Mohs Reconstruction Surgery in Phoenix and Sun City West

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most advanced, precise, and effective treatment for most skin cancer types. With the Mohs technique, physicians can precisely identify and remove an entire tumor while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue in an outpatient office setting.

Dr. Lisa Mihora is fellowship trained as an oculoplastic surgeon through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She has over 15 years of experience providing MOHS reconstruction procedures and sees patients from Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, and throughout the West Valley. Learn about Mohs surgery and call (623) 522-8687 to schedule your appointment today!

What Causes Skin Cancer and How is it Diagnosed?

The leading cause of skin cancers is exposure to UV light from the sun. A new lesion or growth, a wound that won’t heal, or a change in an existing mole or growth is the most common symptom of skin cancer. Skin cancers are diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the suspicious lesion.

What to Expect During Mohs Surgery and Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?

Surgical excision is the most effective treatment for skin cancers around the eyes and is a two-part process. First, complete removal of skin cancer is necessary to reduce the chance of reoccurrence. Second, reconstruction of the resulting defect includes preserving the function of the eye and a satisfactory cosmetic appearance.

A MOHS surgeon will remove the skin cancer. He or she will then patch that area and Dr. Mihora will repair the defect the following day. When the skin cancer or defect is near an important structure (such as the eyelid or on the face), we do not want any scar tissue to pull the eyelid or face down. Dr. Mihora will look at your natural skin tension lines and discuss scar placement to best camouflage the resultant scar as well as to avoid any downward traction on vital areas of the face.

Dr. Mihora may put an additional patch over the areas of transposed skin or skin graft to help it vascularize/take. You will return to the office in 5-10 days. Dr. Mihora will discuss healing, massage, and other techniques to help your final scar.

MOHS Repair Post-operative Care Instructions

What to expect after your procedure

Patients can expect redness and swelling around the incision areas. The eyes may tear. Any dryness that occurs in the eye area can be alleviated by artificial tear drops or ointment. However, patients may experience a temporary blurring of vision as a result of using the ointment. Also, swelling and bruising can be minimized by keeping the head elevate as much as possible during the first few days of recovery.
Tightness or soreness around the incision area; this can be treated with analgesics like Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Throughout the first couple of weeks after the surgery, avoid any activities that increase blood flow to the face, including bending, lifting, sporting activities or any other strenuous activity.
A patch may be temporarily placed covering the incision area, normally these are not vision restriction. If a patch is placed, it is important to keep the patch dry and abstain from use of ice or ointment on the area. The patch will be removed at your postoperative visit.

What to do at home

Take pain medication (Tylenol) as needed.
No vigorous rubbing.
Do not disturb the area.
If you are sent home with a patch do NOT ice, do NOT place ointment on top of the patch. Body showers are acceptable after 24 hours.

Schedule a Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Consultation Today

If you are having Mohs surgery and are looking for an expert in Mohs reconstructive surgery, Dr. Mihora can help. Call (623) 522-8687 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mihora today! We have clinics in North Phoenix and Sun City.