How Much Does It Cost for Flap Plastic Surgery & Mohs Surgery?

Average Costs, Insurance Coverage & Affordable Provider Tips

The cost for flap plastic surgery and Mohs surgery varies based on how complex the procedure is. On average, flap surgery costs $2,000-$5,000 and Mohs surgery costs $500-$1,500 per stage.

Skin cancer and other conditions affecting the skin often require specialized surgical procedures for treatment and reconstruction. Two of the most common surgeries performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons are Mohs surgery and flap plastic surgery. But how much does it cost to undergo these complex procedures?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an overview of Mohs surgery and flap plastic surgery, factors that affect the costs, average price ranges, insurance coverage, and tips for finding affordable care.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly precise surgical technique used to treat common types of skin cancer. It was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, and has remained the gold standard treatment for certain skin cancers.

Mohs surgery is unique because it involves removing the skin cancer layer by layer while examining the tissue under a microscope. This allows the surgeon to pinpoint areas involved with cancer that require additional removal and minimize removal of healthy tissue.

Some key benefits of Mohs surgery include:

• High cure rates of up to 99% for common skin cancers.
• Maximal preservation of healthy tissue.
• Minimal scarring and disfigurement compared to other techniques.
• Ability to precisely map out and ensure full removal of cancerous areas.
• Shorter healing time.

Mohs surgery is typically used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two of the most common types of skin cancer. It may also be used for rare skin cancers in delicate areas like near the eyes, nose, lips and ears.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mendese at Dermatology & Skin Health to discuss if Mohs surgery is right for your skin cancer.

What is Flap Plastic Surgery?

Flap plastic surgery refers to reconstructive surgery where healthy, live tissue is transferred from one part of the body to another to repair defects or restore functionality. This tissue is called a flap.

There are several types of flap procedures:

1. Local Flaps

These involve moving tissue adjacent to the defect, maintaining its blood supply. This is typically the simplest form of flap surgery.

2. Regional Flaps

These flaps take tissue from a nearby region and are often attached to a specific blood vessel.

3. Distant or Free Flaps

This complex procedure involves transferring tissue from a different part of the body altogether, requiring microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels

Flap plastic surgery is necessary after removal of large tumors or when Mohs surgery causes significant skin defects. Flaps can be used to reconstruct nearly any part of the body, including the head, neck, trunk and extremities. They restore appearance and function.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Mohs Surgery

The cost of Mohs surgery can range significantly based on several factors:

Number of Stages	The number of stages required to completely remove skin cancer is the most significant factor influencing the cost. More stages mean more time in surgery to remove and examine tissue under a microscope. Simple cases may require only 1-2 stages, while complex cases can necessitate 5 or more stages.
Location	Skin cancers located on the face, ears, hands, feet, or genitals are generally more complex and costly for Mohs surgery. These delicate areas require specialized techniques and may involve additional reconstructive procedures.
Complexity	Large, deep-rooted, or recurrent skin cancers require extensive Mohs surgery, which increases the overall cost.
Surgeon's Fees	Mohs surgeons have specialized training, so their fees are typically higher than those of standard dermatologists. Expect to pay $500-1500 per Mohs stage.
Facility Fees	Operating room, equipment, and staffing fees also contribute to the total cost of Mohs surgery.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Flap Plastic Surgery

Several factors can also affect the price of flap plastic surgery, including:

Extent of the Defect	Larger defects indeed require more extensive and complicated flap procedures, often necessitating additional surgical sessions. This complexity correlates with higher costs.
Flap Type	The type of flap significantly influences cost. Simpler procedures, such as local or regional flaps, are generally less expensive than complex distant or free flaps, which can exceed $5,000 due to the intricacies involved in microsurgery.
Surgeon’s Skill	The expertise of the surgeon plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons typically charge more, reflecting their specialized training and the potential for superior outcomes.
Anesthesia	The type of anesthesia used can impact overall costs. General anesthesia or IV sedation is more expensive, often adding $1,000 or more, while local anesthesia is less costly.
Facility Fees	Similar to other surgical procedures, the costs associated with the operating room, equipment, and hospital stay contribute significantly to the total charges for flap plastic surgery.

