Mohs Surgery at SkyMD: Precise Skin Cancer Care You Can Trust
Mohs Surgery
Living under the beautiful New Mexico sun means protecting our skin is incredibly important. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, especially common types like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, you might feel a mix of emotions.
At SkyMD New Mexico, we’re here to offer expert, compassionate care, specializing in Mohs Surgery – the most effective and precise treatment for many skin cancers.
The goals of this treatment are to remove the cancer, minimize the chance of it returning and preserve as much healthy skin as possible.
At SkyMD, we believe in patient-centered care. We know that facing a skin cancer diagnosis can be unsettling, and our compassionate team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Your Clear Path to Healing
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized skin cancer removal procedure known for its precision and tissue-sparing nature. So, what is Mohs surgery and why is it so effective? It’s all about unmatched precision. Unlike traditional methods, Mohs allows us to remove skin cancer layer by layer, examining each tiny section under a microscope immediately. This direct, real-time analysis means:
- Only cancerous tissue is removed: We preserve as much healthy skin as possible around the cancer.
- Highest cure rates: Achieving up to 99% success for new skin cancers, offering peace of mind.
- Minimized scarring: Because of the precise removal and our expert reconstruction techniques.
This meticulous approach ensures the cancer is gone while keeping healthy tissue intact. As a result, you benefit from excellent cosmetic outcomes and a quicker return to your daily life.
mohs procedure for skin cancer: Skin Cancer Surgery
Use the infographic below to learn what to expect during Mohs surgery.
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer.
Mohs Surgery at SkyMD
Advantages of Mohs Surgery: Why It’s the Gold Standard
Mohs micrographic surgery is widely considered the “gold standard” for treating many types of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Its reputation stems from a unique combination of advantages that offer superior outcomes compared to other treatment methods.
Here’s why Mohs surgery is so highly regarded:
Identify Pre-Cancerous Lesions
Catching abnormal growths before they turn into full-blown cancer.
Detect Skin Cancer Early
When detected early, skin cancer is almost always treatable, often with minimally invasive procedures.
Monitor Existing Moles
Regular exams help track changes over time for individuals with many moles or a history of atypical moles.
Utilize Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Dermatologists use specialized equipment, like dermatoscopes, which provide a magnified, illuminated view of moles and lesions. This allows them to see subtle characteristics and patterns not visible to the naked eye, significantly improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
Identify Hard-to-See Areas
Many skin cancers develop in areas you can’t easily see yourself, such as your scalp, back, between your toes, or even on your buttocks. Our dermatologists are trained to check these hidden spots meticulously.
Provide Peace of Mind
Knowing your skin has been thoroughly checked by a professional offers reassurance and empowers you to take proactive steps for your health.
Even if you don’t fall into these categories, a baseline full skin exam is a great way to understand your skin’s unique characteristics and establish a reference point for future checks. Annual skin cancer screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Indications for Mohs Surgery: When Is It Recommended?
Indications for Mohs Surgery typically include:
- Skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas (like the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, fingers, toes, or genitals).
- Larger, aggressive, or fast-growing skin cancers.
- Skin cancers with ill-defined borders.
- Recurrent skin cancers (cancers that have returned after previous treatment).
- Certain rare types of skin cancer.
Your SkyMD dermatologist will carefully assess your specific condition to determine if Mohs surgery is the best treatment option for you.
Mohs Surgery in New Mexico at SkyMD
Why Trust SkyMD for Your Mohs Procedure?
At SkyMD, we believe in truly patient-centered care. We know that facing a skin cancer diagnosis can be unsettling, and our compassionate team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
The entire process typically takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of the cancer. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed every single step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mohs Surgery
The Mohs team will thoroughly review post-operative instructions with you after your procedure is complete. You will also receive written instructions to take home if needed.
Yes, generally. After your procedure is complete, you will typically be able to drive yourself home. However, if your surgery is near the eye, we ask that you arrange for a ride home, as the initial bandage might temporarily obstruct your vision.
The area will be numbed using a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. We will use additional anesthetic as needed during the surgery. Once this medication is active, you will feel pressure, but no pain during the surgery itself. Your Mohs team will provide you with detailed instructions for managing any discomfort after the procedure is complete.
Schedule Your Mohs surgery Consult
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and are exploring your treatment options, we invite you to connect with us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions and help you determine if Mohs Surgery is the right choice for you. Call SkyMD New Mexico today at (505) 303-4747 to schedule a Mohs surgery consult, or book your appointment online.
