Mohs Surgery: Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment Near You
The most effective skin cancer treatment, now offered at multiple locations in the Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise technique used to treat skin cancer by surgically removing cancerous cells one layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope until no cancer remains. This method ensures complete removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
It is considered the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with cure rates as high as 99%.
Advantages of Mohs Surgery
Highest Cure Rate
Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment with rates up to 99% for skin cancer that has not been treated.
Healthy Tissue Preservation
The procedure removes only cancerous tissue, preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Immediate Results
Tissue is examined on-site during surgery, so the Mohs surgeon can confirm all cancerous cells are removed before closing the wound. This reduces the need for multiple surgeries or re-excisions.
Minimally Invasive
Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Patients are typically able to go home the same day with minimal downtime.
Lower Recurrence Rate
Because surgery ensures all margins are clear, it significantly reduces the risk of cancer returning at the same site compared to other treatments.
Precise and Cost-Effective
The precision of Mohs surgery minimizes the removal of healthy tissue and lowers the likelihood of follow-up procedures, making it a more cost-effective option over time.
Mohs Surgery Step-By-Step Process
Mohs surgery is known as the gold standard for treating many common types of skin cancer because it offers the highest cure rate while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. The procedure involves a step-by-step approach. After your initial exam and diagnosis, your surgery will be scheduled, and the process typically includes the following:
1. Examination & Prep
Your Mohs surgeon will review the treatment area, mark the skin for accuracy, and ensure you’re comfortably positioned—whether sitting or lying down. A local anesthetic is injected to completely numb the area. You’ll remain awake during the procedure.
2. Tissue Removal
A thin, visible layer of cancerous tissue is removed with a scalpel. Some skin cancers have deeper roots beneath the surface, so this first layer may only reveal part of the tumor. The area is then bandaged while the tissue is processed and examined under a microscope.
3. Lab Analysis
The removed tissue is precisely mapped, color-coded, and frozen. It’s then sliced into ultra-thin horizontal layers to create microscope slides. This detailed process allows for full margin assessment and may take some time.
4. Microscopic Examination
Using a microscope, the surgeon examines all edges and the underside of the tissue to detect any remaining cancer cells. If any are found, their exact location is marked on the map for targeted removal.
5. Additional Stages (If Needed)
If cancer cells remain, another thin layer of tissue is removed only from the affected area. The process of lab analysis and examination is repeated until all margins are clear, minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
6. Repair & Recovery
Once all cancerous tissue has been removed, your surgeon will choose the best method to close the wound based on its size and location. This may involve surgical reconstruction, such as skin flaps or grafts, or allowing the wound to heal naturally. In most cases, repair is completed the same day. You’ll be given clear aftercare instructions to support healing and minimize scarring.
See Why Patients Choose Waccamaw Dermatology
%
First-Time Cure Rate
Annual Mohs Surgeries
%
Recurrent Cure Rate
Our patients’ outcomes speak for themselves. Mohs surgery is a highly precise, tissue-sparing technique designed to remove skin cancer completely while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This approach often results in minimal scarring and promotes natural-looking healing, especially in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas like the face and neck.
Seeing real patient results can help you feel confident about choosing Mohs surgery for your treatment.
Explore our full Mohs Surgery before-and-after photo library to view a wide range of cases and witness the exceptional outcomes our skilled dermatologic surgeons consistently achieve.
FAQ
How Do I Prepare for Mohs Surgery?
Take your usual medications unless told otherwise. Eat a normal breakfast and lunch (depending on your scheduled time), and wear comfortable clothing. Avoid applying makeup, lotion, or sunscreen near the treatment area.
What Types of Cancers are Treated with Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating most skin cancers and is especially recommended for:
Common skin cancers:
- Basal cell carcinomas
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Malignant melanoma
Rare and complex skin tumors:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
- Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX)
- Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) / Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) / Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH)
- Sebaceous carcinoma
- Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
- Apocrine / Eccrine carcinoma
- Bowenoid papulosis
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Other rare and complex skin tumors.
Is Mohs Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Yes! Mohs surgery is covered by Medicare and generally by most commercial insurance plans, depending on individual coverage. To learn more, call us at 843-449-0453 to speak with a Waccamaw Dermatology representative.
What is the Success Rate of Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery offers many advantages, making it one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer:
-
It is an efficient, cost-effective outpatient procedure completed in a single visit.
-
Local anesthesia is used for your comfort.
-
The surgical team performs lab analysis on-site for immediate, precise results.
-
The physician examines 100% of the tumor margins to ensure complete removal.
-
Healthy tissue is preserved, minimizing scarring.
-
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment, with success rates up to 99% for cancers treated for the first time.
-
For recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment, the cure rate remains high—up to 94%.
This combination of precision and effectiveness makes Mohs surgery the gold standard for treating many types of skin cancer.
How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?
The procedure can take 1 to 3 hours, but it is dependent on how many layers need to be removed.
Each layer is carefully excised, processed, and examined under a microscope in our on-site lab—a process that can take 30 minutes to over an hour per stage. Some patients require just one stage, while others may need multiple rounds for complete removal.
We recommend keeping your schedule clear on the day of your procedure, as the total duration is unpredictable and depends entirely on your individual case.
Will Mohs Surgery Leave a Scar?
Yes, some scarring is expected. However, one of the key benefits of this surgery is that it allows our skilled surgical team to remove all cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Our team is highly experienced and will take every measure to minimize scarring and support optimal healing.
Take a look at our Mohs surgery before-and-after photos to see real examples of healing and results.
What is the Recovery Process After Surgery?
Recovery after surgery varies depending on the size and location of the wound. It is recommended to rest for the week following your surgery to avoid a bleeding complications.
In the first few weeks, you can expect some bruising, swelling, and crusting as the wound begins to heal. It’s common for the area to feel tight, sore, or numb temporarily, but sensation typically returns over time.
The initial healing usually takes several days to a few weeks, while full scar maturation can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, the scar may appear red, raised, and tight but will gradually soften and fade.
Following your surgery, it’s important to carefully follow all postoperative instructions, avoid sun exposure on the treated area, and attend regular skin exams with your dermatologist to monitor healing and check for any recurrence.
If you have any concerns during recovery, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Mohs Surgery Team
Our team of board-certified dermatologists and highly trained skin cancer specialists are proud to offer Mohs surgery at several of our state-of-the-art facilities. With precision, care, and a commitment to preserving healthy tissue, we deliver the gold standard in skin cancer treatment. Find expert Mohs surgery near you!