Get a personalized, all-inclusive Mohs surgery cost estimate from Dermatology & Skin Health’s billing coordinators. Call us today

What are the Average Costs of Mohs Surgery & Flap Plastic Surgery?

The average costs for Mohs surgery and flap plastic surgery can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. 

For Mohs surgery, the cost per stage typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, with the average cost per procedure around $2,575. However, the total costs for Mohs surgery may be as low as $1,500 for early, simple skin cancers that only require 1-2 stages. More extensive cancers needing multiple stages can lead to total costs exceeding $12,000 in some cases.

When it comes to flap reconstruction following Mohs surgery, simple flap procedures generally cost $2,000 to $5,000 depending on factors like the type of flap and intricacy of the repair. More complex microsurgical flaps that involve reconnecting blood vessels may cost $5,000 to $12,000 or more owing to the specialized skills and longer operating times needed. Beyond the flap procedure itself, total charges will also reflect considerations like the size of the surgical defect, anesthesia requirements, the surgeon's expertise, and facility fees.

Given the potential variability in total costs for both Mohs and flap plastic surgery, it is advisable for patients to obtain an itemized estimate from their healthcare provider. This allows them to better understand the specific costs they may incur based on the unique characteristics of their case.

Insurance Coverage

Health insurance plans typically provide coverage for medically necessary Mohs surgery and flap procedures, but the specifics vary depending on the type of plan:

Medicare

Medicare Parts A and B help cover inpatient and outpatient costs associated with these procedures. After meeting the annual Part B deductible ($226 in 2023), Medicare pays 80% of approved surgery fees. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides full coverage in most states for Mohs surgery and flaps deemed medically necessary, often with little to no copay required. Preauthorization may be needed. Coverage levels can vary for different eligibility groups.

Private health insurance

Private health insurance plans have different cost-sharing structures, but most cover 70-80% of allowed charges for complex surgeries like Mohs and flaps, after the annual deductible is satisfied. This leaves the patient responsible for 20-30% as coinsurance.

High-deductible health plans may require the patient to pay out-of-pocket up to the full deductible amount (averages $5,000-$6,500 for individuals) before any coverage kicks in. After the deductible, coinsurance would apply.

Other factors impacting coverage:

• Prior authorization or referrals needed from primary care doctor
• Whether the provider and facility are in-network or not
• Annual or lifetime limits on covered services
• Exclusions for cosmetic procedures

Always review your specific health insurance benefits and get preauthorization where required to understand your potential out-of-pocket costs before undergoing major skin surgery. Request an itemized estimate from your provider. Uncovered charges can quickly sum up if you're not prepared.

Dermatology & Skin Health’s staff can verify your insurance benefits and provide exact out-of-pocket cost estimates for skin surgery. Get in touch now.

How to Find Affordable High-Quality Care

Here are some tips for finding affordable, high-quality surgeons for Mohs and plastic surgery:

1. Ask your dermatologist for in-network referrals to experienced, well-qualified Mohs and reconstructive surgeons. Staying in-network helps lower your costs.
2. Inquire about pricing at surgery centers, which are more affordable than hospitals.
3. Ask about payment plan options to spread out costs over time. Many providers offer flexible financing.
4. Talk to your surgeon about generic rather than brand name dressings and compression garments to save money.
5. Never choose a surgeon based on price alone. Ensure they are specially trained and consistently deliver excellent results. This ultimately gives you the best value and outcome.

Conclusion

While Mohs surgery and flap plastic surgery come with considerable price tags, they are highly precise treatments that have excellent outcomes for complex skin cancers and defects. Most insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary procedures. Costs vary based on the extent of surgery required and factors like surgeon fees and facility charges. With careful research and budgeting, you can find affordable care with top surgeons in these specialties.

Be sure to discuss costs in detail with an expert surgeon like Dr. Gary Mendese from Dermatology & Skin Health. Dr. Mendese and his team can provide personalized estimates and advice for your situation. 

The key is working with a knowledgeable dermatologic surgeon to understand all potential costs and insurance coverage ahead of time. Contact Dermatology & Skin Health today to get started.