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Vincent C. Hung, MD, MOHS Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery

Is Nasal Reconstruction Different from Cosmetic Nasal Surgery?

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Is Nasal Reconstruction Different from Cosmetic Nasal Surgery?

3 Minute Read:

Although nasal reconstruction and nasal surgery sound like they are one and the same, they are vastly different procedures. Nasal reconstruction fills defects or holes created by skin cancer treatment, while rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nasal surgery, alters and enhances the physical appearance or function of the nose.

Close up image of a nose

Despite being so different, at their core, both procedures enhance nasal aesthetics. Nasal reconstruction does so by moving skin and tissue. Rhinoplasty does so by altering cartilage and bone.

Nasal surgery, whether reconstructive or cosmetic, is one of the most complex and challenging forms of facial surgery. The nose is a multifaceted structure composed of cartilage, muscle, mucosa, tissue, and skin and, as if that alone did not make it difficult enough, it is the central aesthetic focus of the face.

Any defect or cosmetic insecurity is heightened when it deals with the nose, and nasal surgery can be the most rewarding type of facial enhancement.

How Does Rhinoplasty Differ from Nasal Reconstruction?

Rhinoplasty involves the surgical reshaping and reconstruction of the bone and cartilage to improve nasal functionality and aesthetics. This procedure is performed to alter a nasal profile that may have large humps or bumps, structural irregularities of the nasal tip, flared nostrils, or is not in balance with the surrounding facial features.

Rhinoplasty is performed through an open or closed method; however, this only differentiates the locations of the incisions. Rhinoplasty, regardless of technique, is performed entirely on the inside of the nose. This surgery involves shaving down the cartilage to get rid of bumps or introducing cartilage or bone grafts to augment the size or shape.

Why Is Nasal Reconstruction Essential After Skin Cancer Treatment?

The nose is one of the most common locations for skin cancer on the face. While Mohs surgery is one of the best ways to ensure that the tumor will be entirely removed and will not return, it often leaves a hole or defect in the skin.

Reconstruction focuses on preserving the nasal lining, support, and coverage. This uses one of four reconstruction techniques. The chosen method will depend on the size of your defect as well as your nasal anatomy.

Direct Linear Closure

This reconstruction technique is the easiest and most common approach when repairing a defect after Mohs surgery. Here, the two sides of the wound are pulled together, and the skin is closed in a straight line. Since most skin cancers are removed in a circle with Mohs surgery, this technique often elongates the shape of the missing skin so that the surface will not pucker when it is pulled together.

Local Flaps

The local flap technique may be offered when the defect is small. This process covers the area of missing skin by stretching the surrounding skin to cover the hole. The local flap method is less invasive and requires less recovery than skin grafts because it does not take skin or tissue from a secondary region.

Full Thickness Skin Grafts

Whereas local flaps borrow tissue from the nose, skin grafts take tissue from elsewhere on the body. This technique is required when the defect is larger, and the skin on the nose cannot be stretched to cover the hole adequately. The skin used for this graft comes from various regions of the body, and that area will be determined during your consultation.

Paramedian Forehead Flap

This technique is often considered the gold standard for nasal reconstruction. The forehead offers a large amount of tissue that can be safely relocated to the nose. This technique is ideal when the nasal defect is too large even for a standard skin graft and can create some of the most natural-looking and inconspicuous reconstructive results.

If you are about to undergo Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the nose, it is time to consider your nasal reconstruction options. Contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out his online contact form.

 

How Should You Care for Cosmetic Surgery Scars?

3 Minute Read: 

There is no denying that one of the most frustrating parts of plastic surgery is the resulting scars. People choose cosmetic procedures to improve the way they feel about their physical appearance, so it seems contradictory that in order to do that, lasting marks must be made. Surgical scars are far from ideal, but when they are cared for properly they can fade and become less visible.

Middle aged woman touching and examining her face for signs of aging.

