Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer, offering patients a 99% chance of complete removal. With trained Mohs surgeons onsite, Derm One offers Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer at their offices in Bluefield, Radford, and Wytheville, Virginia, and Beckley, Princeton, and Oak Hills, West Virginia. Call your nearest location today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a highly effective technique for removing skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin in the 1930s, it’s the only skin cancer treatment that boasts a 99% success rate. 

This specialized treatment requires extensive training and involves carefully extracting cancerous growths layer by layer. With a team of Mohs surgeons, Derm One prioritizes patient safety and long-term health.

How does Mohs surgery work?

Mohs surgery is a meticulous technique. During the procedure, your surgeon removes one layer of tissue and examines it under a microscope to check for cancer cells. They continue repeating this process until there is no sign of cancerous cells, ensuring minimal removal of healthy tissue.

This procedure is particularly effective for treating skin cancers with indistinct borders or those located in sensitive or cosmetically important areas, as it maximizes the preservation of healthy skin while eliminating cancer. 

How do I prepare for Mohs surgery?

Once your dermatologist schedules your Mohs surgery appointment, they may recommend a few preparatory steps for the procedure, including:

• Discontinue certain medications
• Avoid skin care products around the surgical site
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of surgery
• Arrange transportation home
• Clear your schedule for the day
• Discuss post-surgery care with your surgeon

The Derm One team may provide further instructions based on your medical history and unique needs.

I’m getting Mohs surgery. What can I expect?

Expect to be at Derm One for at least a few hours for Mohs surgery. The process typically takes less than four hours, but it can be longer for larger tumors. The Mohs surgery process includes:

Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area, ensuring your comfort.

Removal of visible cancerous tissue

Your Mohs surgeon removes all visible cancerous tissue after mapping out the treatment area.

Layer-by-layer exam

The surgeon examines each layer under a microscope to check for cancer cells, allowing for precise removal.

Repeated process

If cancer cells persist, the surgeon repeats the removal and exam process until they see cancer-free margins.

Wound closure

Depending on the size and location of the surgical site, your surgeon closes the wound with sutures.

Your wound may take up to six weeks to heal, depending on the size. The team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to protect your skin during the recovery process.

Call Derm One today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Mohs surgery.