Mohs at SkinSmart Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery—even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. This procedure is state-of-the-art treatment in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon. It relies on the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots.
This procedure allows dermatologists, fellowship trained in Mohs Surgery, to see beyond the visible disease, and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

The cure rate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the highest of all treatments for skin cancer—up to 95 percent even if other forms of treatment have failed. This procedure, the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of regrowth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.

MOHS Consultation

An initial consultation appointment is required before any surgery is performed.  During this appointment, Dr. Callahan will review your medical history and all pathology reports, perform a detailed examination of your skin, take photographs and answer any and all questions that you or your family members may have regarding your diagnosis and the planned procedure.

Your Mohs surgery will be scheduled before you leave the office.  Mohs surgery appointments are generally scheduled to start in the early morning.  This allows us to complete several surgical stages throughout the day (if necessary) and relieves you of having to make multiple office visits.

On the Day of Surgery:

On your surgery day, we ask that you do not make any other appointments.  Due to the detailed nature of the procedure, Mohs can take up most of the day.  You are to eat your normal meals and take all of your normal medications. 

In the office, the surgical site will be inspected once again.  The skin cancer area will be re-identified, photographed, and anesthetized with local anesthetic.  First, the cancer obvious to the naked eye is removed along with a thin layer of skin from around the site.  The tissue specimen is then immediately processed in our on-site Mohs laboratory.  Patients are bandaged and permitted to relax in the reception areas during this process. 

Dr. Callahan will microscopically examine the specimen to identify and map any persistent cancer.  Patients with persistent cancer have the procedure repeated, as required, and another layer is excised until the cancer is completely removed.  The area where the cancer was removed is then repaired using techniques developed to give the best cosmetic and functional outcome.  In some cases, the patient is referred to a plastic or ocular surgeon for final wound repair.  In each case, Dr. Callahan will advise the patient on the best option to pursue.

Mohs surgery is a complex procedure, and you could be in our office for several hours, or in some cases, most of the day.  We recommend a sweater, a good book and your laptop computer. To help make your wait pleasurable, we offer an abundance of magazines, Wi-Fi internet service, Digital television and a DVD player with a selection of movies.  We also offer a variety coffee, hot chocolate, juices and tea beverages along with healthy snacks.  Please bring a light lunch in case you stay with us.  (We do have cold storage available)

After Surgery

Once your surgery is completed, we will review the care required for your surgery site and you will be given a set of written instructions.  Your suture removal appointment will be scheduled before you leave the office.  You can expect to return to the office within 7-14 days for a suture removal or a wound check.

Patient Forms
Mohs Pre/Post-op Instructions
Wound Care Instructions for Mohs & Excisions
Wound care supplies needed after surgery

Click here to learn more about Mohs Micrographic Surgery and to watch a patient education video