Plastic surgeons, like Dr. Hung, do everything they can to hide the incisions during the procedure so that the resulting scars are inconspicuous. Unfortunately, this is not always easy, especially when it comes to facial surgery. Your face is always on display, and since most people do not walk around wearing oversized sunglasses or large floppy hats every day, there is a chance that scarring will be noticeable. Even facelift scars that are initially hidden within the hairline can become visible later if the hairline recedes. It is important to start caring for your incisions as soon as you can to keep scars as minimal as possible.

Let the Incisions Rest

Regardless of whether you underwent a facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or reconstructive nose surgery, there will be external incisions. The best way to start your scar minimization process is to leave them alone. The less trauma they experience, the better. Trauma does not only mean an injury; it can also be any excess movement or tension placed on the incision. During the initial stages of your recovery, you want the incisions to rest. Follow all of Dr. Hung’s post-operative instructions, such as when it is alright to wash your face or shower, and how often you should change your bandages. Proper care in the beginning will put you on the path to minimal scarring down the line.

Hide from the Sun

It can be hard to hide your face from the sun, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, the sun is not good for a healing incision. Sun exposure on a scar that is not entirely healed can result in darker pigmentation that is more difficult to hide.

Invest in Silicone Strips or Gel

Silicone strips and silicone gel are designed to lessen the appearance of scars. They can be applied to the incision as soon as it is completely healed, usually after two or three weeks. Silicone strips are reusable adhesive bandages that are worn over the incision for the majority of the day. At night, you can remove the strip, wash it, and let it dry in preparation for the following day. Silicone gel is applied in the same way as a lotion or cream. When used correctly, silicone strips and gel can start to reduce the appearance of a scar after two or three months.

Be Patient

All scars look bad initially. They are bright red or pink, are often raised, and they stick out like a sore thumb. The appearance of fresh scars is enough to make some men and women regret their surgery. Fortunately, this state is short-lived. All scarring, no matter how bad it looks right after the procedure, will fade with time, sometimes to the point of disappearing altogether. There is no way to know the length of this process, as everyone heals at a different rate. However, you can take comfort in the fact that bright red scars will not stay that way.

For more information on how to take care of your scars or to start your plastic surgery journey, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

Should You Consider Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?

3 Minute Read: 

After undergoing Mohs surgery for your skin cancer, you may be left with a less-than-desirable cosmetic result. Although Mohs surgery has the unique ability to preserve more tissue than other skin cancer surgeries, skin and tissue are still being removed, and scars are not only likely but expected. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin and tissue are removed so that only the cancerous tissue is taken; saving a more significant amount of surrounding skin and tissue than other procedures. Unfortunately, some skin cancers are deep and extensive, and a considerable amount of tissue must be removed. While a scar is always better than the alternative of cancer, it can still be detrimental to your confidence and emotional well-being, especially if the skin cancer was on your face. For patients suffering from the emotional and psychological effects of scarring after Mohs surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery can help restore smoothness and an aesthetic appeal to many areas of the face and body.

Woman getting her skin checked for skin cancer.

Although skin cancers can develop on nearly any area of the body, they are most commonly diagnosed on areas above the shoulders, especially on the face. Facial features, such as the nose, lower eyelids, lips, ears, and scalp, are common places for skin cancer to develop, and it is difficult to hide scarring in these areas. Instead of trying to find creative ways to cover the scars, reconstructive plastic surgery employs a series of techniques that minimize the after-effects of Mohs surgery and other skin cancer treatments.

The Physical Benefits

Skin cancer often develops in visible areas on the face, such as the nose, lips, and eyelids. While these features are always on display, their value is not only aesthetic; all of these areas play essential functional roles in your life that can be interfered with by the results of Mohs surgery. Scarring from previous skin cancer on the nose can affect your ability to breath while scarring on the eyelids can force the lower lids to become too taut, making it difficult for your eyelids to open and close. Scarring on the lips can impede your ability to speak or eat.

The Emotional Benefits

While we sometimes try to deny it, a considerable amount of our self-confidence is interconnected with the way we perceive our appearance. Having an extensive scar on your face can not only be difficult to hide, but it can be challenging to forget about. Even if others don’t realize that the scar is there, you are aware of it, and its presence can affect the way you carry yourself. Reconstructive plastic surgery after skin cancer allows you to put your insecurities about your scar behind you so that you can embrace your facial features. If you are considering reconstructive plastic surgery, you’ve already undergone the hardest parts: the diagnosis and treatment. Instead of seeing the constant reminder of your skin cancer when you look in the mirror, reconstructive plastic surgery allows you to put your cancer behind you.

To learn more about how reconstructive plastic surgery can be beneficial to you after skin cancer, contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292 to set up a consultation.

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

3 Min Read

Many men and women are interested in restoring a more youthful appearance to their eyes. 

A beautiful womans eye close up-img-blog

The eyes are one of your most prominent facial features, responsible for your ability to express your emotions. Unfortunately, the eyes are also amongst the first to show the visible signs of age as the skin is thin and receives constant strain throughout the day in the way of blinking and facial expressions. 

Blepharoplasty is performed on the eyelids to reduce the visible signs of aging above and below the eyes.

The Procedure

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty addresses visible signs of aging on the upper eyelid. This can include eyelids that droop down and obstruct the range of vision (which makes everyday activities like driving or reading more difficult) as well as lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

Upper blepharoplasty is performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. To perform upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Hung will make an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid. By making the incision here, the resulting scar will be invisible when the eyes are open. Pockets of fat in the upper eyelid are either removed or repositioned so that the area will lay flatter. The excess skin that is hooding the eye is trimmed away, and the incision is closed to reveal a smoother and tauter upper eyelid. 

This incision can extend past the crease toward the temple for patients who are hoping to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.

Blepharoplasty infographic of before and after procedure-img-blog

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses the bags and dark circles beneath the eye. The incision for lower blepharoplasty runs just below the lower lash line. Excess pockets of fat are removed to reveal a flatter and smoother eye contour, and skin is trimmed and tightened. Once the incision has healed, patients can cover the scar with makeup; all scars will lose their redness and fade with time.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is an alternative approach to this procedure. This technique makes an incision on the inside of the lash line (so that there will be no visible scar), and it is through this incision that the fat pockets are removed. This technique is not appropriate for everyone, however, as it can only remove fat and cannot address other cosmetic issues.

Are You A Candidate?

Candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy adults who are interested in improving the appearance of their upper eyelids, their lower eyelids, or both. There is no age limit for this procedure, and many consider it once their aging has become visible to others or sagging skin obstructs their range of vision. Candidates should be non-smokers in good health. 

What Can You Expect for Your Recovery?

After undergoing blepharoplasty, most patients experience mild to moderate soreness and tightness of the eyes. The skin around the eyes will bruise and swell, and some patients’ eyes are swollen shut for a short period. Patients should rest comfortably for the first day or two with their head upright at all times, even when sleeping. Keeping your head elevated will promote healing by stimulating blood flow and circulation. Most patients can return to normal activities after one week and more strenuous activities after two or three weeks. 

Blepharoplasty will address aesthetic concerns that are present at the time of the procedure. This surgery will not halt the progression of aging, and patients will develop additional lines and wrinkles. However, it is unlikely that the puffiness of the eyes will return, as the pockets of fat are removed. Patients can prolong their results by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing sunglasses or hats whenever they are outdoors. 

If you are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty, or to set up a consultation, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

Skin Cancer Awareness

3 Min Read

May is skin cancer awareness month. Skin cancer is the most common type, affecting more individuals each year than every other cancer combined. While the survival rate of skin cancer is extremely high, it must be treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs. If it is not, poses significant risks to your health.

Young woman seeing doctor for dermatological control

Skin Cancer Facts

One in five people is likely to develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Nearly 9,500 individuals are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, meaning that over three million Americans are diagnosed every year. While there are multiple forms of skin cancer, the most common are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While melanoma is considered to be the most dangerous type, each one poses a threat and needs to be treated as early as possible.

