Precise Skin Cancer Care, Right Here at MI Skin Center
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most precise and effective treatment options.
Call us at 248-963-5915 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs, this procedure removes skin cancer layer by layer, allowing for the complete removal of cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes a thin layer of skin and examines it under a microscope immediately. If cancer cells are detected, another layer is removed and examined. This process continues until no cancer cells remain, ensuring the highest cure rate while minimizing scarring.
Mohs surgery is especially effective for cancers in areas where preserving healthy skin is important, such as the face, ears, hands, or genitals. It is often recommended for:
Skin cancers with a high risk of recurrence
Tumors with poorly defined edges
Cancers located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas
This method combines surgical precision, real-time pathology, and a strong focus on cosmetic outcomes, making it the gold standard for many skin cancers.
What to Expect During Mohs
Mohs surgery is typically done in an outpatient setting, meaning you can go home the same day.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure:
Before Surgery:
Your surgeon will review your medical history and examine the area to be treated.
Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area, so you will be awake but comfortable.
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During Surgery:
The surgeon removes a thin layer of skin and examines it under a microscope immediately.
If cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed and examined. This process continues until the cancer is fully removed.
You may be in the procedure room for several hours, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
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After Surgery:
Once all cancer is removed, the surgeon will repair the wound. Depending on the size and location, this may be done with stitches, a skin graft, or allowing it to heal naturally.
You will receive instructions for wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, with minimal downtime.
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What are the benefits & outcomes of Mohs?
Mohs surgery offers one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer, providing the highest cure rates while preserving healthy tissue. Because the procedure removes cancer layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope, it ensures that all cancer cells are eliminated, often with cure rates up to 99% for certain skin cancers. This precision allows surgeons to remove only the tissue affected by cancer, minimizing scarring and preserving normal skin, which is particularly important in delicate or visible areas such as the face, ears, or hands. Patients also benefit from excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes, as the surrounding healthy tissue is spared. Performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, Mohs surgery is convenient, safe, and typically involves minimal downtime. By combining thorough cancer removal with tissue preservation, Mohs surgery provides patients with long-term peace of mind and confidence in their results.