MOHS Surgery
Skin Cancer Treatment
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialized, highly effective skin cancer treatment that will completely remove the skin cancer. The procedure was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin, and is now practiced throughout the world.
Timothy Jochen, MD is certified by the American Board of Dermatology for Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery.
Timothy Jochen, MD is a long running Best of the Desert Winner
Mohs Surgery in Southern California
Timothy Jochen, MD, provides reliable Mohs surgery in the Coachella Valley. The goal of this procedure is to remove skin cancer while preserving the healthy skin around it. Mohs surgery can reduce the need for other treatments, yielding up to a 99% cure rate for untreated skin cancer and 94% for recurring cancer.
If you are looking for a highly successful skin cancer treatment that can remove the cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery may be the right solution. Dr. Jochen can assess your goals and medical history to determine the best approach for your needs.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs is a microscopic surgery used to treat skin cancer. This procedure was introduced in the late 1930s by Frederic E. Mohs, MD, and is currently performed worldwide.
By cutting away thin layers of skin and placing them under a microscope, your surgical team can look for cancerous tissue. This immediate examination allows surgeons to identify the cancer’s roots and extensions. Mohs surgery is widely considered the most effective treatment for eliminating squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas.
The Mohs Surgical Advantage
Mohs surgery provides several unique benefits, including:
- High cure rates: Real-time tissue examination supports complete cancer removal. Mohs surgery’s high cure rate makes it a common method for aggressive, recurrent skin cancers.
- Same-day convenience: After locating, examining and removing cancer cells, your surgeon can immediately reconstruct the surgical site. This outpatient procedure can be performed in one day and doesn’t require waiting weeks for test results.
- Healthy tissue preservation: Your surgeon will examine the surgical margins in real time, removing just the cancerous tissue and a thin layer of surrounding skin. This approach helps them preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Compatibility with sensitive areas: Mohs surgery helps protect healthy tissue in areas critical for cosmetic or functional purposes. Thus, it is indicated for cancers in sensitive areas such as the eyelids, nose, hairline, lips, feet, hands and genitals.
What to Expect from the Mohs Surgical Procedure
Here’s what you can expect from the Mohs surgical process, from your consultation through post-op care.
Consultation
During your initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Timothy Jochen to discuss the procedure. He will evaluate your medical records and skin cancer to determine if Mohs surgery is right for you. You will go over the procedure steps and expectations, explore specific repair techniques and create a personalized treatment plan to minimize scarring. At this time, you may ask any questions that arise and schedule your procedure.
Preparation
Prioritize a good night’s sleep and eat as you normally would before your surgery. If you take prescription medications, you may continue taking them unless your surgeon directs you otherwise. Tell your surgeon if you have been taking any medicines that affect the blood, such as ibuprofen, as certain types can make you bleed more after surgery.
The day of your surgery, consider wearing comfortable, layered clothing. You will spend some time waiting during lab analysis, so you may bring a snack and a magazine or book to pass the time. We also recommend having someone take you home after surgery.
During Surgery
Mohs is a step-by-step microscopic surgery. First, the surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic. Using a scalpel, they cut away the visible cancer and a very thin layer of surrounding skin.
A technician prepares the sample for lab analysis, which can take around an hour. The surgeon reviews the tissue for cancer roots under a microscope. They make a map of the cut to keep track of where tissue was removed. This way, if the tissue is cancerous, they know where to continue with the operation. The surgery continues until the last sample is cancer-free.
After Surgery
You and your surgeon will discuss several options for surgical wound repair and healing, such as:
- Allowing the wound to heal naturally.
- Opting for a complex or simple wound repair performed by the Mohs surgeon.
- Getting a referral to the original referring physician or to another surgeon for wound repair.
Your surgeon may be able to close the post-surgical site with sutures. In some areas of the body, there is little tissue available to stretch to cover the wound. In this case, the surgeon may use either a skin flap or a skin graft.
Recovery
With Mohs surgery, you typically go home once the cancer has been removed entirely. For the next week or so, you will wear a bandage over the surgical site. Your surgeon should provide detailed instructions for at-home care.
Most patients don’t report significant pain after Mohs surgery. You might experience mild pain, swelling and discomfort, in which case acetaminophen can often offer relief. However, other pain medications can be prescribed as needed.
Why Choose Contour Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center for Mohs Surgery
Timothy Jochen, MD, is a long-running Best of the Desert Winner and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Jochen brings decades of surgical experience with successful Mohs surgeries throughout his career.
Since its founding in 2001, Contour Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center has been a go-to source for health and beauty solutions in Southern California. Patients trust Dr. Jochen and his team to deliver expert care tailored to their needs. Our facility offers advanced technology, individualized care plans and locally accepted insurance to help you receive treatment as efficiently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery if you have skin cancer in a sensitive area, recurring skin cancer after treatment or a high-risk squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma.
Most Mohs cases can be completed in a few stages, with an average of about 1.7 stages per tumor. The process typically takes under four hours, though you’ll want to set aside the full day in case additional layers need to be removed.
Mohs surgery is considered a low-risk treatment rather than a serious medical emergency. It is a minor outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthesia.
Like any surgery, Mohs poses the risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, scarring and wound reopening. Nerve damage and skin graft necrosis (tissue death) are examples of extremely rare complications.
A Mohs surgery scar can appear as a raised pink line with stitching. While scars don’t disappear entirely, they may fade with time. Surgeons leverage precise techniques and natural skin folds to minimize visibility. If you’re unhappy with your scar, ask your surgeon about scar revision.
Mohs surgery scars continue to heal for about 12 to 18 months after surgery. To support the healing process, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a week following surgery and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Many policies cover the costs of Mohs surgery and reconstruction. Get in touch with your insurance carrier for the most up-to-date payment information. The insurance billing department in your surgeon’s office can also assist you.
Yes, Mohs surgeons typically need a medical degree, board certification in dermatology, fellowship training and specialized skills in Mohs micrographic surgery. The surgeon should have access to both surgical and lab facilities and be supported by well-trained Mohs nurses and histotechnologists.
Mohs surgery is designed to remove skin cancer, minimize the risk of recurrence and maximize healthy skin preservation. If you’re seeking a highly effective skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery may be the right fit for you.
Dr. Timothy Jochen is prepared to deliver skin cancer treatment using advanced surgical techniques. Schedule your appointment today to learn about your options.
**Some information on this page has been provided by the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
