Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is the most effective skin cancer treatment, offering a 99% success rate. Dr. Byron Limmer and his team can remove most types of skin cancer at their state-of-the-art dermatology center in San Antonio, Texas. Mohs surgery can eliminate signs of cancer while preserving your healthy tissue. To learn more, call Limmer Dermatology today or request an appointment online.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, is a skin cancer treatment that preserves as much healthy tissue as possible while removing all evidence of cancerous cells. It combines surgery with microscopic margin analysis. 

The treatment involves meticulously removing the lesion layer by layer. After each layer, your Mohs surgeon views the tissue under a microscope. They continue the procedure until all traces of skin cancer are gone.

Mohs surgery is highly effective at eliminating cancerous tissue while preserving the healthy surrounding skin. 

To learn more about Mohs surgery and to see answers to Mohs Surgery FAQS, click here. 

Can Mohs surgery treat any type of skin cancer?

Mohs surgery primarily treats basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Both cancers develop as a result of prolonged sun exposure. While these cancers rarely spread to other areas, they can severely damage the tissues in which they grow. 

How do I prepare for Mohs surgery?

The team provides detailed instructions to help you prepare for Mohs surgery. Your presurgery care plan is tailored to your specific needs. A common care plan may include:

Please continue taking any medications prescribed to you by your doctor.

1-2 weeks before surgery:

If you use tobacco products, you should stop at least two weeks before Mohs surgery. You should also stop taking certain nutritional supplements, including ginseng, garlic, and Vitamin C.

One day before surgery:

Stop drinking alcohol at least one day before Mohs surgery to minimize bleeding and lower your blood pressure.

The morning of your surgery:

Please take all medications prescribed to you by your doctor.

Shower or bathe (preferably with an anti-bacterial soap) to reduce the risk of infection.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes.

Do not wear make-up on or near the surgical site.

Eat breakfast, but limit your caffeine intake.

You may bring a relative or friend to keep you company during the procedure and to serve as your driver if necessary.

What can I expect from Mohs surgery?

First, the team removes the visible tumor and creates a map of the treatment area. They then carefully extract each layer of tissue and examine it under a microscope. The team may perform these steps multiple times to ensure every trace of cancer is gone. Depending on the size of the wound, they may stitch up the incision, perform a skin flap, or place a skin graft. 

Call Limmer Dermatology today or select the online booking tool to request an appointment online for Mohs surgery.