What to expect

Mohs surgery offers several important advantages, particularly for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas:

• Highest Cure Rate – Up to 99% for many skin cancers when treated early.
• Tissue-Sparing Precision – Cancer is removed layer by layer, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Immediate Microscopic Analysis – Each layer is examined on-site under a microscope to ensure all cancer is removed.
• Minimized Scarring – Because only affected tissue is removed, the procedure leads to smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.

Mohs surgery is performed in our office. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Local Anesthetic – The treatment area is numbed with an injection so you’ll remain awake and comfortable.
2. Initial Removal – The visible tumor is removed along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
3. Microscopic Examination – While you wait comfortably, your surgeon examines the tissue under a microscope.
4. Targeted Removal – If cancer cells are found at the edges, only those specific areas are removed.
5. Repeat if Needed – Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until no cancer remains.
6. Wound Repair – Once the area is cancer-free, the surgeon will determine the best approach for wound closure. This may include natural healing, stitches, or in some cases, a skin graft.

• The procedure is minimally invasive and typically completed in one day.
• Recovery time is quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
• Scarring is minimal, and in many cases, wound repairs are performed immediately after surgery to optimize healing and cosmetic results.

Mohs surgery is often recommended for:

• Skin cancers on the face, ears, scalp, hands, feet, or genitals
• Recurrent or aggressive skin cancers
• Tumors with indistinct borders

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or referred for Mohs surgery, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process with skill, precision, and compassion.