What Causes Skin Cancer

While some skin cancers develop from the existence of moles, the majority of cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation penetrates the top layers of the skin and reaches the deeper layers of the dermis, causing irreversible damage to the cells. Skin cancer develops when the damaged cells are unable to repair themselves.

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

While skin cancer can be very serious, it is treatable and survivable when detected early. Your doctor will perform skin checks during your routine appointments but most skin cancers are identified by the patient. Skin cancer is easily identified when you know what to look for.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically develops on the areas of the body that get the most sun, such as the face, head, and neck. You should watch for:

  • Raised red patches that may itch
  • Flat and firm yellow areas
  • Translucent, pearly bumps on the skin
  • Pink growths with raised edges
  • Open sores that do not heal

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas are similar to basal cell carcinomas in that they frequently develop on locations that see considerable amounts of sun. Common signs of squamous cell carcinoma include:

  • Raised growths or lumps
  • Rough or scaly red patches
  • Open and oozing sores
  • Wart-like growths 

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it is the type that has the highest risk of spreading to the lymph nodes and other organs. Melanoma is often identified by the irregular shape and color of a growth. Not to be confused with moles or birthmarks, melanomas often appear:

  • Asymmetrical, with one side being larger than the other
  • To have irregular, notched, or blurred borders,
  • To have multiple colors, such as brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue
  • Larger than a ¼ inch
  • To change their shape, size, or color

How Can You Protect Yourself?

To best protect yourself from skin cancer, you should:

  • Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Perform self-checks by examining your skin in a well-lit room
  • See your doctor immediately if you notice any new spots, spots that look different from others on your body, or sores that do not heal

To learn more about the risks of skin cancer, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out his online contact form.

What Is the Ideal Age for Otoplasty?

3 Min Read

Each cosmetic surgery has a specific age range. Some, such as a facelift or blepharoplasty, are designed for men and women over the age of 40 or 50, breast procedures like breast augmentation or breast lift must be performed after women are over the age of 18 or 22. And while these numbers vary, the one similarity between the ages of cosmetic surgery patients is that they are all adults. This fact separates otoplasty from the rest of the pack. Otoplasty is unique in that it is successfully and safely performed on both adults and children.

Unrecognizable woman holds her hand near ear and listens, close-up

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a short outpatient procedure that repositions prominent ears so that they sit closer to the head. During this operation, an incision is made on the back surface of the ear through which a small strip of skin is removed so that ears are moved closer to the scalp or resized. Incisions are closed and a short recovery period begins. Otoplasty is also one of the few procedures that offers permanent results without the need for touch-up procedures.

Benefits of Otoplasty for Children

Our ears are almost fully grown by the time that we reach four or five years old. Otoplasty can be performed as soon as this occurs, and the benefits of performing otoplasty at this age are extensive. For starters, a child’s ear cartilage is softer and more pliable than an adult’s ear cartilage. This makes it easier to reposition and mold the ear, and it also allows the ear to heal quicker and more comfortably. 

The other reason is for emotional well-being. We all remember being children and seeing someone teased or mocked because of their ears. Maybe that person was you, perhaps it was a friend, or maybe it was a classmate; no matter who it was, we have all witnessed it. It is an unfortunate fact that many children are made fun of because of their ears, and ridicule as a child often leads to self-esteem and confidence issues down the line. By performing otoplasty at a young age, children can adjust the appearance of their ears before anyone has the chance to make fun of them.

Benefits of Otoplasty for Adults

While many individuals undergo ear pinning when they are young, otoplasty is still useful for adults. Otoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure; however, it is still surgery, and it needs to be approached the same way as other forms of surgery. One of the significant drawbacks of performing otoplasty on a child is that it is often the parent’s choice, and the child may not understand why they are being asked to undergo surgery. When otoplasty is performed on an adult, you know that the patient understands and is choosing the procedure for him or herself.


No matter the age in which you undergo the procedure, otoplasty is sure to enhance your confidence. To learn more about the procedure, or to set up a consultation, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out his online contact form.

