How is Mohs Surgery Performed?

At Sanova Dermatology, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier skin care through a combination of experience, education, and advanced technology. Our team of highly experienced physicians are dedicated to providing Mohs Surgery. We have convenient locations across Texas, including Houston, Pflugerville, Austin, Bee Cave, and Dripping Springs. We also serve Louisiana with locations in Metairie, Old Metairie, Uptown New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The Mohs technique involves advanced diagnostics and precision surgery. Before the procedure begins, your doctor will numb the area, so you can remain comfortable.

First, the visible part of the tumor is removed, along with a thin layer of additional tissue. Healthy skin is preserved, making the healing process much more comfortable with minimal scarring.

The removed tissue, and the treated area are carefully marked for accurate orientation. The tissue is then completely removed and a map is created to show the exact orientation of the cancer on the skin. These maps can be hand-drawn or made with digital photographs.

The specimen and map are taken to an on-site laboratory where special inks are used to color the margins of the tissue. Matching colors are used on the map to preserve the orientation of the specimen.

The cancerous specimen is then processed and cut into sections that are placed on microscope sides. The slides are then stained and examined by your surgeon under the microscope. Any residual skin cancer identified under the microscope is precisely mapped, using the inked colors to pinpoint the residual tumor.

The surgeon then returns to the patient and removes only the tissue that contains cancer. This procedure is repeated until 100% of the skin cancer is removed. Once this is achieved, the skin is then repaired using reconstructive surgery to give the absolute best cosmetic result.