Advanced Plastic Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery

World‑Class Cancer Care. Family‑Level Compassion.

When it comes to treating skin cancer, removing the cancer is only part of the journey. Ensuring that patients experience excellent healing and natural‑looking results is equally important. At Advanced Dermatologic Surgery (ADS), Thomas L. Hocker, MD—Harvard and Mayo Clinic–trained and triple board‑certified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and Mohs & reconstructive surgery—combines Mohs micrographic surgery with advanced plastic reconstruction to provide comprehensive care in one setting. Our certified ambulatory surgical center is designed for safety, precision, and comfort, and our clinic maintains exceptionally low infection rates compared with published dermatology and reconstructive literature. Most patients complete cancer removal and reconstruction the same day.

What Makes Our Approach Unique?

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas by removing cancer layer by layer and evaluating 100% of the margin in real time. Once the cancer is fully removed, many patients require reconstruction to restore both function and appearance—especially in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears. Dr. Hocker’s fellowship training and triple board certification allow him to plan the reconstruction from the start, preserving healthy tissue and optimizing outcomes. He has performed over 2,400 melanoma Mohs cases, placing him top three worldwide by volume, and he regularly teaches residents and medical students as the Founding Director of Dermatologic Surgery at UMKC.

Advanced Reconstructive Options

Reconstruction is customized to the size, location, and depth of the defect, as well as your skin quality and goals:

●     Primary closures – A straightforward approach when the wound can be closed with minimal tension, carefully oriented along natural lines to reduce visibility over time.

●     Local skin flaps – Using nearby skin to cover the site while preserving natural contours and critical functions like eyelid closure or lip competence.

●     Skin grafts – Transferring skin from a donor site (often behind the ear or the upper inner arm) when additional tissue is needed; graft type (split‑ vs. full‑thickness) is chosen to balance color/texture match and durability.

Because reconstruction is integrated with Mohs planning, we aim to protect function, minimize additional procedures, and reduce downtime. Complex cases may include cartilage support, staged flaps, or selective dermabrasion/polishing in a later visit to refine results.

Patient‑Centered Care in One Setting

A single, coordinated setting reduces anxiety and logistical burden. At ADS you benefit from:

●     Same‑day cancer removal and reconstruction in a certified surgical environment.

●     Reduced anxiety and fewer appointments, with clear communication at each step.

●     Personalized attention from a fellowship‑trained, triple board‑certified Mohs surgeon and a dedicated nursing team.

●     Exceptionally low infection rates supported by meticulous sterile technique and after‑care education.

Our faith‑driven, patient‑first culture guides everything we do—we treat every patient like family.

Restoring Confidence After Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can affect how you look and how you feel about yourself. Dr. Hocker’s reconstruction is designed to restore both function and appearance so you can return to life with confidence. For eligible melanoma cases (e.g., melanoma in situ and select T1a lesions on the head/neck, hands, feet, or genital skin), we frequently use margin‑controlled Mohs with immunostaining to maximize precision while sparing healthy tissue, followed by tissue‑sparing reconstruction in the same setting. Melanoma Priority Access: treatment within 30 days and ≤14 days if high‑risk (insurance dependent).

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, ADS offers comprehensive care—from precise removal to advanced reconstruction—under one roof. Schedule a consult to discuss options tailored to your case.