Risks of Surgery
Because each patient is unique, it is impossible to discuss all the possible complications and risks in this format. The usual risks are discussed below. Your physician will discuss any additional problems associated with your particular case. Please understand that these occurrences are the exception and not the rule.
- The defect created by the removal of the skin cancer may be larger than anticipated. There is no way to predict prior to surgery the exact size of the final defect.
- There will be a scar at the site of the removal. We will make every effort to obtain optimal cosmetic results, but our primary goal is to remove the entire tumor. Again, Mohs surgery will leave you with the smallest wound thus creating the best opportunity for optimal cosmetic results.
- There may be poor wound healing. At times, despite our best efforts, for various reasons (such as bleeding, poor physical condition, smoking, diabetes, or other diseases), healing is slow or the wound may reopen. Flaps and grafts utilized to repair the defect may at times fail. Under these circumstances, the wound will usually be left to heal on its own.
- There may be a loss of motor (muscle) or sensory (feeling) nerve function. Rarely, the tumor invades nerve fibers. When this is the case, the nerves must be removed along with the tumor. Prior to your surgery, the doctor will discuss with you any major nerves which might be near your tumor.
- The tumor may involve an important structure. Many are near or on vital structures such as the eyelids, nose or lips. If the tumor involves these structures, portions of them may have to be removed with resulting cosmetic or functional deformities. Furthermore, repairing the resulting defect may involve some of these structures.
- Rarely, wounds become infected and require antibiotic treatment. If you are at particular risk for infections, you may be given an antibiotic prior to surgery.
- There may be excessive bleeding from the wound. Such bleeding can usually be controlled during surgery. There may also be bleeding after surgery. We have never had a significant amount of blood loss, but bleeding into a sutured graft or flap may inhibit good would healing.
- There may be an adverse reaction to medications used. We will carefully screen you for any history of problems with medications: however, new reactions to medications may occur.
- There is a small chance that your tumor may regrow after surgery. Previously treated tumors and large, longstanding tumors have the greatest chance for recurrence.
Important Reminders
- DO advise us as soon as possible if you must cancel or change your appointment.
- DO get a good night’s sleep prior to surgery.
- DO take your usual medications on schedule unless instructed otherwise.
- DO eat a big breakfast.
- DO dress comfortably.
- DO ask any questions you might have.
- DO let our staff know if you take Coumadin, antibiotics before dental work or blood pressure medications.
- DO NOT take aspirin or any aspirin containing products for ten days prior to the surgery, UNLESS DIRECTED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. Please read the label on all the over the counter medicines.
- DO NOT consume alcohol 24 hours prior to or 48 hours after surgery.
- DO NOT smoke 24 hours prior to or 2 weeks after surgery---it impedes wound healing and decreases survival of flaps and grafts.
Pre Operative Patient Checklist
- I understand the nature of the Mohs procedure and have received a detailed information booklet, which I will read and ask any questions prior to surgery.
- I understand the risks of Mohs Surgery including, but not limited to: Risk of infection, scar/hypertrophic scarring, bleeding, graft or flap necrosis, sensory dysesthesias at surgery site, the risk of nerve injury, need for scar revision, pain at the surgery site, asymmetry, delayed healing, tumor recurrence.
- I give permission for photographs to be taken for documentation purposes.
- I understand that I should take all of my usual medications (unless specifically stated not to) the day of the Mohs procedure and the day of the repair. I will eat breakfast prior to my Mohs procedure.
- I understand that if I drink alcohol 2 days prior to, and/or 48 hours after surgery, I run an increased risk of bleeding from the surgery.
- I understand that if I smoke prior to, and after the surgery, I have a MUCH increased risk of graft or flap necrosis.
- I understand that aspirin increases the risk for bleeding during surgery, I understand that if my cardiologist has me on aspirin, Coumadin or other “blood thinners”, I need his/her permission to stop this prior to surgery.
- I have received a copy of these pre-operative instructions along with a detailed explanation of Mohs Surgery and potential complications.
- If your surgery involves your face and you are a contact lens wearer, please wear your eyeglasses on the day of surgery.
About Our Mohs Surgeons
Christopher, Conti, M.D.
Christopher M. Conti, M.D. is a board certified Dermatologist, a Mohs and Reconstructive fellowship trained surgeon, and skin cancer specialist. Dr. Conti is originally from upstate New York and received his medical degree at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. He then completed two years of internal medicine at SUNY Health Sciences Center in Syracuse, New York, followed by a one year fellowship in Photodynamic
Therapy and Cutaneous Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Conti then completed a three year Dermatology residency at SUNY Health Sciences Center at Buffalo, where he also served as chief resident, and subsequently received his board certification in Dermatology. Finally, he completed a Mohs College approved fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Reconstruction under the direction of Dr. Anthony Benedetto in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Heidi Kozic, M.D.
Dr. Kozic is a board certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon who specializes in skin cancer treatment. A Wilmington native, Dr. Kozic graduated cum laude from Lafayette College and earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. She completed an internal medicine internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center and obtained her residency training in dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She then completed a Mohs College and ACGME approved fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Kozic is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery, the Delaware Academy of Dermatology, the Medical Society of Delaware and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Kozic lives in Kennett Square with her husband and son. Her hobbies include tennis, golf and skiing.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information about Mohs Surgery or to make an appointment
- Call 302-633-7550 ext 439 or 259
Online Resources
Please visit the following websites to learn more about skin cancer and Mohs Surgery:
- American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- American Academy of Dermatology
- Skin Cancer Foundation
- Skin Cancer Net
- Oncolink
If you are interested in learning more about our Mohs Surgery procedures, call 302-633-7550 today to schedule an appointment.
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