What Does a MOHS Doctor Do?

A MOHS doctor specializes in a specific type of skin cancer treatment known as Mohs micrographic surgery. This highly effective procedure focuses on the precise removal of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. MOHS surgery is primarily used for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer. It has the highest cure rate among treatments for skin cancer, especially in cases where the cancer is large, or in areas where preserving cosmetic appearance and function are critical.

The MOHS Surgery Process

The process of MOHS surgery is meticulous and requires both surgical skill and pathological expertise. A MOHS doctor performs the surgery in stages, during which the skin is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope in real time. This allows the doctor to check for cancer cells and continue removing tissue only where cancer cells are still present. This method ensures that all cancer cells are removed, minimizing the chance of recurrence while conserving healthy tissue.

The precision and effectiveness of MOHS surgery make it especially valuable for treating areas where appearance is important, such as the face. Patients typically remain awake during the procedure, which is performed using local anesthesia. Recovery times may vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Choosing a Bay Area Doctor

Selecting an experienced Bay Area MOHS doctor is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. A skilled MOHS doctor in the Bay Area will not only provide expert surgical care but also guide you through the pre-surgical and post-surgical stages. They can offer insights into what to expect during recovery and how to care for your skin post-surgery to ensure the best healing and cosmetic results.

Patients looking for a Bay Area MOHS doctor should seek out those with a robust track record of success in MOHS surgery, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. Referrals from your dermatologist or reviews from other patients can be helpful in making this important decision.

Read a similar article about the best MOHS reconstructive surgery clinic here at this page.