Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develop due to abnormal growth of skin cells. Often, skin cancer occurs after exposure to radiation from the sun. Without the right treatment, skin cancer can threaten your health. However, you should know that both BCC and SCC respond well to treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery.
At Apex Dermatology, board-certified Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Karin Harp, MD, FAAD, FASDS, provides this procedure to patients from Westlake Village, California. Dr. Harp is supported by the Apex Dermatology team: Dr. Aria Vazirnia, Dr. Zoë Indigo Smith, Sherri Anderson PA-C, Mary Hanna BC-NP, Alex Woodruff PA-C, Lani Keene LE, and Riley McCarthy RN.
Dr. Harp has extensive and specialized experience with the Mohs surgery procedure. Here’s what she wants you to know about what to expect during and after your surgery for skin cancer removal.
Telltale signs of BCC or SCC often appear on your face, neck, arms, and sometimes even your legs. Skin cancer can affect any part of your body. But, since sun exposure plays a significant role in cancer development, areas of your body regularly exposed to sunlight are most at risk.
After the Apex Dermatology team diagnoses your skin cancer, it’s time to look at treatment options. Removing areas of skin cancer prevents spreading and further cancerous growth. Mohs surgery treatment is the gold standard for skin cancer removal.
In this procedure, Dr. Harp removes cancer cells one layer at a time, closely examining cells with a microscope to ensure the surgery collects and extracts all abnormal or cancerous cells from the treatment area. This type of micrographic surgery, invented in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, is the most effective technique for removing common types of skin cancer.
Before beginning your surgery, the team at Apex Dermatology provides numbing medication to prevent discomfort. We then clean and outline the treatment area. The surgical scalpel's first cut removes the skin cancer's visible surface sign. Then, Dr. Harp continues to examine the tissue beneath and around that growth for cancerous cells.
Because of the way Mohs surgery works, it’s not always easy to predict how long your procedure will take. Mohs surgery often takes less than four hours to complete. However, your procedure isn’t over until lab examination shows that all cancerous skin cells have been removed.
After Dr. Harp removes a thin layer of tissue, we cover the treatment area with a temporary bandage. You rest while the tissue undergoes lab analysis. Dr. Harp repeats these steps as needed until all the cancerous tissue is removed.
After the procedure, Dr. Harp closes the treatment site and dresses the surgical wound. She considers the treatment area's post-healing appearance and carefully minimizes scarring. Depending on the details of your procedure, you may need stitches or a skin graft to support wound healing.
Without the Mohs technique, skin cancer removal surgery can involve high-pressure guesswork to determine just how far down into your skin cancerous changes have spread. When you’re sure all cancerous cells are gone, you can recover from the experience with increased peace of mind.
Out of all your options for skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery offers the best possible cure rate. You find out your results immediately and can rest assured that, when you leave after your procedure, you’re free from skin cancer.
You may experience some post-surgery tenderness or bleeding around the treatment area. Most patients don’t experience severe pain after this surgery. You recover with minimal scarring, essential when treatment areas like the face, head, and neck are involved.
The Apex Dermatology team may follow up to see how you’re healing. We give ongoing advice on bandaging and care instructions. You can expect to need a bandage for at least a week, which may need to be changed daily.
When you need treatment for skin cancer, turn to the skin care experts at Apex Dermatology and benefit from our experience with Mohs surgery. Call now or book online to schedule an initial consultation appointment.
