Here at Feinstein Dermatology in Delray Beach, Florida, our highly skilled and board certified practitioners are committed to providing a personalized experience to each and every one of our patients. What better way to get to know our doctors on a more personal level than to share a quick Q&A with them?
In this article, we’d like to introduce board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Lawrence Enisman. Hailing from New York, Dr. Enisman has been with Feinstein Dermatology for the past three years and specializes in Mohs reconstruction surgery and other reconstructive procedures, such as earlobe repair.
Here, we share a closer glimpse into Dr. Enisman’s professional background, passions, and expertise in Mohs reconstruction surgery, as well as the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mohs surgery.
Q&A with Dr. Lawrence Enisman
Q: What compelled you to enter the field of reconstructive plastic surgery/medical dermatology?
Dr. Enisman: Having moved here from New York three years ago, leaving a full-time Plastic and Cosmetic practice for 35 years, I wanted to continue to work part-time and utilize my skills to provide a service that is not readily available to skin cancer patients.
After a patient has Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers, I can immediately reconstruct the defects created and leave the patient “whole” again. I feel a sense of satisfaction and pride after seeing how much the patients appreciate my expertise and the caring provided by the entire office at Feinstein Dermatology.
Q: What areas do you typically treat?
Dr. Enisman: I usually treat Mohs defects of the face or larger defects elsewhere on the body that may require skin grafting.
Q: Who are the best candidates for Mohs reconstruction?
Dr. Enisman: Any patient with a biopsy-proven skin cancer who wants to optimize the chance of complete removal of the cancer should consider Mohs. Immediate reconstruction is the best option to repair the defects, as the wounds are clean and fresh before scar tissue sets in or bacterial contamination occurs.
Q: What advice do you give to patients to prepare for upcoming Mohs surgery?
Dr. Enisman: Cleanse the area thoroughly. Stop any blood thinners if acceptable by their primary care physician. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget to eat, as the procedure may take several hours and only utilizes local anesthesia.
Q: Are there any interesting cases you’ve seen?
Dr. Enisman: There have been some significantly large defects of the face requiring a lot of skin tightening, making the patients look better (almost like a facelift) on the reconstructive side.
More About Mohs Surgery
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get about Mohs surgery.
What Is Mohs surgery?
Also called Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), Mohs surgery is a procedure used to remove skin cancer. Thin layers of skin are removed one at time and each layer is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancerous cells before another layer is removed. This allows Dr. Feinstein, our Board Certified Mohs Surgeon to remove as little skin as needed while still effectively removing all cancerous cells.
Once all cancer is removed, reconstructive surgery can be performed immediately if needed to improve scarring or defects caused by skin cancer removal.
What Types Of Cancer Does Mohs Treat?
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). However, Mohs can also be an effective treatment option for melanoma and early-stage Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Why Is It Called Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is named after Dr. Frederick E. Mohs, the surgeon who first developed this specific technique in 1938. Since then, the Mohs technique has been improved and perfected, making it the gold standard for skin cancer removal.
What’s The Difference Between Excision And Mohs?
Excision and Mohs are both surgical methods used to remove skin cancer. The main difference is that excision removes a wider area of tissue than with Mohs and therefore does not require examinations of cells after each layer is removed as with Mohs. Because of this, excisions are typically used to remove smaller skin cancers, while Mohs surgery is preferred for larger or more complex tumors.
How Painful Is Mohs Surgery?
The only part of Mohs surgery that may feel slightly uncomfortable is the injection of local anesthetic at the beginning. You should not feel any pain or discomfort during your Mohs procedure. Afterwards, some swelling, bruising, and tenderness can be expected, though these symptoms are generally easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can I Drive Myself Home After Mohs Surgery?
Most people should be capable of driving themselves home after Mohs surgery since it is an outpatient procedure performed with local sedation. However, it is generally recommended to bring someone along with you, as you might not feel up to driving directly after your procedure.
How Long Does It Take To Fully Heal After Mohs Surgery?
It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the wound to completely heal after Mohs surgery. Healing time depends on the size, location, and complexity of the tumor, however. Scars can take up to 18 months to fully mature, so you may continue to see gradual improvements in the appearance of scars even after your wound has fully healed.
How Successful Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has a success rate of up to 99% and is considered the most advanced and precise method of skin cancer removal, especially for high-risk BCCs and SCCs.
Why Feinstein Dermatology?
At Feinstein Dermatology, we understand the importance of early detection and treatment of skin cancer. With both a Board-Certified Mohs surgeon (Dr. Brian Feinstein) and Board-Certified Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon onsite, Feinstein Dermatology ensures optimal outcomes, combining expertise and artistry for the best possible results. When it comes to skin cancer, you can trust us to provide the highest level of expertise and care. From diagnosis to recovery, we are the authority on skin cancer. When it comes to skin cancer care, experience matters.
Still Have Questions about Mohs?
If you still have questions about Mohs surgery or Mohs reconstruction or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have a suspicious mole examined by one of our experienced skin cancer specialists, please don’t hesitate to call our Delray Beach office at (561) 692-6424 or get in touch online.
