No. It is not uncommon that your latest dermatology visit revealed multiple skin cancers. However, we cannot let the knowledge of various issues divert us from providing safe and effective treatment.

Mohs surgery will create significant defects requiring significant repair and healing time. These wounds also come with substantial recovery time and considerable infection risk. We help to manage these issues by limiting you to one surgical issue per visit.

Yes. While it may look like all your skin cancer is gone, studies have shown that that is rarely the case. Even when our naked eye cannot see any residual cancer, there can still be some in the area that will undoubtedly return if untreated.

Mohs surgery will utilize a microscopic examination of the removed tissue to assure complete removal of all the cancerous cells in the area.

Yes. As with any other surgical procedure, there will be a scar. While Mohs surgery does preserve as much healthy skin as possible, there will be a scar after the area has healed.

The exact size and shape of the scar will be dependent on the size and location of the actual defect left behind once all the skin cancer has been removed by Mohs Surgery. There are many possibilities, including flat scars from letting the area heal without sutures, linear scars from a straight-line repair, and complex scars from the flap and graft repairs.

The biopsy was just a sample of the original lesion and was never intended to define the entire area that needs treatment. With Mohs surgery, your surgeon can define all areas of skin cancer that need removal.

While Mohs surgery does allow for the removal of the least amount of unaffected skin, it does still require a margin of normal skin to be removed for the best chance that cancer does not recur. Thus, the defect after Mohs surgery is normally larger than the biopsy site.

It is normal for all the skin on our bodies to have bacteria. Studies have shown that decreasing this normal bacterial burden before a surgical procedure can reduce the chance of an infection after surgery.

It has been shown that it helps even if the area where you are having surgery is not directly washed with soap! In other words, any decrease in our overall bacterial burden can help decrease the chance of infection in any site. This is why we recommend that all our patients wash with Hibiclens before surgery and use the soap as a body wash the week of surgery.

No. While Hibiclens soap does help decrease bacterial burden, it is also very irritating to an open wound. This irritation can slow wound healing and mimic the signs of infection during the post-operative period.

Thus, we recommend using the Hibiclens as a general body wash in the post-operative period. Still, the wound should be cleaned with gentle soap and water or hydrogen peroxide.

No. Our staff will put a complex pressure bandage on your defect immediately after completing your Mohs surgery procedure, which will remain in place for 24 hours.

While in the office, they will give you excellent verbal and written instructions on the wound care you will begin after the first 24 hours. They will recommend any bandaging supplies you may need during your post-operative period, all of which can be purchased at any major pharmacy.

No. While Mohs surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis, it’s still a surgical procedure that requires recovery time. Physical activities like golf and tennis, which involve muscle strain, bending, and increased blood pressure, can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. In the worst case, you could cause the surgical site to open, leading to infection, a longer recovery, and more scarring.

The duration of activity restrictions will depend on the type of surgical repair. It could range from a few days with minimal healing to up to two weeks for more extensive repairs. Your Mohs surgeon will provide guidance on how long to limit physical activity based on your specific recovery.

Yes. Multiple medical problems can prevent you from being able to complete your surgery as planned. The most common reasons we see are blood pressure elevated to unsafe levels BEFORE we even start the surgery and failure to take preoperative antibiotics when required.

The best way to make sure your surgery goes as planned is to follow all instructions as given when you are called to schedule your surgical visit. If you have any questions before your surgery date, calling and clarifying any instructions or restrictions is always better.

For your safety and best outcomes, we will always choose to delay surgery when it is in the interest of your health and safety.

The common skin cancers include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.

We offer diverse surgical dermatology treatments, such as Excisional Surgery, Laser Surgery, Cryosurgery, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery, tailored to each patient’s diagnosis.

Mohs surgery is employed for complex skin cancers. It increases the likelihood of a cure while preserving normal tissue through a microscopic examination of the removed tissue.

Yes, we meticulously plan and execute reparative cosmetic surgery techniques after successful cancer removal, with a focus on recreating a more natural appearance.

We can use various methods to remove nevi (moles), warts, age spots, cysts, and various other lesions.

You can explore comprehensive details on our website or consult dermatologists for personalized guidance.

Our staff can assist you in understanding insurance coverage and explore payment options to make your treatment accessible.

Recovery times may vary depending on the surgical method. Detailed post-operative care instructions will be provided by our medical team.

Although these procedures are generally safe, it is important to discuss potential risks and complications with your dermatologist during the consultation.

You can easily book a consultation appointment for our plastic surgery procedures through our website or by contacting our clinic directly. Talk to us today!