Getting Rid of Jowls

2 Min Read

If you have jowls, you probably would not mind getting rid of them. Jowls are never ideal, and many men and women will go to any length to get rid of them, whether it is practicing facial exercises, using creams and lotions that claim they will get rid of them, or choosing surgery. While the first two options are much cheaper and far less invasive, there is no guarantee, or proof, that they will do anything for you. Fortunately, the third option provides results that are much more concrete. Facelift surgery targets the jawline and neck so that you can finally bid those pesky jowls adieu.

What Are Jowls?

Jowls are what we call the loose skin and fat that hang below the jawline. They develop over the years as a result of aging, genetics, sun damage, weight loss, poor skin care, smoking, and dehydration. These factors all contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, causing it to sag and facial features, such as the cheeks, to fall. When there is nothing to hold the cheeks in place, gravity pulls the skin and facial fat downward until there is nowhere further to go, and the jawline is where they come to rest.

A senior woman touching her neck

How Can Surgery Help?

Once jowls form, they often change the overall shape of the face and disrupt the youthful jawline that many people desire. Facelift surgery combined with treatment of the neck is performed to minimize or eliminate the appearance of jowls. A facelift is designed to restore the facial muscles and fat to their original positions. This includes the fat and tissues of the cheeks. Once the cheeks are lifted back to where they should be, there will no longer be anything pushing down toward the jawline. Any extra skin is remedied with a neck lift, which is often performed alongside a facelift to maintain the balance between the appearance the face and the neck.

How to Maintain Your New Jawline?

Unfortunately, it is likely that you will develop jowls sometime in your life. That is how aging and gravity works. The good news is, however, that once you undergo a facelift, you are starting with a clean slate. A facelift will not halt the natural progression of aging, but you do have the unique opportunity to improve your skincare regimen. Proper skin care, sun protection, staying hydrated, a healthy diet, and not smoking or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol will contribute to the longevity of your facelift results.

For more information about how you can get rid of jowls, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out our online contact form.

Combating the Aging Process With Eyelid Surgery?

The thin skin around the eyes often causes them to be at the forefront of premature facial aging. And as your eyes are responsible for expressing your emotions, visible aging affects the youthful appearance of your entire face. Aging of the eyes is the result of several factors. The constant movement of the eyelids, caused by blinking and facial expressions, sun damage, and gravity all weaken the tissues around the eyes, which creates the formation of fine lines, heavy upper eyelids, and puffy bags beneath the eyes. Blepharoplasty is performed to counteract these signs of aging by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It can be performed on patients as young as 40 years of age. This process restores youthfulness while tightening and smoothing the eye region. While blepharoplasty can provide noticeable and substantial results, performing this surgery at different stages of facial aging will give different benefits.

smiling senior woman with perfect skin showing victory sign near eye-img-blog

Mild Signs of Aging

Some patients choose to undergo blepharoplasty as soon as they begin to notice the effects of time and sun damage. Patients at this stage are usually in their 40s and want to stop visible aging before it sets in too deeply. Blepharoplasty for mild signs of aging tends to postpone the onset of sagging eyelids and puffy bags.

Moderate Signs of Aging

Patients with moderate signs of eyelid aging often experience skin laxity on the upper and lower eyelids that limit their ability to express their emotions. When laxity is present, patients often look tired, stressed, or angry. Blepharoplasty at this stage reduces the puffy bags and drooping skin so that patients are once again able to control the facial emotions their eyes are expressing.

Severe Signs of Aging

When patients experience severe aging on the eyelids, they also often experience a decrease in their range of vision, which can cause certain activities, such as driving, to be dangerous. For patients with severe signs of aging, excess skin is removed from the upper and lower eyelids, and underlying fat is lifted to allow for a broader range of vision.

 

For more information about blepharoplasty, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Hung, contact us today by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

The Dangers of the Sun

Loving the sun is easy; it is warm, inviting, and it soaks into your skin to provide you with incredible comfort, especially after you have not seen it in a while. And even though we all want to use the excuses of “I’m getting vitamin D” or “My suntan looks healthy,” the sun does far more damage to our skin than good. The sun is not only the leading cause of skin cancer, but it is also the leading cause of premature aging. Because of these realities, before you spend another weekend sunbathing at the beach, consider what you might really be doing to your skin.

