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Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The Art and Science of Beautiful Skin.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The Art and Science of Beautiful Skin.

GENERAL

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Located in Buckhead, Dermatology Affiliates offers Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment of skin cancer. We also offer treatments for cysts, lipomas, and benign growths.

SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered one of the most effective techniques for removing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are the two most common skin cancers.

With Mohs micrographic surgery, a thin layer of skin tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer. This process is repeated until the skin tissue is found to be cancer free. This allows the surgeon to know more accurately how much skin should be removed at the time of the procedure.

The surgery does not require general anesthesia and can be done in half a day or less.

For more information, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org

QUESTIONS

Mohs Micrographic Surgery FAQ

Mohs micrographic surgery involves the slow removal of skin cancer layers. These layers are removed one layer at a time. They are then carefully examined using a microscope for the purpose of cancer cell detection. The primary benefit of using this treatment method is that it enables the removal of only a small amount of healthy skin tissue. However, every cell that contains cancer is eliminated during the procedure. Stages are removed until no cancer cells remain.

It usually takes a few hours, generally two to four, for Mohs micrographic surgery to be completed. This is a result of the time needed to remove each skin layer individually. A large percentage of this time is taken up by the examination of the skin cells. Therefore, it is wise for patients to bring a smartphone, tablet, book, or some other form of entertainment when being treated.

A local anesthetic is used to numb the area surrounding the carcinoma and assure patients can drive home safely.

There is a typical recovery time of two to four weeks to recover from Mohs micrographic surgery. The exact amount of time a patient requires will depend on the location of the surgery and how much skin tissue is removed. As soon as the procedure is finished, wounds will often have a tiny red circle form around the perimeter. This is perfectly normal inflammation. If a patient develops a rash that is both bumpy and red, our office should be notified immediately. This is most likely the result of an allergic reaction caused by the antibiotic ointment or the tape. For procedures close to the eyes of the patient, bruising and swelling that is mild to moderate is a normal occurrence. Using packs of ice for 15 minutes each hour for the next one or two days following the procedure will help to eliminate the bruising and swelling. The area surrounding the wound may also experience some tightness and redness after it has finished healing. This usually goes away slowly. If the area of the procedure involves nerves, the patient may experience a numb sensation that may not disappear for a year or longer. Patients must schedule an appointment on a yearly basis after their wounds have finished healing so their skin can be examined by one of our board-certified dermatologists.

Typically, having this procedure performed leaves a minimal scar. After the healing process of the incision has finished, reconstructive surgery is an option for people with noticeable scars.

Policies for health insurance can differ greatly. However, the majority of policies will pay for a portion of the procedure, if not all of it. Our staff will explain to you exactly how much of the procedure is covered by your specific policy. We will be delighted to answer all of your questions.

The extent of the surgery will determine how much it will cost. Our staff will let you know how much your health insurance policy will cover. Dermatology Affiliates has a staff of board-certified dermatologists that provide our Atlanta area patients in Buckhead, East Cobb, Midtown and surrounding communities with personalized care for all of their Medical Dermatology needs. Only the most cutting-edge dermatological technologies are used in an effort to assist our patients, improving the way they look and restoring their self-confidence. If you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery, contact us today.

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Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 404.816.7900