Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer: The Most Effective Treatment for Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?


Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized skin cancer treatment designed to completely remove cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It is considered the gold standard treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, particularly those on the face or other cosmetically sensitive areas.


Unlike standard excision, Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to examine 100% of the surgical margins during the procedure, ensuring that all cancer cells are removed before reconstruction begins.



Why Mohs Surgery Has the Highest Cure Rates

Mohs surgery achieves the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment because it combines precise surgical removal with immediate microscopic analysis.


Typical cure rates include:

  • Up to 99% for new basal cell carcinomas
  • Up to 95–97% for recurrent tumors

This level of precision significantly reduces the risk of recurrence while minimizing the amount of tissue removed.



How Mohs Surgery Works (Step-by-Step)


  1. Cancer Removal – The visible tumor is removed under local anesthesia.
  2. Microscopic Mapping – The tissue is processed and examined on-site by the Mohs surgeon.
  3. Targeted Additional Stages – Only areas with remaining cancer are re-treated.
  4. Clear Margins Confirmed – Surgery ends once all cancer is removed.
  5. Same-Day Reconstruction – Repair is performed immediately when possible.

This process ensures complete cancer removal in a single visit for most patients.



When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?


Mohs surgery is commonly recommended for skin cancers that:

  • Are located on the face, ears, nose, lips, eyelids, scalp, hands, or feet
  • Have recurred after prior treatment
  • Are large, aggressive, or poorly defined
  • Occur in immunocompromised patients
  • Require tissue conservation for cosmetic or functional reasons

Your dermatologist determines whether Mohs surgery is appropriate based on pathology, location, and individual risk factors.




What to Expect on the Day of Surgery


Most Mohs procedures are completed in one outpatient visit. The length of the appointment varies depending on the number of stages required.

Patients typically:

  • Remain awake with local anesthesia
  • Experience minimal discomfort
  • Wait comfortably while tissue is examined
  • Leave the same day with wound care instructions



Recovery and Healing After Mohs Surgery


Recovery depends on the size and location of the surgery, but most patients:

  • Resume normal activities within a few days
  • Experience minimal pain
  • Heal with excellent cosmetic results when properly reconstructed

Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to promote optimal healing and scar appearance.



Mohs Surgery at Belaray Dermatology


Belaray Dermatology offers comprehensive Mohs surgery and reconstruction in one location, performed by multiple fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons with extensive experience treating skin cancer.

Our team approach allows us to:

  • Manage complex cases
  • Perform same-day reconstruction
  • Provide continuity of care from diagnosis through healing



Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery


Is Mohs surgery painful?
 Local anesthesia is used, and most patients report minimal discomfort.


Will I need stitches?
 Many repairs involve sutures, though healing approach depends on the site and size.


Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
 Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Mohs surgery when medically indicated.