Sunburn from beach sun light on the shoulder and back of caucasian girl-img-blog

Aging Skin

Unfortunately, many men and women do not understand the sun’s potential to damage skin until it is too late. People who believed it was important to become as tanned as possible during the summers of their youth may be in for a rude awakening. Sun exposure leads to the premature formation of fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and skin discoloration (age spots, brown spots, sun spots), especially on the highly visible areas of the face, neck, chest, and arms. While some lotions and creams may help prevent these signs of sun damage, they are often not strong enough to combat the damage that has already been done.

Skin Cancer

While we all want to maintain the aesthetic quality of our skin, there is no denying that skin cancer is a far more significant concern. Skin cancer is often caused by overexposure to the sun. It can be mild, such as basal cell carcinoma, which will not spread and is easily treated; or more serious, such as melanoma, which can spread to other parts of the body. Any cancer diagnosis is a cause for concern. Luckily, skin cancer is treatable when it is detected early and is preventable in many cases with adequate sun protection.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The sun’s rays can be catastrophic to your health if you do nothing to protect yourself. Fortunately, it is easier than you think. Truthfully, there is no way to stay out of the sun completely. There will always be times when you are going to want to spend time outdoors participating in activities, seeing friends and family, and living life to the fullest. You do not need to completely avoid going outside; instead, choosing non-peak hours (before 10:00 am and after 4:00 pm) to be out in the sun is a very good way to enjoy being outdoors while minimizing sun damage. Next, keep skin covered with pants, sleeves, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.  Finally, use and reapply sunscreen on exposed skin,

If you are fighting against the effects of too much sun, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292 to set up a consultation.

How Can Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Help?

While skin cancer is treatable and offers an excellent prognosis, the initial diagnosis is frightening as any cancer is still cancer. Specifically, there are three types of potential skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. And there are various ways to treat these forms of cancer. One of these is a highly specialized form of surgery known as Mohs surgery.

Dermatology Consultation Man-img-blo

How Does Mohs Surgery Differ From Traditional Methods?

The majority of skin cancer diagnoses require a surgical procedure to ensure that all traces of the cancer are removed. In traditional skin cancer surgery, both the tumor and the margin (the area around the skin cancer in close enough proximity for the cancer to spread) is excised with a scalpel. The wound is usually then closed in an “elliptical fashion.” The linear closure and subsequent scar is then three times the diameter of the removal to eliminate puckering or “dog ears” at the edges of the incision. In addition, it can take a week to obtain a definite pathology result. If the cancer has not been totally removed, further surgery may be necessary. By removing the tumor and the margin this way, a wider excision may be used, which can leave a longer and deeper scar.

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that treats skin cancer lesions with the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment. During this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied. After this, the visible skin cancer is removed as well as a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. This extra thin layer of tissue is immediately examined under a microscope to determine if any additional skin cancer unnoticeable to the naked eye is present. Since this examination period can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete, we recommend that you bring an iPad, a book, or friend to occupy your waiting time.

Once the results on the surrounding tissue come back, Dr. Hung can determine if an additional layer of tissue needs to be removed. If there are no traces of cancer in the tested tissue, then you are ready to go; however, if there are traces, an additional amount of tissue will be removed; this process is repeated until no cancer remains. Dr. Hung removes the smallest amounts of tissue possible with each pass to ensure that no tissue is removed that doesn’t need to be. This process also allows for the smallest scar and most comfortable recovery period, and because the layers of tissue are examined right away, you can feel assured that no traces of skin cancer will go unnoticed. This is why Mohs surgery has the highest cure rates of any form of skin cancer treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer on your face or neck, Mohs surgery might be an option for you. Dr. Hung is triple board certified in internal medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery. Contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292 to set up a consultation.