The Key to Finding the Best Mohs Surgeon in Your Area

When you’re first diagnosed with skin cancer on the head or neck, and you’ve been told that Mohs surgery is going to be the absolute best treatment option, you probably immediately started researching surgeons in your region. But there are a few things you should know before selecting a Mohs surgeon. 

When you’re looking for a doctor to perform your Mohs surgery, it’s important to remember that not all Mohs surgeons are created equal. Some are going to be able to offer you a higher cure rate, lower complication rate, and less risk of infection, and this is exactly why you need to learn as much as you can about the surgeon and the practice where you’ll be having it performed.

3 Things to look for when choosing a Mohs surgeon

Though it may take a little research, there are a few things you want to make absolutely sure of before selecting a dermatologist to perform your Mohs surgery. 

1. Make sure they are a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon

Along with being a board-certified dermatologist, you’ll want your surgeon to be a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, giving them extensive hands-on training and experience.

What exactly does it mean to be fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery? It means your surgeon has, at the very least:

• Completed 1-2 years additional training post-residency
• Practiced in a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases
• Had exposure to rare tumor pathology, difficult tumor locations, and complex wound reconstruction

As you can see, Mohs surgeons are trained in reconstructive surgery, and contrary to what many may think, having a plastic or general surgeon remove your skin cancer isn’t going to leave you with a smaller scar.  Studies have also shown that the cure rate is much higher when using a Mohs surgeon. 

2. Check that they have excellent patient reviews

In today’s world, there are a range of websites that collect patient reviews, including Google Business, Facebook, and Healthgrades, among many others. Be sure to check out what their current and former patients are saying about their practice. 

Not only will you be working with your doctor, but you’ll be dealing with their entire staff as well. They should be there to answer all of your questions, provide you with a comforting environment and make you feel educated and nurtured throughout the process.

3. Ensure that they have access to an

Also known as ASCs, s are modern healthcare facilities that provide same-day surgical care, giving patients a safe and convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures. These offer patients the lowest possible infection rates as well as the speediest postoperative recovery due to the use of local anesthesia. 

ASCs can be utilized for many of the reconstructive surgical procedures required by Mohs surgery patients. Just be sure to look for an ASC that’s accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. 

Finding the best Mohs surgeon near you

Finding a Mohs surgeon who’s extremely knowledgeable, has extensive experience, and carries a good reputation is extremely important before going forward with surgery. But while in the hands of a Mohs surgeon who meets these criteria, you can be confident that you’ll have the highest possibility of curing your skin cancer while greatly minimizing any risk of complications.

Contact Center of Surgical Dermatology when searching for a Mohs Surgeon in Westerville, OH
Center of Surgical Dermatology is the largest medical and surgical skin treatment and wellness facility in Central Ohio. Since 2007, our board-certified Dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, and caring professional staff have provided patients with the treatment they can trust in an environment second to none. Learn more about our state-of-the-art Dermatology Center before booking your appointment today.