Surgical Dermatology

Mohs surgery (also referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery, micrographic surgery, or micrographic dermatologic surgery) is named after Federic E. Mohs, MD, the pioneering doctor who developed the technique of examining surgically excised skin cancer in stages.

Small sections of the skin cancer are removed, chemically processed, and then examined carefully under the microscope. These steps are repeated until all of the skin cancer is removed. In this way, more healthy tissue is preserved. And, improved cosmetic outcomes can be achieved particularly in sensitive areas such as the face, nose, and ear.

YES!

Mohs surgery for skin cancers has an extremely high cure rate. Skin cancers without any prior treatments have a 99% cure rate with Mohs surgery. Skin cancers reoccurring after previous treatment has a 94% cure rate.

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating most non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas).

Mohs surgery is performed in stages but all in a single visit. The number of stages depends on how many layers of skin need to be removed and examined. Once all of the cancer is removed with cancer-free margins, the wound is repaired or bandaged.

Depending on the surgical site with the skin cancer and the amount of tissue removed, the wound may be simply stitched closed. In more complex surgical sites and cases, reconstruction with a skin flap or coordination with other specialists may be recommended. Healing by secondary intention, where the wound is purposefully left open to heal naturally, may also be recommended.

Similar to other minor surgical procedures, common symptoms experienced after the surgery include pain at the surgical site, tenderness and swelling, and minimal amount of bleeding. These should resolve over time. Your doctor will inform you of the significant signs and symptoms, which warrant an earlier follow-up after the surgery.

Your doctor will also advise on proper care long term to minimize the scar to maximize the cosmetic outcome.