Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate and achieves the best cosmetic results of all surgical techniques for skin cancer management. Southern Aesthetic offers the finest surgical techniques for Mohs Surgery in Sydney.
Mohs Surgery Sydney
Did you know that Australia has the highest number of skin cancer cases in the world? Skin cancers are usually due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Fortunately, skin cancers are readily amenable to treatment in their early stages.
Dr Ilias Kotronakis offers Mohs surgery in Sydney, in conjunction with Dr Andrew Satchell, a dermatologist at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse hospital in Newtown. Mohs surgery is a highly specialised technique invented by surgeon Frederic Mohs. It Is a two-stage skin cancer treatment that provides the highest rate of long-term cure for most Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), with minimal collateral damage to the surrounding tissues. It is the best skin cancer treatment option available in Sydney for patients with tumours affecting aesthetically sensitive parts of their body, for example, the nose and eyes.
When undergoing Mohs surgery in Sydney our surgeon at Southern Aesthetic can check that all cancer cells have been removed at the time of surgery, thus increasing the likelihood of a cure, and reducing the need for additional treatment. Mohs surgery offers a very precise removal of cancerous tissue as healthy tissue is spared. Mohs surgery is recommended as the treatment of choice for high risk non melanoma skin cancers in specific areas such as the eyelids, nose, lips, ears and scalp, and other areas of the face and body because of its excellent cure rate.
At Southern Aesthetics, our goal is to offer a seamless journey and beautiful result from your Mohs surgery Sydney. Our plastic surgeon makes every effort to ensure that you look as though you never had surgery. Dr Ilias Kotronakis has special training and techniques to ensure that cancers are completely removed and that the cosmetic result is as subtle as possible.
Who performs Mohs surgery in Sydney?
Our experienced surgeon Dr Ilias Kotronakis, along with Dr Andrew Satchell, a dermatologist will perform the two-stage skin cancer treatment at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse hospital in Newtown.
How is the surgery performed?
The suspicious skin lesion is treated with a local anaesthetic to numb the pain in the area, then a thin piece of tissue is removed and carefully divided into pieces that will fit on a microscope slide.
The edges are then marked with specially coloured dyes. A map of the tissue which has been removed is made and the tissue is frozen by a pathology technician. Thin slices can then be made from the frozen tissue and then examined under the microscope by our dermatologist.
A pressure dressing is applied to the surgical site and the patient is then requested to wait in a recovery area while the tissue is being processed.
The dermatopathologist will examine the slides under the microscope and be able to tell if any cancer cells are present. If cancer cells remain, the patient is taken back to the procedure room where the doctor will remove another layer from the cancer. The procedure is repeated as often as needed until no cancer cells remain. This process keeps as much healthy skin as possible. After the first layer is removed, a long-acting anaesthetic is used to keep the area numb for many hours.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The removal of each tissue layer takes around one hour. Only around 20-30 minutes of that time is spent undergoing the actual procedure, the remaining time is needed for the doctor to prepare and examine the slides. Usually, the surgery requires removal of two to three layers of tissue (called stages). The whole Mohs surgery process, including sewing up the wound, may take four to six hours. Some more complex cases may take longer.
What happens after the tumour has been removed?
Post-surgery, you will be left with a surgical wound. Our reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Ilias Kotronakis, will repair this wound in one of the following ways:
- Skin closure into a sutured line
- Application of a skin graft
- Rearrangement of tissues using a flap repair
- Spontaneous granulation
The goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore the contour of your facial structures to minimise the effects of skin cancer surgery.
Plastic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. It is important for individuals considering plastic surgery to be aware of these risks before making a decision. Your plastic surgeon will explain the specific risks of your procedure and your risk profile in the context of your general health and the complexity of your procedure. Here are some of the common risks associated with plastic surgery:
1. Infection: Any surgical procedure has the risk of infection. Surgeons take precautions to minimise this risk, such as sterile operating environments and proper wound care, but infections can still occur.
2. Scarring: Scarring is an inherent risk of plastic surgery. While surgeons strive to minimise visible scarring, some procedures may result in more noticeable or keloid scars.
3. Pain and discomfort: Plastic surgery involves incisions and tissue manipulation, which can lead to post-operative pain and discomfort. The level of pain varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s pain tolerance.
4. Hematoma and seroma: Hematomas are collections of blood that can form under the skin after surgery, while seromas are collections of fluid. These fluid collections may require drainage.
5. Nerve damage: Nerves can be damaged during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness or paralysis.
6. Blood clots: Surgical procedures carry a risk of blood clot formation, particularly in the legs. Blood clots can be serious if they travel to other parts of the body, causing complications like pulmonary embolism.
7. Anesthesia risks: Plastic surgery usually requires the use of anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications.
8. Unsatisfactory results: Plastic surgery outcomes may not meet the patient’s expectations or desires. It’s important for individuals to have realistic expectations and to communicate clearly with their surgeon about their goals and desired outcomes.
9. Revision surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required to achieve the desired results or to correct any complications or unsatisfactory outcomes. This can increase the financial and emotional burden on the patient.
10. Psychological and emotional effects: Plastic surgery can have psychological and emotional impacts, both positive and negative. While many people experience improved self-esteem and body image after surgery, others may struggle with unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphia, or dissatisfaction with the results.
It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.