Facial Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
Reconstruction after Skin Surgery
In Network
3 days a week, I help fix the skin on the face and body after Mohs surgery, with my partner, Dr. Raijv Kwatra. For plastic surgery repair after skin cancer removal, I am on most major insurance plans in Arizona.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a way specialized skin surgeons remove certain skin cancers—mainly basal and squamous cell types—by taking off the skin in thin layers and checking each one under a microscope until no cancer is left.
Why It’s Used
It’s especially good when the cancer is in a spot where saving healthy skin matters—like your eyelid, nose, or lip. It helps remove as little normal skin as possible while making sure all the cancer is gone.
How It Works—Step by Step
You get numbed (you stay awake).
Dr. Kwatra cuts out the visible cancer and a tiny bit of regular skin.
That tissue gets prepared and checked under a microscope (takes about 1.5 hours per layer removed).
If cancer is still there, they remove another thin layer from exactly that spot and check again. Repeat until it’s all clear.
Once all cancer is gone, I repair the hole left behind after cancer removal.
Why It’s Great
Most people are cancer‑free after just 1 or 2 rounds—some studies say cure rates reach up to 99% for new skin cancers. It’s the gold‑standard when you need to protect healthy skin and get the job done right.
Risks (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
You might get a little bleeding, bruising, or pain (see postop instructions)
There will be a scar (surprise!), but I try to minimize it as much as possible.
Rarely, infections or problems healing can happen.
A second surgery can be necessary to touch up the first closure.
What Makes This Clinic Special
At Dermatology Associates, Dr. Kwatra has extra training in Mohs surgery and belongs to the American College of Mohs Surgery. Here, our team is one of the only clinics to offer same day, in-house plastic surgery repair of your wound with ME!
✨ What to Expect After Mohs Surgery and Repair
Healing after facial surgery follows a natural course. Knowing what’s normal—and how to care for yourself—can make the journey smoother and less stressful.
The Normal Healing Course
Pain & Swelling
Expect both pain and swelling to increase during the first 3 days.
After day 3, they should steadily improve.
Taking pain medication early and on schedule reduces the overall burden of pain.
Bruising & Drainage
Bruising often moves downward along the face and may last 2 weeks or more.
Light, blood-tinged drainage (“bloody tears” or mild oozing) is normal for 5–7 days.
How to Help Your Recovery
First 3 Days
Apply ice packs frequently while awake to minimize swelling and bleeding.
After Day 3
Switch to warm compresses to reduce crusting and encourage healing.
Clean the incision gently with baby shampoo and pat dry.
Do not rub or pick at stitches.
Activity
Sleep with your head slightly elevated and avoid lying directly on the wound.
Showers are safe after 24 hours, but avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming.
Limit strenuous activity for 1 week. Wait before golfing, yoga, or heavy lifting—anything that raises pressure in the head or chest can cause bleeding.
Medications
You may take Tylenol or Advil the evening after surgery.
Blood thinners can usually be resumed 48 hours after surgery, unless otherwise directed.
Stitches, Staples, and Healing
Dissolving Stitches (Sutures):
Most facial procedures use two layers of stitches.
Deep stitches (Vicryl) hold the wound underneath and dissolve slowly over weeks to months.
Surface stitches are finer and dissolve on their own, helping skin edges heal smoothly.
Staples:
Occasionally used in the scalp where hair complicates closure.
Must be removed in the office 21–28 days after surgery.
If Stitches Remain:
Rarely, a dissolving stitch lingers at the skin surface.
If this happens and you feel comfortable, you may trim it with clean, sharp scissors (such as nose-hair scissors) and tweezers.
Never remove stitches before 2 weeks.
Wound Care After Surgery
Hypochlorous Acid Spray:
Topical Growth Factor:
Applying epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum may help wounds heal faster and more smoothly.
Gentle Cleansing:
Baby shampoo helps keep the wound free of crust. Wash 3x daily. Wash gently and pat dry.
Moisture is Key:
Wounds heal best when kept moist, not dry.
The simplest and most effective dressing is plain Vaseline, applied in a thin layer to protect and speed healing. Vaseline coated gauze is also available if you want/need.
When to Call the Office
Pain or swelling that worsens after day 3 instead of improving.
Sudden vision changes, severe bleeding, or rapidly increasing swelling.
Signs of infection: new redness, pus, warmth, or fever.
Any concern that “just doesn’t look right.”
You may also text us a photo for quick guidance.
📞 Our phone number: 602-230-6744