Mohs Surgery

Precise Skin Cancer Care You Can Trust

Mohs Surgery

Living under the beautiful San Diego sun means protecting our skin is incredibly important. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, especially common types like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, you might feel a mix of emotions.

At Lanoi Dermatology, we’re here to offer expert, compassionate care, specializing in Mohs Surgery – the most effective and precise treatment for many skin cancers.

The goals of this treatment are to remove the cancer, minimize the chance of it returning and preserve as much healthy skin as possible.

If you are looking for a highly recommended dermatology clinic in San Diego with board-certified specialists, Lanoi Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology is proud to offer a premier team of experts. Our providers include board-certified dermatologists and experienced physician assistants who are dedicated to providing exceptional medical, surgical, and cosmetic care.

Your Clear Path to Healing

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized skin cancer removal procedure known for its precision and tissue-sparing nature. So, what is Mohs surgery and why is it so effective? It’s all about unmatched precision. Unlike traditional methods, Mohs allows us to remove skin cancer layer by layer, examining each tiny section under a microscope immediately. This direct, real-time analysis means:

  • Only cancerous tissue is removed: We preserve as much healthy skin as possible around the cancer.
  • Highest cure rates: Achieving up to 99% success for new skin cancers, offering peace of mind.
  • Minimized scarring: Because of the precise removal and our expert reconstruction techniques.

This meticulous approach ensures the cancer is gone while keeping healthy tissue intact. As a result, you benefit from excellent cosmetic outcomes and a quicker return to your daily life.

Mohs Surgery: Types of Skin Cancer

mohs procedure for skin cancer: Skin Cancer Surgery

Use the infographic below to learn what to expect during Mohs surgery.

Mohs Surgery: How it is performed

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Is Considered The Most Effective Technique For Treating Many Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) And Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs), The Two Most Common Types Of Skin Cancer.  

Mohs Surgery at Lanoi Dermatology

Advantages of Mohs Surgery: Why It’s the Gold Standard

Mohs micrographic surgery is widely considered the “gold standard” for treating many types of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Its reputation stems from a unique combination of advantages that offer superior outcomes compared to other treatment methods.

Here’s why Mohs surgery is so highly regarded:

Identify Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Catching abnormal growths before they turn into full-blown cancer.

Detect Skin Cancer Early

When detected early, skin cancer is almost always treatable, often with minimally invasive procedures.

Regular exams help track changes over time for individuals with many moles or a history of atypical moles.

Utilize Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Dermatologists use specialized equipment, like dermatoscopes, which provide a magnified, illuminated view of moles and lesions. This allows them to see subtle characteristics and patterns not visible to the naked eye, significantly improving the accuracy of diagnosis.

Identify Hard-to-See Areas

Many skin cancers develop in areas you can’t easily see yourself, such as your scalp, back, between your toes, or even on your buttocks. Our dermatologists are trained to check these hidden spots meticulously.

Provide Peace of Mind

Knowing your skin has been thoroughly checked by a professional offers reassurance and empowers you to take proactive steps for your health.

Even if you don’t fall into these categories, a baseline full skin exam is a great way to understand your skin’s unique characteristics and establish a reference point for future checks. Annual skin cancer screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

 

Indications for Mohs Surgery: When Is It Recommended?

  • Skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas (like the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, fingers, toes, or genitals).
  • Larger, aggressive, or fast-growing skin cancers.
  • Skin cancers with ill-defined borders.
  • Recurrent skin cancers (cancers that have returned after previous treatment).
  • Certain rare types of skin cancer.

One of our dermatologists will carefully assess your specific condition to determine if Mohs surgery is the best treatment option for you.

Mohs Surgery in San Diego at Lanoi Dermatology

Why Trust Lanoi for Your Mohs Procedure?

At Lanoi Dermatology, we believe in truly patient-centered care. We know that facing a skin cancer diagnosis can be unsettling, and our compassionate team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

The entire process typically takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of the cancer. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed every single step of the way.

Expert, Specialized Care

Our Mohs surgeons are extensively trained and highly experienced in this intricate procedure. Therefore, they bring a deep understanding of skin cancer and advanced surgical techniques.

Personalized Approach

We take time to understand your unique needs and concerns. We then develop a treatment plan tailored just for you. You’re not just a patient; you’re a valued individual on a healing journey.

Supportive Environment

From your initial consultation to your post-operative care, our friendly team provides a supportive and empathetic atmosphere. We are always here to answer your questions and help ease any worries you might have.

Thoughtful Reconstruction

Once the skin cancer is fully removed, your surgeon will discuss the best options for repairing the wound. Our goal is always the best possible cosmetic outcome.

San Diego Mohs Surgery FAQs

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise and effective technique for treating skin cancer. Here are answers to common questions about our specialized Mohs surgery services, what to expect during your procedure, and post-treatment care in San Diego.

Yes, Lanoi Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology is a specialized dermatology practice in San Diego offering advanced Mohs micrographic surgery. Our board-certified dermatologists perform this precise, tissue-sparing procedure to effectively treat skin cancer while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Mohs surgery is unique because the surgeon removes tissue layer by layer and examines 100% of the surgical margins under a microscope on-site during the visit. This ensures complete cancer removal while leaving as much healthy skin untouched as possible.

Mohs surgery is primarily recommended for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially those located on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas like the face, neck, or hands, as well as for recurrent or aggressive skin cancers.

Yes, all Mohs surgical procedures are performed in-office at our San Diego dermatology practice under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable, convenient, and safe environment for our patients.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the surgical site will be completely numb, and you should not feel pain during the surgery. You may experience mild discomfort or soreness after the local anesthetic wears off, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication prescribed by your doctor.

Most patients are able to drive themselves home after Mohs surgery since local anesthesia is used. However, if the surgical site is near your eyes or affects your vision due to bandaging, we strongly recommend arranging for a friend or family member to drive you.

Detailed wound care instructions will be provided by our team following your procedure. Generally, you will keep the surgical dressing clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, apply prescribed or recommended ointment, and keep the area covered as directed to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

Schedule Your Mohs surgery Consult

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and are exploring your treatment options, we invite you to connect with us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions and help you determine if Mohs Surgery is the right choice for you. Call Lanoi Dermatology today at (858) 900-2747 to schedule a Mohs surgery consult.

Contact Our Office (858) 900-2747