Dockside Dermatology
is proud to offer
in-house Mohs surgery.

Dockside Dermatology Mohs Team

Mohs surgery is a specialized type of surgery for treating skin cancer. The procedure is conducted in stages to ensure that the skin cancer is completely removed, preserving as much normal skin as possible. Mohs surgery is usually used to treat skin cancer in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, or in areas where there is decreased skin mobility such as the lower leg. At Dockside Dermatology we are fortunate to have our own fellowship-trained and Board certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Stephanie Clements. Dr. Clements acts as both the surgeon and the pathologist while performing Mohs surgery. This means that she will look at the specimen under the microscope while the patient is still in the office to ensure clearance of the cancer. We are very excited to provide this service to our patients and are happy to answer any questions about the procedure.

What happens during Mohs surgery

  • Step 1

    The Mohs surgeon injects a local anesthetic into the skin cancer location, which numbs the area completely. You stay awake throughout the procedure. The surgeon removes a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue.

  • Step 2

    Your wound is bandaged temporarily while the next steps take place. The surgeon cuts the removed tissue into sections, color codes them with dyes, and draws a map of the surgical site. The slices are placed on microscope slides.

  • Step 3

    Using a microscope, the surgeon examines the tissue on a slide. Some skin cancers have roots that aren’t visible from the surface. The lab analysis will determine that. If any cancer cells remain, their location is marked on the map. If the skin cancer cells are gone at this point, skip to step 6.

  • Step 4

    If there is still skin cancer present, using the map, the surgeon removes another layer of skin precisely where the cancer cells remain. Then, while you wait, the lab work begins again.

  • Step 5

    This entire process is repeated as many times as needed until there are no more cancer cells. If more than one or two rounds are needed, the entire process can take up to several hours, so be prepared for that.

  • Step 6

    Once the site is clear of all cancer cells, the wound may be left open to heal naturally or the surgeon may close it with stitches. In most instances, the surgeon will repair the wound immediately after obtaining clear margins.

Watch this video to learn more.

Watch the video from The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) to learn why Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment available.

FAQs

What are the advantages of Mohs surgery?

By using the mapping technique and complete microscopic control, the Mohs surgeon can pinpoint areas involved with cancer that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Benefits include: 1) the highest possibility for curing the cancer and 2) the ability to save as much normal skin as possible.

Should I eat before surgery?

Because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you should eat a normal healthy breakfast and/or lunch the day of surgery. We ask that you avoid alcoholic beverages 24 hours before and after your surgery. Alcohol will promote bleeding.

Should I bring someone with me on the day of surgery?

It is highly recommended that you make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from our office on the day of surgery. This person may stay with you during the waiting period to keep you company between layers. Additionally, if someone other than you will be performing post-op wound care, the nurse can give this person direct instructions and demonstrate wound care.

Is there anything else that I should bring with me?

You may want to bring reading material to occupy your time while waiting for the microscope slides to be processed and examined. We also recommend bringing a lunch with you.

Will I have pain after surgery?

The Surgical site may be sore for several days after the surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on pain management post operatively.

Will I have a scar?

All forms of surgery result in a permanent visible scar. The Mohs technique removes as little tissue as possible which minimizes the final scar. The size of the scar depends on the size of the tumor and is often difficult to predict prior to surgery. Be assured that the Mohs surgeon has been extensively trained in skin reconstruction resulting in an optimal cosmetic outcome.