Medical Dermatology
Mohs Surgery
Precise surgical technique for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue.
Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard treatment for certain types of skin cancer, offering the highest cure rate (up to 99%) while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This precise surgical technique is especially valuable for cancers in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas such as the face, ears, nose, and hands.
During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This layer-by-layer approach ensures complete cancer removal while sparing healthy surrounding tissue, resulting in the smallest possible wound and minimal scarring.
At Rao Dermatology, our surgeons have extensive fellowship training in Mohs surgery and have performed thousands of procedures. We provide comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgical treatment and reconstruction, all in a comfortable office setting.
Benefits
- Highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment (up to 99%)
- Maximum preservation of healthy tissue
- Real-time microscopic examination during surgery
- Minimal scarring compared to traditional excision
- Ideal for cancers on the face, ears, nose, and hands
- Same-day treatment and reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The length of Mohs surgery varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer. Most procedures take 2 to 4 hours, though some may take longer. Plan to spend most of the day at our office, as there are waiting periods between each layer of tissue removal.
Is Mohs surgery painful?
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild discomfort or pressure. Post-operative pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
What is the recovery time for Mohs surgery?
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on the size and location of the surgical site. Your surgeon will provide specific wound care instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing.
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