A skin cancer diagnosis may seem scary, especially when it is on your face. A majority of the time all of the cancerous cells can be removed by a highly-trained, top dermatologist using Mohs surgery near Nashville in Brentwood Tennessee. This technique is often used to treat basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, which are the most common types of skin cancer.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is consider the “gold standard” for facial skin cancer removal because it has the highest cure rate of any procedure, around 99%.
Due to the precision technique used, it also has the lowest cancer recurrence rate.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, which makes it cost effective since you will not have hospital or operating room fees.
The reason it is performed on the face is it will maximum amount of healthy skin is preserved while fully removing the cancerous cells. Depending on the size and area removed, scarring is minimal or skin grafts can be used post-procedure.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
- Examination – Dr. Binhlam will examine the spot where you had your biopsy and may mark it for reference. You will be prepped for surgery with a surgical drape and local anesthesia is applied so you will not feel anything during the procedure.
- Removal – The doctor will remove a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue and send it to the lab for analysis while you wait. The tissue is examined to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed. If necessary, the doctor may return to remove more tissue. This process will continue until no cancerous cells remain.
- Wound repair – Depending on the size of the wound, it may be closed with stitches, left open to heal, or need reconstruction with a skin flap or skin graft. You may need to coordinate with another specialist like a plastic surgeon in some cases.
The entire process can take a few hours, but this technique has the highest cure rate and saves the most amount of healthy tissue, which results in minimal scarring. Your doctor will give you instructions for wound care and follow-up so you can achieve optimal results.
Top Dermatologist for Mohs Surgery near Nashville Tennessee
Dr. Binhlam at Advanced Skin and Laser Center is a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in Mohs surgery near Nashville in Brentwood Tennessee. He has served in leadership positions with the National American Society of Mohs Surgery. Call today to schedule a consultation and ensure the best possible outcome of your Mohs surgery in Brentwood Tennessee!