Martha Jefferson Monday: "What Happens During a Mohs Surgery?" - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Martha Jefferson Monday: "What Happens During a Mohs Surgery Repair?"

Peggy Devan when diagnosed with skin cancer.

Peggy Devan after skin cancer was removed, before Mohs surgery.

Peggy Devan after Mohs surgery.

For people who have skin cancer there are two steps in the recovery process. The first is removing the cancer, and the second is healing. This week we spoke with plastic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Chance and one of her patients about Mohs surgery repair.

Peggy Devan, a Charlottesville resident, vividly remembers when she was first diagnosed with skin cancer. Her dermatologist pointed it out on the right side of her forehead.

Although, like we all would be, she wasn't happy at first, now, thanks to Mohs Surgery Repair with Dr. Elizabeth Chance, a plastic surgeon with Martha Jefferson Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, she's now back to her normal self.

"No one seems to believe I had it done. I guess that's pretty good," said Devan.

After finding out she had cancer, her first step was to let her dermatologist remove it through Mohs surgery.

"Mohs surgery is done by specialized dermatologists to remove skin cancer tumors and check 100% of the margins to make sure all cancer is gone," said Dr. Chance.

While the cancerous spot wasn't all that large before surgery, since doctors had to make sure they got all the bad tissue, the affected area was much larger after the surgery was complete. Devan was left with a hole on her face, and turned to Dr. Chance to help with the repair to ensure there was no permanent scar. It meant another surgery.

"During the surgery she went to sleep. I was able to bring skin from her scalp and the remainder of her forehead together and we put stitches in and she was done," said Dr. Chance.

Devan said she felt confident through the process and trusted Dr. Chance.

"I didn't worry about it. Maybe I'm dense, but I did not worry. She is very efficient and she makes you feel good and because of that I felt good," said Devan.

After a few weeks, all scars had healed and Devan was back to herself again.

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