Effectively treat skin cancer with Mohs surgery at the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly specialized surgical procedure used for skin cancer removal, most often for the removal of common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Mohs surgery differs from other forms of skin cancer treatments by strategically using detailed mapping techniques and conducting a complete microscopic examination of all removed tissues. This allows the Mohs surgeon to precisely target and exclusively eliminate all cancer cells and roots, while preserving the surrounding healthy skin to minimize scarring and optimize healing potential.
At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, our Mohs procedures are performed by our team of fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons who have completed one additional year of Mohs surgery training. This is in addition to their one-year internship then three years of dermatology residency. Our fellowship trained Mohs surgeons are specially trained in surgery, pathology, and reconstruction to deliver outstanding and reliable skin cancer treatment results.
Mohs Surgery FAQs
Mohs surgery is a comprehensive skin cancer treatment that you may have several questions and concerns about. Read through our FAQs section to get a better understanding of how this treatment works, the types of skin cancers it addresses, what you can expect from the treatment, and who performs Mohs surgery at our practice in Westerville, Ohio.
Mohs surgery is named after the procedure founder, Dr. Frederick Mohs. He founded and developed this highly precise and successful procedure in 1938.
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It is generally recommended for skin cancers that are aggressive, show an invasive pattern microscopically, or are located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas, such as the face, nose, or scalp.
Mohs surgery is known as “The Gold Standard” of skin cancer treatment—and for good reason. This type of skin cancer treatment provides a wide range of exceptional benefits, including:
- A cure rate of around 99% or higher, whereas other treatments typically have a 90-95% cure rate.
- Some of the lowest cancer recurrence rates compared to other forms of treatment.
- Cost-effective due to its high cure rate and low recurrence rates.
- It removes as little healthy tissue as possible, resulting in less scarring potential.
- A comfortable surgical experience, as it is performed at our outpatient center rather than a hospital.
- Better procedure outcomes, as our fellowship trained Mohs surgeons are highly experienced and trained in removing skin cancer and reconstructing the surrounding tissue.
For more information on the benefits of Mohs surgery, read our helpful blog here. And don’t forget to also read why you should choose a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.
At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, Mohs surgery is performed by one of our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons. This means they boast unmatched training and experience in removing skin cancer from difficult locations, while also delivering optimal cosmetic outcomes due to their exceptional reconstruction techniques.
You can trust that when you choose a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, you are choosing a physician who can deliver the best possible chances of helping you beat skin cancer for good. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation today with one of our Mohs surgeons.
On the day of your Mohs surgery, our staff will escort you into the surgical suite where you will be asked questions about your current medical standing, including a review of current medications. You will also have your heart rate and blood pressure checked.
The doctor will then numb the area around the skin cancer with a local aesthetic. We use a far less painful local anesthetic than most other physicians to ensure a comfortable experience.
Once numb, your Mohs surgeon removes the visible cancerous tissue along with a thin layer of normal appearing tissue. This tissue is carefully mapped by the surgeon and taken to the lab to be processed. While the tissue is being examined by our pathologist, a temporary bandage is placed over the wound and you will return to the reception area to wait.
The surgical procedure alone takes only 10-15 minutes. However, it takes on the average 45-60 minutes to prepare and examine the tissues of each layer. Large skin cancers may take significantly longer. Although, there is no way to tell how many layers will be necessary to remove the entire cancer, most are removed in 3 layers or less.
Verbal instructions for wound care will be covered in detail after your Mohs surgery. We will also provide a written set of instructions with contact numbers should you have additional questions.
When you leave, there will be a big bulky dressing over your surgical site, which needs to stay in place for the next 24 hours. Many patients choose to remain home the day after surgery to prioritize healing, which is a good idea. Your doctor will tell you if any additional time off is required and we are happy to provide a work excuse if necessary.
Please avoid strenuous activity for 1 week after surgery unless otherwise instructed. Activities that increase your heart rate and blood pressure (e.g. exercising, sports, lifting heavy objects, yard work) increase your chance of developing post-op complications, including bleeding and infection.
Flying on an airplane can complicate your recovery and we recommend you wait at least 48 hours after surgery before traveling via airplane.
You can expect some slight bruising and swelling for one week after your procedure, possibly longer, though this varies from patient to patient. Bruising and swelling vary considerably among patients. The site of your surgery and your activity level contributes to the amount of bruising and/or swelling you may have.
Since we do not know in advance how much time is needed to completely remove the skin cancer and repair the wound, we ask that you plan for the possibility of being in the office the entire day. Please do not make other commitments. However, most patients are here for an average of 3-4 hours.
No, Mohs surgery is not painful, as we administer local aesthetic to completely numb the area before moving forward with the procedure. It’s important to note that you may experience some discomfort after the procedure, once the aesthetic wears off. This is normal and can be alleviated with OTC pain medication.
Yes, your Mohs surgery will likely leave a small scar. However, our Mohs surgeons take as little healthy tissue as possible and are highly experienced in reconstruction, so depending on the size of your cancer, you can expect a much smaller scar that heals more optimally compared to other forms of skin cancer treatment.
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating skin cancers, namely basal and squamous cell carcinomas, that are located in cosmetically- and functionally-sensitive areas, such as the nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes, genitals, and around the eyes. However, Mohs surgery can be performed anywhere on the body and is also indicated for larger skin cancers on the trunk and extremities.
Mohs surgery is generally covered by most insurances. However, we recommend consulting with your insurance provider to make sure this skin cancer treatment is covered under your individual healthcare plan.
Mohs Surgery Photos
Mohs surgery is a highly precise method of removing skin cancer. Browse our Mohs surgery photo gallery to get a better understanding of how it is performed and the type of cancerous lesions we treat with Mohs surgery.
Treat Skin Cancer with Mohs Surgery in Westerville, OH
The board-certified dermatologists at the Center for Surgical Dermatology are highly specialized in performing Mohs surgery to address and remove skin cancer. If you are interested in learning more about Mohs surgery in Westerville, Ohio, reach out to our state-of-the-art clinic. We are happy to help you determine which course of skin cancer treatment is right for you and your health.
Schedule your Mohs surgery in Westerville, Ohio, by requesting an appointment online or by calling our clinic at (614) 847-4100.
Have questions or concerns? Please give us a call at 614.847.4100.