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Mohs Surgery at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer.

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What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing commonly occurring skin cancers while sparing the greatest amount of normal, healthy tissue.

Mohs micrographic surgery differs from other methods because cancerous cells are removed in layers and examined during surgery rather than afterward. During the procedure each layer is removed and examined under a microscope until no evidence of cancer cells remains.

Microscopic evaluations during surgery allow your Mohs surgery specialist to target and remove the diseased cells while sparing normal tissue and minimizing scarring for better cosmetic results. Mohs surgery also helps provide better therapeutic results with a lower risk for cancer recurrence. The surgery is completed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.

Following removal of cancerous cells, healing options for the surgical wound are discussed. In almost all cases, the reconstructive surgery is performed in our office immediately on the same day. If reconstruction will be performed by another surgeon the scheduling details will all be coordinated by the staff to provide a seamless experience. All Mohs surgeries are performed at our Memorial Villages Campus and Springwoods Village Campus.

Meet Our Team

Portrait of Aaron Joseph, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Aaron Joseph, MD
Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Springwoods Village Campus
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Portrait of Mohsin Mir, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology, and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Mohsin Mir, MD
Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Memorial Villages Campus
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Portrait of Tricia Ridley, PA-C, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Tricia Ridley, PA-C
Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Memorial Villages Campus
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Portrait of Aaron Joseph, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Aaron Joseph, MD
Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Springwoods Village Campus
Map Icon All Locations
Portrait of Mohsin Mir, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology, and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Mohsin Mir, MD
Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Memorial Villages Campus
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Portrait of Tricia Ridley, PA-C, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Tricia Ridley, PA-C
Dermatology, Mohs Surgery
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Memorial Villages Campus
Map Icon All Locations

Benefits & Risks

With Mohs surgery, patients benefit from high cure rates and minimal tissue loss, though some risks like mild scarring and rare nerve sensitivity may occur. Read on to discover more about this highly effective treatment.

Benefits

  • High cure rate: Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments - up to 99% for new cases and 94% for recurring cases. The precise technique required for the surgery ensures all cancerous cells are removed while keeping as much healthy tissue intact as possible.
  • Tissue preservation: The procedure offers a microscopic degree of accuracy to target cancerous cells while retaining non-cancerous skin tissue. Mohs surgery is ideal for sensitive areas such as the face, ears, or hands, where minimizing scarring is especially important.
  • Immediate results: Each layer of skin is microscopically examined in real time, allowing your surgeon to verify that all cancerous tissue has been removed before completing the surgery. This prevents the need for follow-up procedures or additional treatments.
  • Minimally invasive: Mohs surgery is typically an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. This avoids the risks and expenses associated with general anesthesia and allows for a much quicker recovery.

Risks

  • Scarring: All surgery carries some risk of scarring, including Mohs surgery. The potential for scarring depends on the size and location where the surgery is performed.
  • Infection: Infection is another common risk, but your doctor will provide you with proper wound care and hygiene instructions to help minimize your risk.
  • Bleeding and bruising: Minor bleeding may commonly occur during and after surgery. Let your doctor know if you are taking blood-thinning medications or have any conditions that may increase your risk for excessive bleeding.
  • Pain or discomfort: Patients commonly experience mild to moderate pain after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen are usually sufficient to manage your pain symptoms.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for Mohs surgery if you:

  • Have basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially in high-risk areas
  • Have skin cancer located in cosmetically or functionally critical areas
  • Have skin cancer with a high likelihood of recurrence or has recurred after previous treatment, such as radiation therapy
  • Have skin cancer with aggressive growth patterns, including infiltrative or morpheaform types
  • Have skin cancer with poorly defined borders
  • Are immunocompromised

Conditions Treated

  • Melanoma
  • Acne and acne scarring
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Rosacea
  • Spider veins
  • Dry skin
  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Varicose veins
  • Warts

How to Prepare

You, your Dermatologist, and Kelsey-Seybold Mohs surgery specialist will assess whether a Mohs surgical procedure is the best course of action for your cancer. Once there is an established need for Mohs surgery, your provider will set up an appointment date and time for your procedure.

You'll be required to follow specific instructions before undergoing your Mohs procedure for skin cancer which may include:

  • Stop taking certain medications such as pain relievers, prescribed medicine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and over-the-counter supplements.
  • Stop smoking as far in advance as possible since cigarette smoking and vaping interfere with wound healing.
  • Abstain from alcohol for a few days before your surgery. Because alcohol might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, doctors advise against drinking beer, wine, or cocktails before the procedure.
  • Wear comfy clothes. You’ll probably feel best if you wear something comfortable and familiar.
  • Shower on the day of surgery. Showering will decrease the risk of infection.
  • Do not wear makeup if the procedure is on your face.

Every patient's condition is unique, so our Mohs surgery specialists may make other recommendations.

After Care

After Mohs surgery, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and reducing the risk of infection. Patients should keep the surgical site clean and dry for the first 24 hours, following any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider.

Apply any prescribed ointments or dressings as directed to keep the area moisturized and avoid strenuous activities that may strain the wound.

Mild swelling or bruising is normal, but ice packs can help reduce discomfort. Pain relief medications may e taken as recommended, but avoid aspirin or other blood thinners unless otherwsie advised.

Patients should also monitor the area for signs of infection, like redness, warmth, or unusual discharge, and contact their doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

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Schedule an appointment with our Board-Certified Mohs Surgeons

If you are interested in Mohs Surgery, please call our Desk Nurse at 713-442-MOHS (6647) to schedule a comprehensive consultation with our board-certified Mohs Surgeons.

Call 713-442-6647