4 reasons Mohs Micrographic Surgery is ideal for facial skin cancers

Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment available today for certain skin cancers. Not every dermatology office in Aurora, Colorado, and beyond has the expertise to offer Mohs surgery as an option. Beyond Skin Dermatology is among those select specialty practices to provide this highly precise, tissue-sparing alternative to standard excision and traditional techniques. Due to the unique nature of Mohs treatment, it is an ideal option for patients with skin cancer on the face. 

Here are four reasons Mohs is well-suited to cancers in such delicate, sensitive, and highly visible areas:

1 – Mohs is incredibly precise

Mohs surgery is distinctive from other treatments because it removes a small amount of tissue, layer by layer, until no skin cancer cells remain. This means we only remove the cancerous tissue and not more tissue than needed. Skin cancers tend to develop in highly sun-exposed areas. In fact, some of the most common sites for skin cancers include the nose, face, ear rims, and scalp (for individuals with thinning hair). By keeping as much tissue intact as possible, Mohs presents an attractive alternative for individuals who are concerned about the cosmetic effects of surgery in very visible and hard-to-miss spots. 

2 – Mohs is gentle

Many areas of the face are also highly sensitive and functionally-important. Since Mohs removes cancer cells so precisely and preserves as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible, it is a welcome treatment for delicate areas, such as around the eyes, nose, and lips. Each of these areas is important not only for cosmetic reasons but also for functionality. As a safe and comfortable treatment (performed with anesthetic/numbing), your vision, breathing, eating, and other functions are not compromised when treating these vitally important parts of your face. 

3 – Mohs supports a healthy recovery

The less traumatic or aggressive the surgery, the less intense or prolonged your recovery and healing will be. By minimizing cutting and sparing tissue, Mohs surgery generally promotes faster healing and a lower risk of discomfort and scarring. In fact, some small wounds may heal on their own without additional reconstructive procedures. We advise on caring for your skin after surgery and will regularly monitor the treated areas to ensure they remain cancer-free. 

4 – Mohs is a versatile treatment

Mohs offers a “cure” rate of up to 99% for the most common skin cancers – Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. BCCs are more likely to develop on the face and nose than elsewhere. While this approach is seemingly made for the face, it is also appropriate for cancers on other parts of the body. For instance, SCCs are particularly prominent on the backs of the hands and forearms. In addition to treating functionally important and visible areas, Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a trusted treatment for challenging cancers, including those that recur (have come back after being previously treated) and those with ill-defined borders and close proximity to scar tissue, which makes them difficult to treat with standard excision techniques. 

If you are due for a professional skin cancer check or have been diagnosed with skin cancer and are weighing your options, don’t hesitate to contact Beyond Skin Dermatology today. Call (720) 213-4679 to schedule a consultation at our Aurora, CO office.

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