Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but thanks to advanced treatments like Mohs surgery, it is also highly treatable. Dr. Hedayati, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon at New Wave Dermatology and Laser, specializes in removing skin cancer with precision while preserving healthy tissue. Understanding how Mohs surgery works can help you make informed decisions about your skin health.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise technique for treating certain types of skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope in real-time. This approach ensures complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, making it especially valuable for sensitive areas like the face, scalp, hands, and neck.
Why Mohs Surgery May Be Recommended
Doctors often recommend Mohs surgery for:
- Skin cancers in cosmetically or functionally critical areas
- Recurrent or aggressive skin cancers
- Large or poorly defined skin cancers
- Cases where maximum tissue preservation is important
Because of its meticulous approach, Mohs surgery has one of the highest cure rates for skin cancer and minimizes the risk of recurrence.
Step-by-Step: How Mohs Surgery Works
Tissue Removal
Dr. Hedayati removes a thin layer of the visible cancerous skin under local anesthesia, keeping the patient awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Microscopic Examination
The removed tissue is processed and examined under a microscope to identify any remaining cancer cells.
Sequential Layering
If cancer cells are still present, another layer is carefully removed and examined. This step-by-step process continues until no cancer remains.
Wound Repair
After complete cancer removal, the wound may be closed with stitches, left to heal naturally, or reconstructed using a flap or skin graft if needed. The technique used depends on the wound’s size, location, and patient preferences.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
- High Cure Rate: Mohs surgery ensures that all cancerous cells are removed, significantly reducing recurrence rates.
- Tissue Preservation: Only affected tissue is removed, preserving function and minimizing scarring.
- Same-Day Results: Real-time microscopic analysis confirms complete cancer removal.
- Local Anesthesia: Patients remain awake and comfortable without the need for general anesthesia.
- Lower Recurrence Rates: Comprehensive examination of tissue margins drastically lowers the risk of skin cancer returning.
Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on wound size and the type of repair performed. Dissolving stitches often eliminates the need for removal, making healing simpler. While initial healing occurs quickly, scar refinement may continue for several months.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for You?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, consulting a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon like Dr. Hedayati is crucial for optimal outcomes. Mohs surgery combines high cure rates, precision, and aesthetic considerations, providing both effective treatment and peace of mind.
Mohs Surgery in Newport Beach, CA
Protecting your skin and addressing skin cancer promptly is essential.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hedayati at New Wave Dermatology and Laser to explore personalized Mohs surgery options and take the next step toward healthier skin!