Mohs Reconstructive Surgery San Diego, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Facing cancer is already an emotional journey, and the thought of removal can sometimes feel intimidating. Our team is here to provide you with a supportive experience from start to finish, ensuring you feel cared for, informed, and confident in your recovery, without the added anxiety of what’s left behind. Mohs reconstructive surgery with the Tiffany Pham MD Facial Plastic Surgery team in San Diego offers an impactful solution to maintaining one’s natural beauty after having cancer removed. You have been through enough in your journey, so let us take it from here.

Dr. Pham regularly meets with patients throughout San Diego, including La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

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What is Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?

Mohs reconstructive surgery is a procedure performed after skin cancer removal to restore both form and function, most often on highly visible areas such as the face, ears, nose, lips, or scalp. While Mohs surgery is extremely effective at removing cancerous tissue, the resulting defect can sometimes leave the surrounding skin uneven, distorted, or incomplete. Reconstructive surgery addresses this by carefully reshaping and repairing the area to preserve your natural features, minimize scarring, and promote optimal healing.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for Mohs reconstructive surgery if you’ve undergone, or are scheduled to undergo, Mohs surgery for skin cancer and have a visible or complex defect requiring repair. This is especially common when cancer is removed from delicate or prominent areas such as the nose, cheeks, eyelids, lips, scalp, or ears.

Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health and have realistic expectations about healing and results. Reconstruction is customized based on the size, depth, and location of the surgical site, as well as your skin type and personal goals.

While we generally work with patients in the San Diego, La Jolla, and Carmel Valley areas, we welcome patients across the country to our practice, as we aim to make Mohs reconstructive surgery as accessible as possible for all.

What Are the Benefits of Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?

The most immediate advantage of Mohs reconstructive surgery is restoring the natural appearance of the face or affected area, minimizing visible scarring, and preserving important facial features such as the eyes, nose, lips, or ears. The procedure also supports proper function by helping to maintain normal movement, sensation, and symmetry whenever possible. Beyond physical restoration, many patients find significant emotional reassurance in knowing their reconstruction is handled thoughtfully and precisely.

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What’s the First Step?

If you’ve already had Mohs surgery or are planning to have it, we invite you to sit down with Dr. Pham at her San Diego practice. Our goal is to ensure a comfortable, seamless process for you so you can get the care you need without extra stress or anxiety. During this appointment, Dr. Pham will thoroughly discuss your medical history and journey with skin cancer, what your ultimate goals are, where surgery is needed, and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. A surgical plan will be created that outlines the aesthetic and functional improvements to be made, the incision sites, and other details of the surgery. We can also discuss insurance coverage and financing for any potential out-of-pocket costs. From there, surgery can be scheduled.

What to Expect on the Day of Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstruction is often performed the same day as Mohs surgery or shortly afterward, once clear margins are confirmed. Depending on the complexity of your repair, the procedure may be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia.

At a San Diego surgical facility, Dr. Pham will carefully rebuild the affected area using a variety of techniques outlined in your surgical plan, including layered closure, skin flaps, and grafts. These are chosen specifically to match your natural contours and skin texture. After your procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and leave with dressings in place. Most patients return home the same day, feeling reassured knowing their reconstruction has been thoughtfully completed.

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Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Mohs Reconstructive Care

Recovery varies depending on the size and location of your reconstruction, but most patients will experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness during the first week. These symptoms gradually improve as healing progresses, and you’ll be given clear instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

Stitches are often removed within one to two weeks, and while initial redness may persist, scars continue to soften and fade over several months. Your care team will guide you through each stage of healing. With proper care and time, most patients are pleased to see their natural features restored.

How Much Does Mohs Reconstructive Surgery Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost of Mohs reconstructive surgery in San Diego, La Jolla, and Carmel Valley depends on the extent of the correction needed. This includes the size and location of the affected area, the complexity of the procedure, the techniques used (whether for cosmetic reconstruction, functional, or both), anesthesia and facility costs, and the expertise of your surgeon. In many cases that involve correction for functional purposes, insurance will cover these costs (depending on your plan). We will discuss this together, along with financing options if needed.

Why Choose Dr. Pham?

Dr. Tiffany Pham is fellowship-trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, completing advanced specialty training at the University of Miami after her residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. During this time, she worked closely with internationally recognized leaders in facial aesthetics and remains an active member of both the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

With more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and meaningful humanitarian work throughout Ethiopia, Mexico, Vietnam, and Southern California, Dr. Pham brings together clinical excellence and genuine compassion. Based in San Diego, she focuses exclusively on the face and neck, allowing her to deliver refined, natural-looking results that celebrate each patient’s individuality while helping restore confidence.

Mohs Reconstructive Surgery FAQ’S

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Patient Reviews

  • Doctor Tiffany Pham MD and patient shaking hands in modern office with plant and computer screen showing video call - in San Diego, CA

    “I cannot recommend Dr. Tiffany Pham enough! ”

    “I cannot recommend Dr. Tiffany Pham enough! She is brilliant, dedicated to her patients, and has the lightest touch for anyone who is looking for Botox work (especially for those who are afraid of needles!)…”

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    “Attentive to detail yet also kind and compassionate.”

    “Dr. Pham is an excellent physician—professional, caring, and thorough. I felt well cared for and supported. I would highly recommend her if you want someone extremely attentive to detail yet also kind and compassionate.”

  • Doctor Tiffany Pham MD and patient shaking hands in modern office with plant and computer screen showing video call - in San Diego, CA

    “She put my nerves at ease.”

    “Dr. Pham did an excellent job with my lip filler procedure. I was nervous before receiving the treatment and she put my nerves at ease by answering all of my questions in a kind, compassionate manner. Thanks to her I have newfound confidence and love the way my lips look!”

  • Doctor Tiffany Pham MD and patient shaking hands in modern office with plant and computer screen showing video call - in San Diego, CA

    “Very gentle and had a soothing demeanor that really puts you at ease”

    “Dr. Tiffany was excellent! She did my botox treatment and I have no complaints. She was very gentle and had a soothing demeanor that really puts you at ease. She is also very informative and gives clear instructions for post-care treatment. The whole process was so smooth. Will be seeing her again!”

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Schedule Your Consultation

Let us help you feel comfortable, confident, and safe in your skin again. If you want to discuss your options for Mohs reconstructive surgery, a consultation with Dr. Pham is a great place to start. Call our San Diego office at (858) 282-0212 or use our contact form to book your appointment.