West Virginia Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center

Mohs Micrographic surgery involves surgically removing skin cancers layer by layer. The physician then examines the tissue under a microscope and continues this process until only cancer free tissue remains. This technique is the most exact and precise method of tumor removal. It lessens the chance of cancer regrowth, leaves the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed and intact, and also allows for the least amount of scarring possible. Mohs surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed in a physician’s office. Typically the surgery can be completed the same day, depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount or reconstruction necessary. Local anesthesia is administered around the area of the tumor so the patient is awake during the entire procedure.

Mohs Surgery was developed by Frederic E. Mohs, MD in the 1930’s. This procedure has continued to be perfected by physicians for more than half a century. Mohs Surgery is a state of the art treatment for many types of skin cancers where the physician takes the role of surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. Mohs surgery involves surgically removing skin cancers layer by layer. The physician then examines the tissue under a microscope and continues this process until only cancer free tissue remains. This technique is the most exact and precise method of tumor removal. It lessens the chance of cancer regrowth, leaves the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed and intact, and also allows for the least amount of scarring possible. Mohs surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed in a physician’s office. Typically the surgery can be completed the same day, depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount or reconstruction necessary. Local anesthesia is administered around the area of the tumor so the patient is awake during the entire procedure. RECONSTRUCTION The best method of managing the wound resulting from surgery is determined after the cancer is completely removed. When the final defect is known, management is individualized to achieve the best results and to preserve function and maximize aesthetics. The Mohs surgeon is also trained in reconstructive procedures and most often will perform the reconstructive procedure necessary to repair the wound. POST-OPERATIVE CARE Most patients report little to no discomfort following surgery. You may take Tylenol after surgery if you are experiencing any discomfort. You may use ice compressions to help minimize any swelling, only apply for 15 minutes at a time. Some bruising and swelling are typical after surgery. If your surgery site is located on your hand, arm or leg please keep the area elevated as much as possible for 24 hours. If your surgery site is on your head, face or neck you will want to elevate as much as possible with two pillows. If you are experiencing mild bleeding you need to apply direct pressure over the dressing with clean gauze for 10-15 minutes. If you are experiencing moderate to severe bleeding you will need to remove the dressing, apply firm pressure directly to the wound with a clean gauze for 15-20 minutes. If bleeding continues please contact our office immediately. 304-925-7546 You may take a shower 24-48 hours after your surgery as directed by your physician. You will continue to wash with Technicare Surgical Scrub, dry and clean as directed by your physician. Please do not swim, take a bath or use a hot tub until your wound is completely healed.

Lesion Removal Rashes Acne Rosacea Eczema Dermatitis Skin Infections Psoriasis Alopecia Nail Disorders

Dermablading Acne scars Scar revision Subcision Chemical peels Neurotoxin Xeomin Fillers SkinPen Microneedling SkinPen with PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma)