At Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis (PSG), we understand the complex nature of facial skin cancer and the importance of both effective treatment and aesthetic outcomes. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons specializes in Mohs surgery and advanced reconstructive techniques, particularly for complex nasal reconstruction. We offer personalized care that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your treatment, ensuring the best possible results.
Mohs surgery is a highly effective technique for removing skin cancer, particularly in sensitive areas like the face. This procedure allows for the precise removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. At PSG Memphis, we specialize in Mohs surgery for facial skin cancers, including complex cases involving the nose, lips, eyelids, and ears.
Skin cancer is widespread in the South. Large and small skin cancers on the nose, lips, eyelids, and ears may need reconstruction to avoid disfiguring scarring. The options for reconstruction include transferring skin from one place on the head and neck to the defect (skin graft) or moving adjacent skin (local flap or adjacent tissue transfer. Significant nose defects, such as those with exposed or removed cartilage and internal lining, are particularly complex and may need multiple-stage procedures. Facial skin cancer reconstruction is performed as an outpatient procedure. The final results usually take 3-6 months to appear.
On the day of your surgery at PSG Memphis, our skilled Memphis Mohs Surgery surgeons will begin by removing the visible portion of the skin cancer. We then examine this tissue under a microscope to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed. If cancer cells are still present at the edges, we remove additional tissue from that specific area and repeat the process until we achieve clear margins.
We may need to perform multiple-stage procedures for complex nasal reconstructions or other significant defects. These surgeries are typically outpatient, allowing you to return home the same day.
Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. It is especially valuable when the goal is not only to remove the cancer completely, but also to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible in the process.
This technique is often recommended for:
Mohs surgery is also often chosen for tumors that are larger, more aggressive under the microscope, or located in areas where even a small amount of unnecessary tissue removal could affect appearance or function. On the face, that precision matters. A margin that is too conservative may leave cancer behind. A margin that is too wide may make reconstruction more difficult than it needs to be. Mohs helps narrow the gap.
Mohs surgery can be used on many areas of the body, especially when skin cancer develops in a location where preserving healthy tissue matters. While it is often performed on the trunk, arms, legs, hands, or feet, it is particularly well-suited to areas where both function and appearance need to be protected as much as possible.
At PSG Memphis, the focus is on facial skin cancer care and reconstruction, particularly in areas such as the:
These areas require a different level of planning because they are highly visible and structurally complex. Even a small skin cancer can leave behind a defect that affects contour, symmetry, breathing, eyelid position, or lip movement. That is why facial Mohs-related reconstruction is not only about closing the wound. It is about restoring shape, protecting function, and helping the final result heal in a way that looks as natural as possible.
Mohs surgery offers several important advantages, especially when skin cancer is located in a highly visible or delicate area.
Key Mohs surgery benefits include:
One of the biggest strengths of Mohs surgery is that it does not force patients to choose between cancer clearance and cosmetic outcome. The procedure is designed to prioritize both. That makes it especially valuable for the face, where the goal is not simply to remove the cancer, but to do so with the highest degree of accuracy while preserving the structures that matter most.
If you have skin cancer in a cosmetically sensitive area, a large or aggressive skin cancer, or recurrent skin cancer, you may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery. During your consultation at PSG Memphis, our experienced surgeons will evaluate your case to determine if Mohs surgery is the best option.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons offers personalized treatment plans that address both the medical and aesthetic aspects of your care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward effective skin cancer treatment and facial restoration.
Recovery from Mohs surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and any necessary reconstruction. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including wound care and sun protection recommendations. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
The removal of the skin cancer is immediate, but the final aesthetic results, especially for complex reconstructions, may take 3-6 months to fully appear. The results of Mohs surgery are typically permanent in terms of cancer removal. However, it's essential to maintain regular skin checks to detect any new skin cancers early.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort during recovery is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
While there will be a scar, our skilled surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and provide the best possible aesthetic outcome.
The duration varies depending on the size and location of the cancer. It can take several hours to process and examine the tissue during the procedure.
While Mohs surgery is primarily used for BCCs and SCCs, it can sometimes be used for certain types of melanoma. We'll discuss the best treatment options for your specific case.
The cost of Mohs surgery can vary depending on the size and location of the skin cancer, how many stages are needed to fully remove it, and whether reconstruction is required afterward. During your consultation, we’ll review your treatment plan and explain the factors that may affect overall cost.
