Mohs Surgery: What Patients Should Know

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and treating it effectively while preserving healthy tissue is critical. Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise technique designed to remove cancer cells layer by layer, ensuring the highest cure rates and optimal cosmetic outcomes. At MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Christos Zouzias offers expert care for patients seeking both safety and excellent results.

What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical procedure used primarily for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer. The technique involves carefully removing thin layers of skin and examining them under a microscope immediately. This process continues until no cancer cells remain.

The precision of Mohs surgery makes it ideal for cancers in areas where tissue preservation is crucial, such as the face, ears, and hands.

Who Should Consider Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery may be recommended for:

• Skin cancers in sensitive or cosmetically important areas

• Recurrent skin cancers

• Large or aggressive tumors

• Lesions with poorly defined borders

Dr. Zouzias evaluates each patient individually to determine if Mohs surgery offers the safest and most effective treatment.

The Mohs Procedure: Step by Step

1. Preparation – The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, making the procedure comfortable.

2. Layer-by-Layer Removal – Small layers of skin are removed and precisely mapped.

3. Microscopic Examination – Each layer is examined immediately to check for cancer cells.

4. Completion – Once all cancer cells are removed, the surgical site is repaired, often with minimal scarring.

The procedure is usually done in a single day, and most patients leave the office with the cancer removed and a clear plan for healing.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

• High Cure Rates: Mohs surgery has the highest success rates for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Tissue Preservation: Only cancerous tissue is removed, leaving healthy tissue intact.

• Reduced Recurrence Risk: Immediate microscopic evaluation ensures complete removal of cancer.

• Cosmetic Outcomes: Minimal tissue removal reduces scarring, preserving the natural appearance.

Preparing for Your Mohs Surgery
Before your procedure, Dr. Zouzias and the MDCS team will provide guidance on:

• Medications to avoid before surgery

• How to prepare your skin and treatment area

• What to expect during the day of the procedure

Following these instructions helps ensure the smoothest procedure and fastest recovery.

Post-Procedure Care
After Mohs surgery, proper care is important for healing and cosmetic results. Patients are advised to:

• Keep the area clean and dry

• Follow dressing instructions carefully

• Watch for signs of infection

• Attend follow-up appointments for suture removal or reconstruction

Dr. Zouzias will provide personalized instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Why Choose MDCS Dermatology
At MDCS Dermatology, patients receive expert, compassionate care from a team experienced in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Christos Zouzias combines technical skill with a focus on patient comfort and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring that skin cancer treatment is both safe and effective.

Schedule Your Mohs Consultation
If you have a suspicious mole, lesion, or confirmed skin cancer, early evaluation is essential. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christos Zouzias at MDCS Dermatology to determine if Mohs surgery is right for you.

Book online now: https://phreesia.me/SurgicalConsultation