What Is Mohs Surgery?
Cancer is a frightening word, but for individuals diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery at Rêve Dermatology and Aesthetics could be the answer. Mohs surgery is a process that gently and meticulously removes cancerous skin cells. The objective of the process is to take as little of your unaffected skin tissues as possible while still maintaining a high success rate for skin cancer treatment. The surgical procedure can remove squamous and basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, and other less common types of tumors. Dr. Oben Blair Ojong is a skilled dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon specially trained in the Mohs approach. She will begin this procedure by slowly and carefully removing the malignant cells one layer at a time. After each layer, she will examine the cellular makeup of the skin to find out whether cancer is still present. Contact our The Woodlands, TX practice now to schedule an appointment.
How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?
In this procedure, Dr. Ojong will typically utilize local anesthetics to numb the affected area before incisions are created for removal. The incisions may be compared to your map (like a clock face) and are designed to correspond with the orientation of the skin that had been removed. The excised layer is coated, processed, and then analyzed under the microscope. If additional cancer roots are detected, they are indicated with the corresponding map, and the process is repeated. The procedure continues until a fresh layer with no remaining cancer is achieved. The amount of layers removed and the period of the process is dependent on the phase of the cancer and how long it was present. The completion of this procedure will leave a wound. Healing solutions vary from simple sutures to close the wound to more complex cosmetic (plastic) operations for larger wounds.
What Should I Expect after A Mohs Surgery?
The Mohs surgery process is not an easy solution, but by choosing a trained team and the appropriate amount of anesthesia, many patients report minimal pain. Mohs surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, with patients able to drive home afterward. Although the site will be heavily bandaged, you can likely resume regular nonstrenuous activities the next day. This rules out any strenuous exercise or significant activities for up to 1 – 2 weeks. If sutures were utilized, they'll be removed within 6 – 14 days. Scarring will vary depending on the process. The success rate of removing the cancerous cells from the site is very high when treating primary basal cell carcinoma, with thin melanomas receiving around a 99% cure rate. Primary squamous cell carcinoma has a bit of a lower cure rate at around 97%.
What Are the Benefits of Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery could be beneficial for several The Woodlands, TX patients. Apart from allowing you to get healthy, spotless skin, additional advantages involve:
- Lowered possibility of cancer relapsing
- Cure rate of 95 – 99% for certain types of skin cancers
- Low chance of long-term scars
- More accurate compared to different options
- Shorter recovery time
- Consists of a single office visit
- Doesn't harm the bordering healthy tissue
- Usually offers excellent cosmetic outcomes
Rêve Dermatology and Aesthetics Reviews
Everyone in the office is super friendly and helpful. Dr. Ojong is amazing. I came in for a skin biopsy and was in and out in 30 minutes. She explained everything she was doing to ease my anxiety with the process. Will definitely be coming back for any of my dermatology needs!
Great service, Doctor Ojong really listened to to our concerns and needs, she found the right plan to move forward with. Great results have followed!
Blown away by the staff and doctor. Dr. Ojong is very approachable, genuinely kind, unassuming and humble. She provided me options for my treatment and completed my procedure quickly and painlessly. My issue has resolved as she predicted. Her Medical Assistant was also very friendly, and awesome at her job. She’s a fully licensed Nurse (RN) which is way more qualified than most doctor’s staff. If your skin has medical needs, and you don’t give Dr. Ojong a try, you’ll be missing out.
Dr. O and her staff are amazing. She has already transformed my skin in the month I’ve been seeing her. So happy to have found Reve right here in The Woodlands!
Great service and professionalism of the staff. My new doctor for sure!
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Am I A Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is typically recommended to treat the two most prevalent forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, as well as a selection of other skin cancer subtypes. If you're suffering from melanoma or a different form of rare skin cancer, a consultation can help determine if you are a good candidate for Mohs surgery. In addition to the specific type of skin cancer that you have, there are also qualifying standards that may make you a fantastic candidate for Mohs surgery.
Mohs surgery is the ideal option if your cancer has a higher risk of returning or if it's already returned after getting treatment. The cells must also be found in sensitive locations, like the eyes, ears, mouth, or nose. Skin cancer cells that are large, aggressive, and have boundaries that are tough to specify are also best treated with Mohs surgery.
How much does the surgery cost?
Mohs surgery could be paid for by your insurance. Our practice will call your insurer to find out about your insurance benefits and if you might have any out-of-pocket charges. Rêve Dermatology and Aesthetics takes numerous payment types and can help you look up medical financing to make the surgery inexpensive.
What is the success rate of Mohs surgery?
The achievement rate of extracting the cancerous skin cells from the treated location is incredibly good when patients have basal cell carcinoma, with small melanomas landing around a 99% achievement rate. Primary squamous cell carcinoma has somewhat of lesser cure rate at about 97%.
Does Mohs surgery hurt?
Because anesthesia is utilized, patients typically have little discomfort throughout surgery but could have minimal pain. Following surgery, the majority of people feel minor pain, so medicine usually isn't necessary. When there is pain associated with the procedure, Dr. Ojong will usually propose an over-the-counter pain medication.
Seek Superior Care
When facing a skin cancer diagnosis, it's crucial to do your research and locate an experienced Mohs surgeon who's an ideal fit for your expectations and needs. Success rates of the procedure are directly correlated to your doctor's skill and experience. To learn more about the experience, training, and personal success rates of Dr. Ojong, call Rêve Dermatology and Aesthetics in The Woodlands, TX today and schedule an initial consultation.