening, Dr. Ridgway will call to check in and answer any immediate questions you may have. In addition, he will be accessible to you throughout the recovery period should any concerns or complications arise.
Your recovery from among the best Mohs reconstruction Bellevue has to offer will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of your procedure and the size of the wound being repaired. However, most of our patients are fully recovered within one to four weeks. During that time, it’s normal to experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort, though it will all be manageable with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Ridgway. As you heal, you should keep your head elevated at all times, avoid strenuous exercise and stay out of the sun. Although it will take about a year for your final scar to mature, in most cases it will appear well-healed and less noticeable within three weeks.
Are you a candidate for Mohs reconstruction?
Dr. Ridgway is deeply committed to personalized patient care. As such, he determines candidacy for all of his patients on an individual basis, after carefully evaluating their unique situation. However, most patients can be considered a candidate for among the best Mohs reconstruction Bellevue has to offer if they:
- Are in good physical and mental health.
- Possess noticeable defects following Mohs surgery.
- Are not scheduled for ongoing cancer treatments that may interfere with the healing process.
Schedule your consultation
If you are preparing to undergo Mohs surgery for skin cancer, we encourage you to first schedule a consultation for among the best Mohs reconstruction Bellevue has to offer with Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private meeting, he will carefully evaluate the cancerous area being removed, which allows him to collect the information he will need to restore your normal facial appearance after plastic surgery in Bellevue.
Schedule a consultation
