At Skin & Beauty Center in Los Angeles, California, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery. This procedure removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, making it especially beneficial for delicate areas like the face, neck, and ears. We provide expert care and guidance at our Center for Skin Cancer.
We have eight convenient locations in Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, West Hills, Santa Clarita, Glendale – Verdugo Hills, Pasadena, and Westlake Village.
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer. This meticulous procedure is typically recommended for:
- Aggressive skin cancers identified through biopsy.
- Cancers that have recurred or were not fully removed during prior treatment.
- Tumors near critical structures, such as the nose, ears, or eyelids, where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is important.
- Skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face or neck.
- Larger tumors, particularly those over 9mm on the face or more than 2cm on the trunk or extremities.
How Mohs Surgery Works
This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia in our office, often completed in one day. The process includes several steps:
- Anesthesia:Â The treatment area is numbed with a small needle. Discomfort lasts only a minute or two, and our specialized anesthetic reduces this sensation.
- Tumor Removal:Â Soft tumor tissue is scraped away, and a thin surrounding layer is surgically removed.
- Tissue Processing:Â The removed tissue is processed and examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells.
- Mapping and Examination:Â The tissue is color-coded and carefully mapped to pinpoint any remaining cancer.
- Additional Tissue Removal (if necessary):Â If cancer cells are found, the process is repeated only where needed. Anesthesia is reapplied while the area is still numb.
The microscopic examination can take about an hour per layer. While it’s impossible to predict how many layers will be needed, we aim to complete the procedure efficiently and effectively.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Plan to spend five to six hours at our office, though the process may take less time. Take your usual medications, including blood thinners. Bring a book or headphones for the waiting periods, and arrange for someone to drive you home. You are welcome to have someone wait with you at the office.
Post-Surgery Recovery
After removing the cancer, we will discuss the best method for closing the wound, which may include:
- Natural healing:Â Allowing the wound to close on its own over several weeks.
- Stitches:Â Closing smaller wounds directly.
- Flaps or grafts:Â Rearranging surrounding tissue or using skin from another area to cover larger wounds.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions. Expect some drainage and mild bleeding, which can be managed with daily bandage changes and direct pressure for 20 minutes if needed. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common and typically improve within a few weeks.
Why Choose Skin & Beauty Center?
At Skin & Beauty Center, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery. As part of the Center for Skin Cancer, we provide advanced care for cancers in sensitive or cosmetically significant areas, such as the face, neck, and ears.Â
Our team also offers thorough skin checks and individualized treatment plans to support your ongoing skin health. With eight locations, including Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, and Pasadena, we make expert dermatological care accessible to communities across Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Mohs Surgery Leave a Scar?
Scars are a natural outcome of skin cancer treatment, but their appearance improves over time. Sensation in the area may take months or years to return, and some tightness is common during healing.
What are the risks or potential complications of Mohs surgery?
Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in sensation near the surgical site. These are rare, and the procedure is considered very safe when performed by one of our experienced Mohs surgeons.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover Mohs surgery for medically necessary cases, such as the removal of skin cancer. We recommend checking with your provider for specific coverage details.
Can I resume normal activities after the procedure?
You can usually return to light activities within a day or two, but you may need to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least one week to ensure proper healing. We'll give you specific instructions after your procedure.
Reach Out to Our Los Angeles Office Today
If you have any questions, or if you're ready to schedule your Mohs micrographic surgery appointment with us, please contact us today by calling (818) 842-8000 or reaching out to us online. We look forward to meeting you at any of our eight locations: Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, West Hills, Santa Clarita, Glendale – Verdugo Hills, Pasadena, or Westlake Village, CA.
