Overview: Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Mohs surgery (Mohs micrographic surgery) is a precise, office-based procedure used for skin cancer removal. Named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, it removes the cancer in thin layers and checks each layer under a microscope right away. This approach helps ensure the skin cancer is fully removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Mohs surgery is widely considered the gold standard treatment for many basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, especially when the cancer is on the face or other cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas.
Fast Mohs Surgery Appointments (Seen Within 14 Days)
Mohs surgery is an important tool in skin cancer treatment, but long wait times can make scheduling difficult. Trillium Dermatology is redefining the dermatologic care model so patients can be evaluated quickly and move forward with treatment. Our goal is for every patient to be seen within 14 days of requesting an appointment for Mohs surgery in Chapel Hill.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery?
- High cure rates: Mohs surgery offers among the highest cure rates for common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Healthy tissue preservation: Because your Mohs surgeon checks 100% of the surgical margin, the procedure is designed to remove as little normal skin as possible.
- Same-day lab analysis: Tissue is processed and examined on-site during your visit, so additional layers are removed only if cancer cells are still present.
- Cosmetic-focused results: By targeting only cancerous tissue, Mohs surgery can help minimize scarring and support the best possible functional and cosmetic outcome.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
- Check-in and numbing: Mohs surgery is performed in our Chapel Hill office using local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Remove the visible tumor: Your Mohs surgeon removes the tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
- Map and process the tissue: The tissue is carefully mapped, labeled, frozen, sliced, and stained in our on-site laboratory.
- Examine margins under the microscope: The surgeon reviews the entire edge (margin) of the removed tissue to look for remaining skin cancer cells.
- Remove additional layers only where needed: If cancer cells are found, only the specific area where they remain is treated with another thin layer removal.
- Repeat until clear: These steps are repeated until no cancer cells are seen, helping maximize cure rates while preserving healthy skin.
After Mohs Surgery: Repair and Recovery
After your Mohs surgeon confirms the skin cancer is fully removed, the wound is repaired. Depending on the size and location, repair may involve stitches, a skin graft, or a local flap. The focus is to support healing while aiming for the best cosmetic and functional result.
Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation
Mohs surgery is not the right option for every type or stage of skin cancer. A dermatologist with Mohs training can review your biopsy report, examine your skin, and recommend the best treatment plan. Trillium Dermatology is a Mohs Surgery Center serving patients in Chapel Hill and nearby communities, including Carrboro, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Mebane, Durham, Burlington, Raleigh and Cary.
We welcome patients who had a biopsy performed elsewhere and were referred for Mohs surgery. You (or your referring dermatologist) can send your biopsy report to our office, and our team will help you schedule a convenient pre-Mohs consultation and procedure date. If you have questions about timing, insurance, or what to bring to your appointment, please call our office for guidance.
Mohs Surgery FAQ
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Because each layer is checked under the microscope during your visit, Mohs surgery can take several hours. Plan to keep your day open, as the exact length depends on how many layers are needed.
Is Mohs surgery painful?
Most patients do well with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during the procedure, and you can expect some soreness afterward that is typically managed with recommended pain relief measures.
When is Mohs surgery recommended?
Mohs surgery is often recommended for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in areas where tissue preservation matters (such as the face), for larger tumors, for cancers with indistinct borders, or for cancers that have recurred after prior treatment.
Will I have a scar?
Any skin cancer surgery can leave a scar, but Mohs surgery is designed to remove only the tissue necessary to clear the cancer. After the cancer is removed, the wound is repaired to support the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.
How soon can I be seen?
Availability can change, but our goal is to evaluate patients within 14 days of requesting an appointment so you can move forward with Mohs surgery as promptly as possible.
