Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Charleston, SC | Réforme
Dermatology & Aesthetics
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialized technique of skin cancer removal that offers the highest available cure rate. When performed by a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Mohs surgery allows for preserving surrounding healthy tissue, making it the top treatment for skin cancers on the face, nose, lips, ears, and cosmetically sensitive areas. It involves the careful removal of the lesion one layer at a time, resulting in as little scarring as possible.
Why Is the Cure Rate with Mohs Surgery So Successful?
Skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, have a central bulky portion with extensions that extend deep into the skin and underlying tissue, similar to the roots of a tree. If the tumor’s extensions are not completely eradicated, the cancer can grow back and require additional surgery at another time.
Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate for skin cancer because it uses microscopic confirmation that each extension has been removed before repairing the area. Recurrent tumors can behave more aggressively, so complete removal is imperative to minimize their potential damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscle, cartilage, and bone, as well as future spreading to other areas of the body.
How Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Charleston, SC Performed?
Mohs micrographic surgery is an incredibly intricate process that should only be performed by surgeons with advanced training. It is an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. First, the treatment area will be confirmed by the surgeon. Then the area will be sterilized and numbed.
Next, the Mohs surgeon will remove the visible portion of the tumor one layer at a time and transport it to a laboratory. In the lab, the tissue is colored with dyes through a staining process and then reviewed under a microscope by the surgeon. If tumor buds are found on the slide, the area will be mapped to correlate exactly where the buds are located in the treatment area. If tumor buds are located, a stage of tissue removal is performed. This process is repeated until the surgeon cannot locate more tumor buds under the microscope.
Once it has been confirmed that the cancerous cells have been completely removed, the surgical wound is repaired or allowed to let heal to help limit potential scarring.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore the fully customizable and transformative dermatological treatments with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile, who combines her extensive knowledge of skin health with her passion for finding innovative reparative and preventative treatments. Dr. Vasile’s collaborative, personalized approach to skin health and vitality meets the specific needs of her patients by utilizing state-of-the-art technology, science-based skincare products, and peer and patient-reviewed techniques and treatments.
With a keen aesthetic eye and precision, Dr. Vasile creates balanced and natural results for a variety of aging and skin-related concerns while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Schedule your consultation today and experience a self-esteem boost with beautiful, healthy, vibrant skin.
What To Expect After Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Charleston, SC?
You will leave the office with a pressurized bandage that should remain in place for 1-2 days. This bandage will help to minimize swelling and bruising. If sutures are used, they will be removed by your Mohs surgeon. The wound will remain elevated and pink for about six weeks and then begin to flatten out. Any post-operative pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription provided by the doctor.
Why Choose Dr. Gabriella Vasile for Your Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
As a Double-Fellowship Trained dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Gabriella Vasile has advanced training in Mohs Micrographic surgery pathology, and dermatologic oncology. Her extensive knowledge of different types of skin cancers gives her patients confidence and reassurance that their success and recovery are in the best hands. Our Mohs micrographic surgeries are performed in well-equipped treatment and procedure rooms using state-of-the-art equipment, the latest in advanced technologies, and a team that focuses on exceptional patient safety and quality of care.
FAQs: Mohs with Dr. Gabriella Vasile
How Long Does Mohs Surgery Generally Take?
Due to its extensive process involving many steps, Mohs micrographic surgery can take several hours to go through the layers of damaged tissue and examine them for cancer cells. This process allows for the most significant amount of preservation of healthy skin. For this reason, Mohs micrographic surgery offers better aesthetic results than traditional excision surgery techniques.
How Should I Prepare for My Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Some preparation is necessary to help encourage a smooth Mohs surgery and recovery. These will be discussed during your pre-operative consultation.
Preparation typically involves:
- Limit alcohol consumption for 48 hours before your surgery, as alcohol can thin the blood.
- Withhold using Advil, Motrin, and Ibuprofen for a few days before surgery unless medically necessary.
- Mohs surgery can take several hours to complete depending on the extent of the tumor. You should not schedule any other appointments and request a day off of work.
- Plan to take it easy for 7-14 days afterward (pending what our team tells you). Activities that may move or stretch the surgical site, such as exercise, yard work, house cleaning, or lifting, should be avoided for one week after your surgery.
- Before your appointment, eat a balanced, nutritious meal and drink plenty of water. Bring snacks and a sweater to your appointment.
- Shower and wash your hair and skin the day of your surgery in case you need to avoid showering for the next few days to protect the surgical site.
What Advantages Does Mohs Surgery Offer Patients?
- It offers the highest cure rate for skin cancer amongst alternative treatments.
- It offers the best cosmetic and functional outcomes.
- It helps avoid additional surgery or cancer recurrence
- It is less invasive than other methods of cancer excisions and offers the preservation of healthy surrounding tissues.
Ready To Schedule Your Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Réforme?
If you have any concerns about skin cancer and need an evaluation by a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, contact our office for your in-person consultation. Dr. Vasile will provide you with the best treatment options to treat your specific type of skin cancer. If Mohs micrographic surgery is right for you, she’ll explain the procedure, guide you through treatment, and the details of your follow-up care.
For additional information, call our office today at (843) 974-1230 to speak with a member of our team or request your consultation online by completing our convenient request form.
