Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and while it is highly treatable, prevention is key. However, if skin cancer does develop, Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment option with the highest cure rates offered by Dr. Patrick Zito, an American College of Mohs Surgery Fellowship-Trained and Septuple Board Certified Mohs Micrographic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Dermatologist in Hallandale Beach, FL.  Dr. Zito performs full reconstructive surgery following the removal of skin cancer.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It involves removing cancerous skin layers one at a time while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This method ensures complete cancer removal while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.

Considered the “gold standard” in skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery boasts an impressive 98% cure rate. Dermatologists use specialized mapping techniques to carefully extract cancerous cells while thoroughly analyzing tissue margins to confirm the complete removal of the tumor.

This technique is especially effective for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer, as well as certain melanomas and rare skin cancers.

What does Mohs Surgery treat?

Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for:

• Skin cancers in delicate areas where preserving healthy tissue is important (e.g., face, hands, feet, or genitals).
• Cancers with a high risk of recurrence or those that have previously returned after treatment.
• Large, aggressive, or difficult-to-define tumors.
• Basal Cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Opting for Mohs surgery offers several advantages:

Minimal Scarring

By removing only cancerous tissue and preserving healthy skin, Mohs surgery minimizes scarring. Dermatologists make the smallest possible incision to reduce tissue damage.

Cost-Effective Treatment

Since Mohs surgery is performed in a dermatologist’s office rather than a hospital, it eliminates the need for prolonged hospital stays and reduces overall medical expenses.

High Cure Rate

Mohs surgery has a 98% success rate, making it more effective than other treatments such as topical therapies or light-based treatments.  Mohs Surgery offers 100% margin assessment.

Local Anesthesia

Unlike general anesthesia, which carries higher risks, Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for patients.

Recovery After Mohs Surgery

Once the cancerous tissue is removed, the wound can heal in one of two ways:

1. Natural Healing – If the wound is small or in a low-visibility area, it may be left to heal on its own with proper daily care. Healing can take 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Sutures or Skin Grafts – For larger wounds or areas where scarring should be minimized, the Dr. Zito may close the wound with stitches or perform reconstructive surgery using a skin graft.

Most reconstructive procedures can be done the same day as Mohs surgery. If a skin graft is required, a special bandage (bolster dressing) may be applied and removed after about a week.

Post Surgery Care

Discomfort after Mohs surgery is usually minimal and can be managed with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Some swelling and bruising may occur, peaking around three to four days after surgery and improving within a week.

For surgeries near the forehead, nose, chin, or jawline, swelling may extend to the eyelids, neck, or, in rare cases, the chest. Applying a cool pack (not ice) for 10 minutes each hour for the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling and bruising.

Mohs Surgery in Hallandale Beach, FL

Dr. Patrick Zito and his team are dedicated to providing expert skin cancer care. To learn more about Mohs Micrographic Surgery, contact our team today!