Skin Cancer Surgery · After Mohs
Skin Cancer · Patient journey
Mohs surgery removes your skin cancer with the highest cure rate — and leaves a defect that someone must repair. This page explains who does that, when, and how the handover works, for patients and referrers alike.
The handover
Mohs micrographic surgery is performed by a specially trained dermatologist who removes the cancer layer by layer, checking margins under the microscope until the tumour is completely cleared. What remains is a clean but open defect — and for defects on the nose, eyelids, lips and ears, repair by a reconstructive plastic surgeon is the usual next step. Dr Kim is one of very few plastic surgeons in Sydney whose practice is almost exclusively dedicated to skin cancers in difficult locations — the scalp, eyelids, nose, ears and face.
Dr Kim has worked alongside Sydney's Mohs surgery specialists for years — he taught dermatology registrars at the Australasian College of Dermatologists for nine years and sits on the Medical Advisory Council of The Skin Hospital. The referral, timing and theatre booking are coordinated between the two practices so you aren't left organising your own operation with an open wound.
Timing
A dressed Mohs wound is safe for a short wait — but nobody should carry one for weeks. If you have a Mohs procedure booked and no reconstruction plan, contact the rooms.
For referrers
Urgent post-Mohs repairs are accommodated wherever possible, including same-day slots for facial defects. Send the referral with the anticipated defect site and size, and preferred timing — phone 1300 911 151, fax (02) 9475 1370.
Common questions
Either works. Most commonly your dermatologist or Mohs surgery specialist refers you directly and the two practices coordinate timing; you can also contact Dr Kim's rooms yourself with your referral.
Yes — a properly dressed Mohs defect is safe for a day or two. Same-day repair is preferred where practical, and longer waits are avoided.
Repairs are generally performed under general anaesthesia; sedation or, where appropriate, local anaesthetic alone may be possible. This is all discussed with you during the consultation process.
Mohs surgery specialists are capable clinicians who will assess the suitability. Plastic surgeons tend to be involved for more cosmetic locations and technically more challenging problems in difficult-to-treat locations such as the scalp, eyelid, nose, ear and face in general — but skills do overlap.
Related
Next step
Consultations in Sydney CBD and North Sydney. Referrals from GPs, dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists welcome. Phone 1300 911 151.
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