Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery in Phoenix
The most effective technique for removing skin cancer with the highest cure rate and minimal scarring.
Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery: Precision Treatment for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is a highly specialized surgical technique designed to remove skin cancer with precision, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Originally developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, this method has been refined into the most effective treatment option for many nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group,
Dr. Ramin Fathi, a fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon, leads our team in providing world-class Mohs surgery and reconstructive care with the highest cure rates and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled surgical technique used to treat high-risk or aggressive skin cancers, particularly in sensitive or cosmetically important areas like the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, fingers, and genitals. The procedure involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
This method ensures that 100% of the surgical margins are evaluated, dramatically reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence and sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. In contrast, standard excision evaluates less than 1% of the margin via random sampling.
Learn with Our Patient Education Videos
Wound Care after Mohs Surgery
About Mohs Surgery
How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia at our state-of-the-art dermatology office in Phoenix, AZ. The process combines surgical removal of the cancer with immediate microscopic analysis.
Step-by-Step Process of Mohs Surgery:
- The area is numbed using local anesthesia.
- The visible tumor is removed along with a thin margin of surrounding tissue.
- The removed tissue is marked with color-coded dyes and carefully mapped.
- The tissue is processed into frozen sections and examined under a microscope by the surgeon.
- If cancer cells remain, only the affected areas are targeted for further removal.
- This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected at the margins.
- Once clear margins are confirmed, the surgical site is repaired, using the most appropriate technique for the size and location of the wound.
Advantages of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery offers several key benefits over traditional skin cancer removal methods:
- Highest Cure Rates: Up to 98% or greater for common nonmelanoma skin cancers.
- 100% Margin Control: Comprehensive evaluation of the entire surgical margin for complete tumor removal.
- Tissue Preservation: Maximizes the amount of healthy skin left intact, especially important for cosmetically sensitive areas.
- Immediate Reconstruction: In many cases, the wound can be repaired the same day, often by the same surgeon.
- Reduced Recurrence Rates: Lower rates of cancer recurrence compared to other surgical techniques.
- Improved Cosmetic Outcomes:
Smaller surgical defects and better aesthetic results.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs micrographic surgery is generally reserved for:
Skin cancers in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas (face, ears, nose, lips, eyelids, hands, feet, genitals).
Recurrent tumors that have returned after previous treatment.
Aggressive or fast-growing tumors.
Tumors with indistinct or poorly defined borders.
Large tumors
Skin cancers located within scar tissue.
Patients who are immunosuppressed.
How Is the Skin Repaired After Mohs Surgery?
After the cancer has been fully removed, the surgical site is repaired using one of several techniques, depending on the tumor’s size, depth, location, and your overall health.
Repair and Reconstruction Options Include:
- Linear closure (direct sutures) for small defects.
- Skin flaps: Nearby skin is repositioned to cover the wound.
- Skin grafts: Skin taken from another part of the body is used to cover the area.
- Healing by secondary intention: Allowing the wound to heal naturally without stitches, appropriate for some locations.
The choice of reconstruction is always guided by a balance between function, aesthetics, and patient safety.
What to Expect During Recovery from Mohs Surgery
Typical Side Effects
Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness or tightness at the surgical site
Temporary discomfort during healing
Healing Timeline
Sutures are usually removed within 5–7 days.
Final cosmetic results may not be fully visible until 12 months post-surgery, as scar tissue continues to soften and fade.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Mohs Surgery?
While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it does come with some considerations:
- Time-Intensive Process: Each stage of tissue removal and analysis takes time; the procedure may last 3–5 hours or longer.
- Requires Specialized Training: Only fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons with expertise in skin cancer pathology and reconstructive surgery should perform the procedure.
- Patient Patience Needed: Bring reading material or work to stay comfortable during the procedure.
At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we are proud to maintain the highest standards across every step of the process, from diagnosis to surgical care and reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery
Is Mohs surgery painful?
No, Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness or discomfort may occur afterward as the area heals.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The procedure generally lasts between 3 to 5 hours, though more complex cases may take longer. Much of the time involves careful slide preparation and microscopic analysis to ensure complete tumor removal.
Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
Yes, as with any surgery, some scarring is expected. However, Mohs surgery is designed to minimize scarring by preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, and reconstructive techniques can further improve cosmetic outcomes.
What types of skin cancer does Mohs surgery treat?
Mohs surgery is primarily used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It may also be used selectively for some cases of melanoma in situ or other high-risk skin cancers.
How soon can I return to work after Mohs surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the location and size of the surgical site. Many patients resume light activities within a few days but may need to limit strenuous exercise or heavy lifting while healing.
Schedule Your Mohs Surgery Consultation Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, choosing the right treatment is critical. Trust Dr. Ramin Fathi and the experienced team at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group for expert care using the most advanced techniques in Mohs micrographic surgery and skin cancer management.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward successful treatment and recovery.
