Mohs Surgery | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
Planning for reconstructive surgery is one of the most important decisions you can make following a skin cancer diagnosis. Mohs surgery is designed to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, but reconstruction helps restore the treated area once the cancer has been cleared. For many patients, the right reconstruction plan can support healing, preserve function, minimize visible scarring, and restore confidence.
Dr. Vincent Hung offers Mohs surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery in Pasadena and Newport Beach, with a practice focused on skin cancer surgery, Mohs surgery, and reconstruction. During your consultation, Dr. Hung will help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and reconstructive plan so you can move forward with greater comfort and clarity.
Table of Contents
- Why Mohs Reconstruction Requires Careful Planning
- What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon for Mohs Reconstruction
- Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Surgeon
- What to Expect During Your Consultation
- Why Dr. Hung’s Background Matters for Mohs Reconstruction
- Why Facial Mohs Reconstruction Is Different
- FAQ About Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Mohs Reconstruction
Why Mohs Reconstruction Requires Careful Planning
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer layer by layer while the tissue is examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. This surgical procedure is designed to preserve your natural tissue, removing only the affected areas while keeping the healthy skin intact. It’s best for patients diagnosed with common skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
That precision matters because many skin cancers occur in visible or delicate areas. The nose, eyelids, ears, lips, and cheeks have limited extra tissue and complex shapes. A small cancer can sometimes leave a larger wound than expected once all microscopic cancer cells have been removed.
Different reconstruction techniques include:
- Direct closure: This involves safely bringing the wound edges together. It works best for smaller wounds or areas with enough surrounding skin.
- Local flap reconstruction: This uses nearby tissue to close the wound, helping to match color, thickness, and texture. It’s especially useful on the face, where contour matters.
- Skin or cartilage grafting: A skin graft uses tissue from another area, such as the head or other bodily areas. It’s then shaped and attached to the damaged area. This can be efficient in areas such as the nose or ear.
- Secondary healing: In some cases, a small wound may heal on its own. This option should be chosen only when your surgeon believes it will support a safe outcome.
The goal is not just to close the wound, but to support healing, preserve function, and help the repaired area blend as naturally as possible with your features.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon for Mohs Reconstruction
When comparing providers, focus on qualifications directly related to skin cancer removal, facial anatomy, wound healing, and reconstruction. A plastic surgeon who understands Mohs surgery can plan repair around both cancer clearance and final appearance.
Important factors include:
- Training in Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatment
- Experience with reconstructive plastic surgery
- Knowledge of facial anatomy and function
- Experience repairing the nose, lips, eyelids, ears, and scalp
- A clear plan for post-operative care and follow-up
- Before-and-after photos that show a range of Mohs reconstruction cases
- A consultation process that explains your options without rushing you
For patients, that means the “best” choice is not always based on a title alone. You should look for a provider whose training and experience match the exact problem you need treated.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Surgeon
Before choosing a plastic surgeon for Mohs reconstruction, ask direct questions. A qualified provider should welcome them.
Consider asking:
- How often do you perform Mohs reconstruction?
- Do you perform both Mohs surgery and reconstruction?
- What reconstruction options may fit my case?
- Will my repair be done the same day as Mohs surgery?
- What can I expect my scar to look like over time?
- How do you protect function in areas like the nose, lips, ears, and eyelids?
- What follow-up care will I need?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
Dr. Hung offers patients access to an extensive photo gallery of Mohs surgery and reconstruction photos. They show a wide spectrum of cases, from relatively straightforward to complex.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation should give you a clear understanding of what may happen after your skin cancer is removed. In some cases, your surgeon can predict likely reconstruction options before Mohs surgery. In other cases, the final plan depends on the wound’s size and shape after all cancer cells have been cleared.
During your visit, you should expect to discuss:
- Where the skin cancer is located
- How Mohs surgery removes the cancer
- Possible reconstruction options
- Whether repair may happen the same day
- What kind of scar you may have
- How long swelling and bruising may last
- Activity restrictions after surgery
- Follow-up appointments and wound care
Dr. Hung’s practice philosophy emphasizes both optimal physical results and the pre-operative and post-operative counseling and care needed to support the best overall experience. Since it’s normal to feel anxious when skin cancer affects the face, a strong consultation should answer your questions, explain what is known, and clarify what cannot be determined until the cancer is fully removed.
Why Dr. Hung’s Background Matters for Mohs Reconstruction
Choosing the right Mohs reconstructive surgeon means placing your care in the hands of someone who understands the nuances of both skin cancer removal and reconstructive plastic surgery. For patients seeking Mohs surgery in Pasadena and Newport Beach, Dr. Vincent Hung provides comprehensive care that includes both cancer removal and reconstruction, helping patients move forward with a clear treatment plan and greater peace of mind.
Dr. Hung is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Plastic Surgery, placing him among a rare group of physicians with this level of specialized training. He also completed fellowship training in “Mohs micrographic surgery,” a specialized technique of skin cancer removal. Beyond his extensive experience with advanced Mohs surgical techniques, Dr. Hung takes a personalized approach to care, designing each treatment plan around your diagnosis, anatomy, healing needs, and aesthetic goals.
Mohs reconstruction requires expertise across several medical disciplines. Dr. Hung deeply understands the cancer removal process, how the skin heals after surgery, and which reconstructive options can best restore form, function, and appearance.
Why Facial Mohs Reconstruction Is Different
Mohs reconstruction on the face requires special attention because facial structures affect expression, breathing, blinking, speaking, eating, and overall appearance. A repair near the eyelid must protect eye closure. Lip reconstruction must consider movement and symmetry. A nasal reconstruction must account for contour, airway support, and skin thickness.
Dr. Hung specializes in reconstructive surgery around the nose, eyes, lips, scalp, and other intricate, extreme target areas. He understands that the tiniest millimeter can change both appearance and function. For patients with skin cancer around the face, he offers advanced Mohs surgical techniques that focus on leaving the smallest, least visible wound necessary for reconstruction.
FAQ About Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Mohs Reconstruction
Do I need a plastic surgeon after Mohs surgery?
Not every Mohs wound requires a plastic surgeon, but reconstruction becomes especially important when skin cancer affects the face, nose, lips, ears, eyelids, or other delicate areas.
Can the same doctor perform Mohs surgery and reconstruction?
Yes, in some practices. Dr. Hung performs both Mohs surgery and subsequent reconstructive plastic surgery, and he applies his plastic and cosmetic surgery skills to achieve optimal post-Mohs reconstruction outcomes.
What makes Dr. Hung qualified for Mohs reconstruction?
Dr. Hung is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Plastic Surgery, and fellowship-trained in Mohs skin cancer surgery. He specializes in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction.
Will Mohs reconstruction leave a scar?
Any surgery can leave a scar. Scarring depends on the amount of reconstruction needed and the treatment site, but scars can be covered with makeup and are likely to fade over time.
How soon should I schedule a Mohs surgery consultation?
You should schedule a consultation as soon as you know Mohs surgery may be needed, especially if the skin cancer is on the face or another sensitive area. Early planning helps Dr. Hung discuss likely repair options and prepare you for post-operative recovery.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Treatment Consultation in Pasadena, CA
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for Mohs reconstruction can help you feel more prepared before skin cancer surgery and more confident about the healing process afterward. Dr. Vincent Hung offers advanced Mohs surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery in Pasadena and Newport Beach.
If you are preparing for Mohs surgery or need reconstruction after the complete removal of skin cancer, schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Call Dr. Hung at (626) 432-5032 or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment.
