Is Facial Reconstruction Surgery Painful?

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS can involve some discomfort, but it is typically well-managed with anesthesia during the procedure and pain medication afterward. You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild soreness in the days following surgery. However, these symptoms are temporary and should improve as you heal. Most patients find that the pain is manageable with prescribed medications, and discomfort tends to decrease significantly within the first week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, you’ll begin with a consultation to discuss your specific surgical needs after MOHS surgery. This is followed by a pre-operative visit to finalize the details and ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure. After the procedure, you’ll need follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns. Most patients require two to four post-surgery visits, but additional appointments may be necessary for complex cases or revisions.

How Long Until I See Results?

After a few weeks, initial improvements will be visible as swelling and bruising subside. However, the final results may take several months to emerge as tissues settle and scars fade fully. Some volume may reabsorb in the first few months for techniques like fat grafting, but the remaining results are typically long-lasting.

Can I Combine Facial Reconstruction Surgery With Other Procedures?

Fat grafting or flap techniques might be paired with other cosmetic surgeries, such as facelifts , eyelid surgery , or even rhinoplasty, to enhance overall results. Combining procedures can address multiple concerns in one go, reducing recovery time and achieving a more harmonious result.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Reconstruction Surgery?

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS offers life-changing results but does come with some risks, such as infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, issues with anesthesia, and, in some cases, scarring, uneven healing, or nerve damage.

Scottsdale, AZ

Facial Reconstruction

Introduction

Introduction to Facial Reconstruction Surgery after Skin Cancer Removal

Successful skin cancer removal on your face or eyelids often requires the skills of a highly trained surgeon to minimize scarring and optimize the cosmetic results. At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, skilled, board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dustin Heringer, MD, performs facial reconstruction surgery to minimize your scars. To explore facial reconstruction for yourself or a loved one, call our office or book an appointment online today.

What is Facial Reconstruction Surgery after Skin Cancer Removal?

Facial reconstruction is a surgery that improves your appearance by reducing. Removing a cancerous lesion or mole on your lips, ears, nose, or any other part of your face can leave a scar that greatly affects your appearance.

At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Heringer evaluates your facial scarring and plans your personalized facial reconstruction surgery accordingly. He discusses your anesthesia and sedation options based on the extent of the repair. He also gives you postoperative instructions to follow after the surgery is complete.

Dr. Heringer uses the following techniques for your facial reconstruction surgery:

Skin Grafting: For skin grafting, Dr. Heringer removes a small section of healthy skin from another part of your body. He makes sure the section matches the color and texture of the surrounding tissue around the defect as closely as possible and sutures it into position.
Flap Techniques: Dr. Heringer might repair your scar with a skin flap adjacent to it instead of a skin graft. He cuts the flap of healthy skin still attached at one side and sutures it in place over the scar. Flap techniques are often preferable because the flap still gets its original blood supply.

What are the
benefits of a Facial Reconstruction Surgery

A relaxed man with gray hair leans against a wall, eyes closed, with a bag slung over his shoulder, enjoying a moment of peace. - Facial Reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS offers our clients both functional and aesthetic benefits, such as:

Restoring functionality to areas impacted by skin cancer removal
Minimizing scarring and optimizing cosmetic outcomes
Enhancing the overall appearance and balance of facial features
Contributing to emotional and psychological healing by restoring a sense of normalcy
Providing long-lasting, personalized results that align with each patient’s unique needs

Who are the
best candidates

Before you get face or eyelid reconstruction surgery, you should visit Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery for a consultation with Dr. Heringer. He reviews your medical history and makes sure your goals align with the abilities of the surgery.

In order to be a candidate, you should:

Stop smoking for some time before and after the procedure
Have no more malignant cancer cells in the region
Want to restore your appearance after skin cancer removal
Be in good general health

If you’re not currently a candidate for facial or eyelid reconstruction, Dr. Heringer can work with you to create a treatment plan that includes surgery at another time.

If you have scarring left over from skin cancer removal on your face or eyelid, don’t hesitate to call Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery or book a consultation for facial reconstruction online today.

Your Facial Reconstruction Surgery Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

The first step in facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, where he will check out your facial structure and understand your aesthetic goals. He’ll examine the area needing reconstruction and explain which approach, like fat grafting or flap techniques, will work best for your needs.

Dr. Heringer will also discuss the expected outcomes, risks, and recovery process, ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable with the plan before proceeding.

What to Expect on the Day of Facial Reconstruction Surgery

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS focuses on restoring the structure of the face, particularly after skin cancer has been removed. It is designed to enhance both function and aesthetics, ensuring the facial features look natural and balanced. Fat grafting and flap technique are two common methods used in these reconstructions.

Fat grafting begins with the careful extraction of fat from a donor site, typically the abdomen or thighs, using liposuction. The fat is purified and then strategically injected into areas of the face that have lost volume, such as the cheeks, jawline, or temples. This technique provides a smooth and seamless result, as the fat integrates with the surrounding tissue to restore volume and contour to the face.

On the other hand, the flap technique involves transferring tissue, including skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, from one area of the body to another. This tissue is separated while maintaining its blood supply and is then repositioned to repair the damaged facial area. The flap technique is often used for more complex reconstructions where deep tissue or muscle is required, offering a more comprehensive solution for restoring both form and function.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-Facial Reconstruction Surgery Care

Facial Reconstruction Surgery Recovery

After surgery, you might experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. You will be asked to wear compression bandages or drains to support healing and prevent fluid buildup.

In the first few days, rest and head elevation are crucial, with detailed wound care instructions provided. By weeks 1 to 2, swelling and bruising subside, and stitches are usually removed during follow-up visits.

Most swelling resolves within 4 to 6 weeks, revealing more defined results, though full outcomes may take longer for complex procedures.

How Much Does Facial Reconstruction Surgery Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of facial reconstruction surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, though more intricate or multi-step procedures could cost more. To get a more precise estimate, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Heringer is essential.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Heringer?

Dr. Dustin Heringer is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ. He is known for his natural results and customizes each procedure to enhance appearance and confidence.

Dr. Heringer is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Board of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), and the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO).

A North Dakota native, he graduated summa cum laude from Concordia College and earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota. He completed two fellowships—oculofacial plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. His specialties include oculofacial plastic surgery, skin rejuvenation, and injectable fillers.

Why us?

Facial Reconstruction FAQ’S

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS can involve some discomfort, but it is typically well-managed with anesthesia during the procedure and pain medication afterward. You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild soreness in the days following surgery. However, these symptoms are temporary and should improve as you heal. Most patients find that the pain is manageable with prescribed medications, and discomfort tends to decrease significantly within the first week.
Typically, you’ll begin with a consultation to discuss your specific surgical needs after MOHS surgery. This is followed by a pre-operative visit to finalize the details and ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure. After the procedure, you’ll need follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns. Most patients require two to four post-surgery visits, but additional appointments may be necessary for complex cases or revisions.

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Schedule a Consultation

Facial reconstruction surgery after MOHS can be a vital step in restoring both appearance and function following the removal of skin cancer. If you’ve undergone MOHS surgery and are looking to repair and enhance the affected area, it’s important to consider your options as soon as possible for the best results.

Contact Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heringer. You can discuss a treatment plan to ensure a smooth recovery and restore confidence.