FAQ
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
At Northstar Dermatology, we believe that understanding your treatment helps you feel confident and at ease. Below are answers to the most common questions about Mohs micrographic surgery, the most precise and effective technique for treating many types of skin cancer.
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized procedure used to remove skin cancer with the highest possible cure rate while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
What skin conditions are best treated with Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is most often recommended for:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Certain rare or aggressive skin cancers
- It’s particularly beneficial for cancers in areas where preserving tissue is crucial for function or appearance—such as the face, nose, ears, lips, or hands—or for cancers that have recurred after previous treatment.
How does Mohs micrographic surgery work?
The procedure is performed in stages. During each stage:
- The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue from the affected area.
- That layer is carefully mapped, processed, and examined under a microscope.
- If cancer cells are found, the surgeon removes another layer exactly where cancer remains.
This process repeats until all cancer cells are gone—ensuring the complete
removal of cancer while sparing as much normal skin as possible.
How long does Mohs micrographic surgery take?
Most Mohs procedures are completed within a few hours, but the exact time can vary depending on the size, location, and complexity of the tumor. Because each layer must be processed and analyzed on site, patients should plan to stay at the clinic for the duration of the day, just in case multiple stages are needed.
What happens after Mohs surgery?
Once all cancer cells have been removed, the surgical site is repaired. Depending on the wound’s size and location, this may involve:
- Allowing it to heal naturally,
- Closing it with stitches, or
- Performing a reconstructive procedure.
You’ll receive detailed wound care instructions, and most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
How is the patient monitored after surgery?
Follow-up care is an important part of recovery. Our team will schedule periodic skin checks to monitor healing and to ensure that no new or recurrent skin cancers develop. We also educate patients on sun protection and self-exams to support long-term skin health.
What makes Northstar Dermatology's approach to Mohs micrographic surgery unique?
At Northstar Dermatology, your entire procedure—from cancer removal to reconstruction—takes place in one visit, under the direct care of Dr. Aboutalebi, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Precision and safety through same-day microscopic evaluation
- Comfort and compassion throughout your experience
- Continuity of care, with every step handled in our office by the same trusted physician
This comprehensive, patient-centered approach ensures you receive the highest standard of skin cancer care in a calm and supportive environment.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutalebi
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a lesion that needs evaluation, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutalebi and experience the difference that elite training, honest communication, and genuine care make in your skin cancer treatment.
You deserve Northstar
Contact us today. We’re ready to fight for your health and your confidence.