What Is Mohs Surgery? Step-by-Step Guide to the Most Precise Skin Cancer Removal

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to remove skin cancer with exceptional precision. It's most commonly performed on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, especially those located in areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical, like the face, ears, hands, and scalp. This procedure stands out because it allows for the removal of cancerous cells layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. The result is the highest possible cure rate while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Dr. Brian Dubow is proud to offer this service to the Beverly Hills, California, community at Dr. Dubow Dermatology.

Why It’s Considered the Gold Standard

Mohs surgery is often recommended when a skin cancer has a high risk of returning, is located in a sensitive or cosmetically important area, or has borders that are difficult to define. Because the tissue is examined during the procedure itself, it eliminates guesswork and helps ensure no cancerous cells are left behind. For patients, this means fewer follow-up treatments, a higher likelihood of complete removal, and minimal scarring.

Step One: Preparing the Area

The first step in Mohs surgery is numbing the area with local anesthesia. This keeps the procedure comfortable without the need for general anesthesia or a hospital stay. Once the area is prepared, Dr. Dubow carefully removes the visible portion of the tumor. This is just the beginning of the process, as most of the work happens with microscopic analysis.

Step Two: Microscopic Examination

After the initial tissue layer is removed, it’s processed, stained, and examined under a microscope. The Dr. Dubow Dermatology team reviews the edges and deeper layers of the tissue to check for any remaining cancer cells. This detailed mapping process helps identify exactly where the cancer is and ensures only affected tissue is removed.

Step Three: Repeat if Necessary

If cancer cells are still present, another thin layer of tissue is removed from the exact location where the cells were found. This process is repeated until the tissue samples are clear. It can take several rounds, but each step ensures thorough removal without taking more healthy skin than necessary. Patients often spend several hours at the Beverly Hills, California, office, but much of that time is spent waiting while the tissue is examined.

Step Four: Repairing the Site

Once the cancer is completely removed, attention turns to repairing the wound. Depending on the size and location, this could involve letting the area heal naturally, using stitches, or performing a skin flap or graft. The goal is to promote healing while minimizing scarring. In many cases, the results are cosmetically excellent thanks to the precise nature of the surgery.

Expert Care in Beverly Hills

At Dr. Dubow Dermatology in Beverly Hills, patients receive Mohs surgery in a setting that combines expertise, comfort, and attention to detail. The process is methodical, science-driven, and meets the unique needs of each person. If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer or referred for Mohs surgery, Dr. Brian Dubow will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and ensure your care is both effective and reassuring. Call our Beverly Hills, California, practice at (310) 888-4070.