Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Advanced Dermatology

About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs surgery is performed in carefully planned stages during a single visit. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the visible portion of the skin cancer is removed along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. That tissue is immediately processed in our on-site laboratory and examined under a microscope. This real-time analysis allows us to map exactly where cancer cells remain, if any are present at all.

If cancer cells are detected, only the precise area still involved is removed, nothing more. This process is repeated layer by layer until the margins are completely clear. Because we remove only tissue containing cancer cells, Mohs surgery preserves the maximum amount of healthy skin while achieving cure rates as high as 99% for certain non-melanoma skin cancers. Once complete clearance is confirmed, reconstruction is performed with careful attention to both function and cosmetic outcome.

Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is often recommended for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly when tumors are located in areas where tissue preservation is critical. It is also ideal for recurrent skin cancers, tumors with aggressive or infiltrating growth patterns, and cancers that have indistinct borders.

This technique is especially valuable for cancers occurring on cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, hands, fingers, and lower legs. In these locations, even small amounts of unnecessary tissue removal can significantly affect appearance or function. Mohs surgery allows for the highest level of precision where it matters most.

Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery

Once the cancer has been completely removed, reconstruction becomes the next priority. At Advanced Dermatology, reconstruction is performed immediately following clearance and is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, wound size, and location.

Depending on the situation, this may involve a straightforward side-to-side closure, a carefully designed local flap that repositions nearby skin, a skin graft, or in some cases allowing the area to heal naturally under close supervision. The goal is always the same: to restore normal appearance and function while blending the repair seamlessly with the surrounding skin. Thoughtful reconstruction plays a vital role in ensuring patients continue to look and feel like themselves after surgery.

Why Choose Advanced Dermatology for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery at Advanced Dermatology is led by Tushar Dabade, MD, FAAD, a board-certified Mohs surgeon with advanced expertise in both skin cancer removal and facial reconstruction. Our dedicated on-site laboratory allows for immediate microscopic evaluation, ensuring precision and efficiency throughout the procedure.

Our surgical suites are designed for comfort and safety, and our team is experienced in managing both straightforward and complex cases. We also maintain seamless communication with referring dermatologists and primary care providers to ensure continuity of care before, during, and after treatment. This comprehensive approach allows us to deliver exceptional cure rates with minimal tissue loss and optimal cosmetic outcomes.

Common Skin Cancers Treated with Mohs

Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma, the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer, which often appears as a pearly bump or a non-healing sore. It is also highly effective for squamous cell carcinoma, which may present as a scaly patch, crusted lesion, or growing nodule and carries a higher risk of spread if left untreated.

In select cases, superficial forms of melanoma in situ may also be treated with Mohs surgery when appropriate, depending on individual circumstances and pathology findings.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure

Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients spend several hours in the office due to the staged nature of the procedure. Local anesthesia ensures comfort throughout the day. Between stages, patients relax while tissue is processed and examined in the laboratory.

Because only local anesthesia is used, most patients are able to drive themselves home afterward. Depending on the type of reconstruction performed, sutures may need to be removed within one to two weeks. Detailed post-operative wound care instructions are provided before you leave, and our team remains available to answer questions during your recovery.