Mohs Surgery & Reconstruction

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer.

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Considered the most effective technique for treating common types of skin cancer, Mohs surgery has a remarkably high cure rate and causes minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is cost-effective and requires minimal time to perform, with minimal downtime.

A cure rate of over 99%

During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, Mohs surgery only removes the diseased layers of skin and spares the surrounding healthy tissue. The removed tissue is checked for cancer activity immediately, allowing your surgeon to confirm that the cancer is gone without the need to wait for pathology results to come back from a lab. While surgical risks and scarring are kept to a minimum, the cure rate for most skin cancers is 99% or better.

About Mohs reconstructive surgery

While Mohs surgery causes less scarring than most other methods, reconstructive surgery is sometimes necessary, particularly if the surgery was performed on the face. If skin cancer has been removed from facial features such as the nose, eye area, or lips, plastic surgery may be used to improve the cosmetic outcome of your surgery as well as the function of the area. Your surgeon will go over the details of your unique condition so you know what to expect. Our surgical team focuses on achieving the most natural outcome possible.

Before & After

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Is Mohs surgery right for me?

Of course, whenever cancer is involved, choosing the correct treatment is of the utmost importance. Our experienced surgeons are fully qualified and trained in Mohs surgery and will base their recommendations on a careful study of your diagnosis and thorough consultation. Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat common types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In some cases, melanoma and some rare skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, can also be treated with Mohs. Mohs is often recommended for BCC or SCC if your cancer:

Was treated previously and returned
Has a high risk of recurrence
Is large or aggressive
Is in a delicate area where you want to retain as much tissue as possible, such as the lip, nose, or eye area

What is the procedure like?

On the day of your surgery, your surgeon will examine the area and administer your anesthetic. Mohs surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will begin by removing the visible skin cancer. The next step is to remove a thin layer of surrounding skin. You will remain seated while your surgeon immediately examines the removed skin under a microscope. If he finds cancer cells in the removed tissue, he will remove another layer of skin. This procedure is continued until no more cancer cells are found.

How long does it take?

The procedure usually takes several hours, depending on how many layers will need to be removed. Once all traces of cancer are gone, your surgeon will decide how to treat your wound. You may require some stitches, or your wound may heal nicely on its own. This will depend on the treated area and the depth of the wound. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary. This can often be performed on the same day as your Mohs surgery.

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Will I need to take time off from work?

Many patients are able to return to work the day after surgery. The wound will take time to heal, and if you require stitches, these will usually be removed within seven to ten days. It may take four to six weeks for the wound to heal completely. You should avoid strenuous activity or any actions that raise your heart rate for the first week after surgery.

Compassion and the highest level of expertise

At Precision Medical Arts, we understand that dealing with skin cancer can be daunting and scary. We will do our utmost to keep you informed about all aspects of your treatment, making sure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. Our surgeons have extensive experience in performing Mohs surgery and reconstructive surgery. We are here to help you, and you can expect compassionate care and an unparalleled level of professional expertise.