What Is Mohs Surgery? And When Do You Need It?

When it comes to treating skin cancer, you may have heard of Mohs surgery—a specialized procedure with one of the highest cure rates for certain types of skin cancer. While OneSkin Dermatology does not perform Mohs surgery on-site, we believe in making sure our patients have access to the best treatment options available for their specific diagnosis—and that sometimes includes referring out for Mohs.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise procedure used to treat certain skin cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial (like the face, scalp, or hands).

The procedure is done in stages:

-The visible tumor is removed.

-The tissue is immediately examined under a microscope.

-If cancer cells remain, only those affected areas are removed layer by layer until all margins are clear.

This technique allows for:

-Maximum cancer removal

-Minimal healthy tissue loss

-Excellent cosmetic outcomes, especially in delicate areas

When Do We Recommend Mohs?

At OneSkin Dermatology, we believe in personalized care. While we do not offer Mohs surgery in our office, we sometimes recommend Mohs surgery when:

-The skin cancer is in a cosmetically sensitive area (like the nose, eyelid, or ear)

-The tumor has aggressive or ill-defined borders

-The cancer has returned after previous treatment

-The skin cancer is large or growing rapidly

When needed, we’ll refer you to a trusted fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and coordinate care to ensure a smooth experience and thoughtful follow-up.

Your Skin, Our Priority

Whether your treatment involves surgical excision, topical therapy, or a referral for Mohs surgery, our goal is always the same: to provide safe, effective, and personalized care.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer or have a concerning spot, we’re here to guide you through the next steps—with clarity, compassion, and expertise.