Can A Plastic Surgeon Do Mohs Surgery?
Can A Plastic Surgeon Do Mohs Surgery? Plastic surgeons have many skills. They work on the body to make it look better or fix problems. People often think they only do looks but that’s not true. Some can also treat skin cancer with surgery called Mohs surgery.Mohs surgery is a special way to remove skin cancer. It takes off layers of skin until all the bad cells are gone. This helps keep as much healthy skin as possible. Dermatologists usually do this but some plastic surgeons can too.
If you need this kind of care it’s good to ask your doctor if they can help. Each person has different needs and health issues that doctors must look at first before treatment begins. Your insurance company may cover this care so check with them too for more info.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a special way to treat skin cancer. It’s named after Dr. Frederic Mohs the doctor who made it known. This procedure takes off one layer of skin at a time. Doctors look at each piece under a microscope right away.
The goal is to find and take out all the cancer cells but not too much healthy skin. This makes sure that most of your skin stays safe and looks good after healing. A dermatologist often does this work as they know about skin health very well.
Sometimes you might hear about a plastic surgeon doing Mohs surgery too. They have training in fixing and rebuilding parts of the body with care for how things look afterward. If they also learned how to do Mohs surgery they can help remove the bad cells from your skin.
This type of care helps many people get better without big scars or changes in how their body looks or works. When someone finds out they have skin cancer knowing options like Mohs surgery can give them hope and choice for their treatment plan.
Who Typically Performs Mohs Surgery?
Most of the time a dermatologist will do your Mohs surgery. These doctors go to school for many years to learn about skin and its diseases. They know how to find skin cancer and are trained in ways to treat it safely. When they use Mohs surgery they’re very careful to only take away the sick parts.
A surgeon can also be skilled in doing this procedure. If they have learned the right way they might offer this service too. It’s not just any surgeon though; it needs someone who knows about skin cancers well.
Some plastic surgeons may choose to learn how to do Mohs surgery as part of their training. Because they care about helping you look your best they work hard at learning this skillful treatment method when needed. A good doctor will tell you if they can provide this type of care or if another expert would be better for your case.
Consulting Your Insurance Company
When you need Mohs surgery talking to your insurance company is key. They can tell you what they will pay for and how much you might have to pay. Every plan has different rules on coverage for procedures like this one. It’s smart to get the details before you decide on the surgery.
Start by asking your insurance about their policy on skin cancer treatments. Find out if they cover Mohs surgery when a dermatologist or plastic surgeon does it. Some plans only pay if certain doctors do the procedure so check who is allowed.
Your doctor’s office may help with this talk too. They often know how to explain medical needs to insurance firms well. Ask them any questions about costs and payments that worry you.
Insurance companies sometimes need more info before they say yes or no. They might want records from your doctor showing why Mohs surgery is needed for your health. Be ready to give them what they ask for quickly.
After all talks with your insurance firm write down what was said each time! This keeps track of answers and promises made during these important calls or meetings with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mohs surgery only for certain types of skin cancer?
A: Yes, it's often used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are common skin cancers.
Q: How long does the Mohs surgery procedure take?
A: The time can vary. Usually it takes less than 4 hours. It depends on how deep or wide the cancer is. Your doctor will give you a better idea based on your case.
Q: Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
A: There might be some scarring. But since the process takes away less healthy tissue scars tend to be smaller.
