Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment procedure for skin cancer available today. Initially developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, the Mohs procedure is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been continuously refined over 70 years. The Mohs technique allows visibility of the disease, to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor layer by layer while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed. As the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, it minimizes the chance of re-growth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.

Dr. John ZS Chen is our Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, here at HealthySkin. Dr. Chen has completed Fellowships on MOHS Micrographic Surgery at the University of Louisville. He is an avid scholar and has published numerous scientific literature. Read more about his accomplishments.

Do you have questions about Mohs Micrographic Surgery? Read the Q&A's.

Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer - up to 99%. The Mohs technique is also the treatment of choice for cancers of the face and other sensitive areas as it relies on the accuracy of a microscopic surgical procedure to trace the edges of the cancer and ensure complete removal of all tumors down to the roots during the initial surgery.

Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer - up to 99%. The Mohs technique is also the treatment of choice for cancers of the face and other sensitive areas as it relies on the accuracy of a microscopic surgical procedure to trace the edges of the cancer and ensure complete removal of all tumors down to the roots during the initial surgery.

Mohs surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Typically, it starts early in the morning and can be completed the same day, depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount or reconstruction necessary. Local anesthesia is administered around the area of the tumor so the patient is awake during the entire procedure.

Post-surgical check-ups are recommended in order to monitor the patient's progress and spot any possible cancer recurrence in a timely manner. Since two of five patients with one skin cancer will develop another within five years, follow up is extremely important for early detection of any new lesions.