PLASTIC SURGERY

Mohs Surgery and Reconstruction | With Plastic Surgeon, Christopher Ellstrom

Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is the premier location in Orange County for Mohs Micrographic Surgery. We optimize outcomes by providing patients with the skill and expertise of both our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anne Marie McNeill and our plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Ellstrom. Together they offer same day skin cancer excision and reconstruction.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a well-established technique that requires specialist training and allows for precise excision of common skin cancers in sensitive areas like the face or hands. Mohs surgery is most often used to treat basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and results in the highest cure rates compared to traditional techniques. After removal of the cancer patients are often left with large full thickness defects that are most suitably treated by a plastic surgeon. Often smaller defects can be addressed under local anesthesia in an office setting allowing patients to go home the same day. Larger defects may require treatment in a formal operating room under general anesthesia.

What can you expect during your treatment at Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery? Dr. Anne Marie McNeill will perform a conservative initial excision of the visible skin cancer. An onsite laboratory will then carefully process the tissue to allow Dr. McNeill to immediately examine it under a microscope and determine that all edges or margins are completely free of cancer. This process may be repeated if a margin is positive but it allows for the most conservative removal of any healthy tissue, a much smaller defect and ultimately the highest cure rate. Once clear, Dr. Christopher Ellstrom will then assess and repair the defect. Having a plastic surgeon like Dr. Ellstrom perform the reconstruction allows for the best potential functional and aesthetic result.

At Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery we offer a complete package for treatment of skin cancers by incorporating in-office Mohs excision, laboratory processing, microscopic evaluation and same day reconstruction. The combination of our experienced providers, a warm and welcoming staff and state of the art facilities provide for a first-rate experience.