MOHS SURGERY
When skin cancer strikes, you need more than just a standard solution; you need precision, expertise, and the best possible outcome. At Wasatch Dermatology in South Ogden, we specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery, the method with the highest long-term cure rate for common skin cancers. With this technique, your surgeon removes the smallest amount of healthy tissue and examines it layer by layer under the microscope on the spot. That means quicker completion, fewer return trips, and less visible scarring—all while achieving the best possible result.
Wasatch Dermatology is a top provider in Ogden, UT, of Mohs micrographic surgery: the skin cancer procedure with the highest success rate. If you are interested in or need Mohs surgery, call today to schedule an appointment or learn more about the procedure. You can trust our team to walk you through exactly why Mohs surgery is recommended, what to expect, and how we’ll support you every step of the way. Let’s get you back to feeling confident in your skin. Call today at (801) 475-5210.
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Dr. Frederic Mohs created Mohs micrographic surgery in the 1930s, and with years of implementation and refinement, it has become the gold standard in skin cancer treatment. This procedure is superior to other forms of minimally invasive interventions and surgical excisions because of its focus on microscopic analysis. This detection occurs during the surgery, allowing typical patients to complete the treatment with just one appointment. Mohs surgery is extremely effective when performed by a highly qualified provider who is trained in pathology and reconstructive surgery. This technique, coupled with the surgeon’s specialization in the procedure, ensures that the greatest amount of surrounding tissue is preserved without cosmetic complications.
How Does Mohs Work?
The surgery is completed in a series of stages, by removing a single, thin layer of tissue at a time. After excising the tissue, your surgeon will examine the skin for cancerous cells, repeating this process until no more cancer is detected. Once your doctor finds tissue without the presence of cancerous cells, the procedure has been completed. This eliminates any estimation of the boundaries of the cancer that is required with alternative forms of removal, since only the affected areas will be removed with Mohs. By limiting the surgery to the cancerous layers of tissue, this results in the smallest possible scar for the most visually appealing outcome. Contact Wasatch Dermatology in Ogden UT today to learn more.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Mohs Surgery Process
Understanding what to expect can make your Mohs surgery day feel much more comfortable. At Wasatch Dermatology, we guide you through each step with clarity and support.
1. Arrival and Check-In
You’ll begin by checking in, meeting the team, and reviewing your treatment plan. We’ll answer any last-minute questions to ensure you feel fully prepared.
2. Local Anesthetic
A local anesthetic is gently administered to numb the area. You’ll remain awake and comfortable, with no general anesthesia required.
3. Removal of the First Tissue Layer
Your surgeon carefully removes a thin layer of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
4. On-Site Microscopic Examination
The tissue is processed and examined in our on-site lab. You’ll relax in a private waiting area while we analyze the margins.
5. Additional Layers Only If Needed
If cancer cells remain, we remove another thin layer and repeat the process. Most patients require only one or two stages.
6. Wound Repair and Reconstruction
Once the cancer is completely cleared, your surgeon repairs the area. Depending on the size and location, this may include stitches, a skin flap, or a small graft.
7. Aftercare and Healing Guidance
You’ll receive detailed instructions on caring for your incision, managing swelling, and supporting the healing process at home.
By knowing exactly what to expect, patients often feel more confident and reassured throughout their Mohs experience.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery?
Mohs has the highest cure rate for the two most prevalent skin cancers, also known as non-melanomas, including Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs). This procedure is effective in 99% of skin cancers that have not been previously treated, and it has a 94% cure rate for recurring skin cancer that has undergone intervention. In the early stages of the surgery’s development, Mohs was not suitable for more rare, melanoma forms of skin cancer due to the difficulty in microscopic detection. However, with recent advances in immunostaining technology to highlight melanomas, Mohs has been proven as an increasingly effective treatment for these cancer cells.
Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the most effective treatment for many forms of skin cancer, offering the highest cure rates and superior tissue preservation. It’s typically recommended for:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Recurrent or previously treated skin cancers
- Skin cancers located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, hands, and feet
- Aggressive, infiltrative, or ill-defined tumors
While Mohs is most commonly used for BCC and SCC, certain melanoma subtypes (such as melanoma in situ or lentigo maligna) may also be treated with a specialized form of Mohs when appropriate.
If you’re unsure whether Mohs is right for you, our team can evaluate your diagnosis, pathology report, and treatment goals to determine the best approach.
Get Mohs Surgery in Ogden, UT
Skin cancer treatment isn’t just about removing a lesion—it’s about protecting your health, preserving your appearance, and ensuring the cancer is fully eliminated the first time. At Wasatch Dermatology, our experienced team delivers Mohs surgery with precision, compassion, and the highest standard of medical excellence. We are located in Ogden, UT, and proudly serve the surrounding areas of South Ogden, Harrisville, West Haven, Roy, Clinton, Layton, Clearfield, and Weber County, UT.
Whether you’ve recently received a biopsy result or you’re seeking a second opinion, we’re here to guide you with clarity and confidence. You deserve expert care and peace of mind, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with us.
Schedule your skin cancer evaluation today by calling (801) 475-5210, and let our team give you the trusted, effective care your skin deserves.
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