Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Precise Skin Cancer Removal That Spares Healthy Skin
Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. It is especially useful on the face, ears, scalp, hands, and other areas where saving healthy skin matters. At Fayette Area Dermatology, Mohs surgery is offered at our Fayetteville and Griffin offices.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, removing it completely is essential. At Fayette Area Dermatology, our providers and exceptional team offer Mohs surgery at our Fayetteville and Griffin, GA offices to remove cancerous tissue one layer at a time while preserving healthy skin. Call (770) 460-8988 - Fayetteville Office , (770) 460-8988 - Griffin Office or (770) 460-8988 - Zebulon Office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, is the most precise and effective treatment for many types of skin cancer. During the procedure, your surgeon removes visible cancer along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue, then examines that layer under a microscope while you wait. If cancer cells remain, another thin layer is removed only from the affected area. This process repeats until no cancer remains.
Because each layer is examined in real time, Mohs surgery offers very high cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This makes it an ideal choice for cancers on cosmetically and functionally important areas such as the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, hands, and feet.
How Mohs Works
The surgeon removes the visible cancer along with a thin layer of tissue. That layer is examined under a microscope during the same visit. If cancer cells remain, another thin layer is taken only where they were found. The process repeats until no cancer is seen. The wound is then repaired, often on the same day.
Who Performs Mohs Here?
James T. Sandwich, MD, MPH, FAAD, is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (Mohs surgery). He has cared for patients in our community for nearly 30 years.
Robert Lott, MD, FAAD, completed his dermatology residency at New York Medical College and a fellowship in Mohs surgery and dermatologic oncology at Florida State University. He is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery if you have:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Certain types of melanoma
- Skin cancer that has returned after previous treatment
- A large or aggressive tumor, or one with hard-to-define borders
- Skin cancer in an area where preserving healthy tissue is especially important
Signs of Skin Cancer
See a provider at Fayette Area Dermatology if you notice any of these common warning signs:
- A brown, black, red, or flesh-colored mole
- A mole that changes in appearance
- A waxy or pearly bump
- A scar-like lesion
- A painful lesion that burns or itches
- A mole with irregular borders
- A large brown spot with dark specks
- A scabbing or bleeding sore
- A crusted lesion or firm red nodule
Early detection and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome.
How to Prepare for Mohs Surgery
Your provider will give you specific instructions before your procedure. In general, you should:
- Ask whether you should pause any medications or supplements, such as blood thinners, and never stop a prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval
- Eat a normal breakfast and take your regular medications unless told otherwise
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a book, magazine, tablet, or phone to pass the time
- Plan for the procedure to last several hours or, in some cases, most of the day
What to Expect
Plan to spend most of the day with us, since some of that time is spent waiting while each layer is examined. Eat normally, bring a snack and something to read, and tell us about any blood thinners you take. Do not stop any medication unless your doctor tells you to. We will give you wound care instructions before you leave.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
Your surgeon cleans and numbs the treatment area with a local anesthetic, so you stay awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. Using a scalpel, your surgeon removes the visible tumor and a thin layer of tissue. While the tissue is processed and examined under a microscope, you will relax in a waiting area. If any cancer cells are found, your surgeon precisely maps their location and removes another layer only where needed. Once no cancer remains, the procedure is complete.
Recovery After Mohs Surgery
After the cancer is completely removed, your surgeon determines the best way to repair the wound. Some small wounds heal well on their own, while others are closed with stitches, a skin flap, or a skin graft for the best cosmetic result. You receive your results the same day. Follow-up visits are important to make sure your wound heals properly, and regular skin exams help detect any new skin cancers early. If you are not a candidate for surgery, ask about non-surgical Superficial Radiation Therapy.
Mohs Surgery FAQs
Is Mohs surgery painful?
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients feel only a brief pinch when the numbing medicine is injected. Discomfort afterward is usually mild and manageable.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Most procedures take a few hours, but the total time depends on how many layers need to be removed. Plan to spend several hours, or possibly most of the day, at the office.
What is the success rate of Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment, with cure rates of up to 99% for many first-time basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
Some scarring is expected, but because Mohs surgery spares healthy tissue, scars are typically as small as possible. Your surgeon uses careful repair techniques to support the best cosmetic outcome.
Can I drive myself home after Mohs surgery?
Many patients can, but if your surgery is near your eye or you feel uncomfortable, it is best to arrange a ride. Your provider will let you know what to expect.
Which offices offer Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is offered at our Fayetteville and Griffin offices. Call (770) 460-8988 - Fayetteville Office , (770) 460-8988 - Griffin Office or (770) 460-8988 - Zebulon Office for scheduling details.
How should I care for my wound after surgery?
You will receive detailed wound care instructions, which usually include keeping the area clean, applying ointment, changing the bandage daily, and avoiding strenuous activity for a short time.
Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation
Find out if Mohs surgery is right for you. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, or you have a spot that won’t heal, call (770) 460-8988 - Fayetteville Office , (770) 460-8988 - Griffin Office or (770) 460-8988 - Zebulon Office or (770) 460-8988, or request an appointment online with Fayette Area Dermatology today.
You can also book an appointment at fadskin.com. Fayette Area Dermatology is independent and physician-owned.