Mohs Micrographic Surgery Specialist in Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Mohs surgery is a vital part of our skin cancer treatment services here at Rolling Hills Dermatology Group. Our skilled dermatologists are trained in this meticulous, layer-by-layer approach to skin cancer removal, which is considered the most effective method for treating many types of skin cancer, including the most common types – basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

We perform Mohs surgery as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, ensuring our patients’ comfort while providing them with the highest quality care. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount of reconstruction necessary, but most procedures can be completed within four hours.

We understand that skin cancer can occur in cosmetically and functionally critical areas such as the face, hands, feet, and genitals, and we strive to provide treatments like Mohs surgery that can conserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue and minimize scarring. However, while effective, we recognize that Mohs surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s not typically used for melanoma or for skin cancers located in certain parts of the body.

At Rolling Hills Dermatology Group, our priority is the health and safety of our patients. While Mohs surgery is a proven and effective method, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications, including bleeding, infection, and rare damage to underlying structures. Our team is here to discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you may have before proceeding with the procedure.

Rolling Hills Dermatology Group is proud to offer Mohs Micrographic Surgery as part of our comprehensive approach to skin cancer treatment. This precise and effective approach ensures complete cancer removal while preserving healthy skin and minimizing scarring, making it a valuable tool in our fight against skin cancer.

Mohs surgery stands out from other treatments due to its meticulous approach. Rather than estimating the amount of skin to remove, Mohs surgery uses a process known as micrographic surgery to target only the cancerous tissues. This technique allows our team to remove one thin layer of tissue at a time, examine it under a microscope, and continue this process until no more cancer cells are detected. This approach ensures the complete removal of cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

This emphasis on tissue preservation is particularly beneficial for skin cancers that are large, aggressive, or located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face or hands. The precision of Mohs surgery results in smaller surgical wounds and less scarring, preserving the natural look of the skin and leading to more aesthetically pleasing outcomes.

Furthermore, we appreciate the high success rates of Mohs surgery. With cure rates often exceeding 95%, Mohs surgery has exceptional success rates among treatments for skin cancer, particularly for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

One of the unique benefits of Mohs surgery is the immediate analysis of tissue during surgery. Unlike traditional excision where the removed tissue is sent to a lab for analysis, in Mohs surgery, this analysis occurs on-site while the patient waits. This process eliminates the need for additional surgeries and reduces patient anxiety.

Given that Mohs surgery is typically less invasive and often performed under local anesthesia, it is a safer option for patients with other medical conditions that may complicate general anesthesia.

● Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): As a common type of skin cancer, BCC is frequently treated with Mohs surgery at our clinic. It is characterized by slow-growing, pearly or waxy bumps often found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and arms.

● Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC, another prevalent skin cancer type, is also effectively treated with Mohs surgery. It typically presents as scaly, red patches or lumps, usually on sun-damaged skin.

● Melanoma: While melanoma is a more serious type of skin cancer, certain forms, like lentigo maligna melanomas, may be treated with Mohs surgery at our clinic. These slow-growing melanomas are often found on the face and can present as irregular, multicolored moles or patches that may change shape over time.

Ultimately, the decision to use Mohs surgery will be made by our team of experts at Rolling Hills Dermatology Group. We consider factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure when making this important decision.

Mohs surgery stands out for its unique, meticulous process that allows for highly accurate removal of cancerous tissue. Our skilled team at Rolling Hills Dermatology Group utilize this layered approach, carefully dissecting and examining each layer of tissue under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. This precise methodology allows us to preserve as much healthy surrounding skin as possible, resulting in exceptional cure rates of up to 99% for primary skin cancers and around 94% for recurrent skin cancers.

We understand the importance of cosmetic appearance, especially for skin cancer located on exposed areas of the face or other sensitive regions. Mohs surgery minimizes the formation of large scars, often resulting in smaller and less visible scars compared to traditional excision techniques.

At Rolling Hills Dermatology Group, we also value the preservation of healthy skin. Mohs surgery is tissue-sparing and removes less healthy skin compared to other skin cancer treatments. This technique is particularly beneficial for treating skin cancers located in cosmetic or functional areas.

Furthermore, the high cure rates of Mohs surgery contribute to the prevention of cancer recurrence, providing our patients with peace of mind and reducing the need for repeated treatments.

For complex or recurrent skin cancers, Mohs surgery is typically the preferred method, especially for tumors located in areas with tight margins or where conventional excision would result in excessive tissue loss. However, it’s important to note that while Mohs surgery is highly effective, it’s not suitable for all skin cancers. We carefully consider the type, size, and location of the skin cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health status, to decide the most suitable treatment approach.

Mohs micrographic surgery offers a highly effective and tissue-sparing approach to treating skin cancer. At Rolling Hills Dermatology Group, our skilled specialists use this advanced technique to precisely target and remove cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, ensuring optimal outcomes. Trust our dedicated team to provide expert care, tailored treatment plans, and support throughout your journey to recovery. For more details, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 449 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. We serve patients from Rolling Hills Estate CA, Torrance CA, West Carson CA, Lomita CA, Palos Verdes Estates CA, Hermosa Beach CA, Manhattan Beach CA, Redondo Beach CA, and surrounding areas.