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ORAH DERMATOLOGY

Mohs Surgery

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized type of cancer treatment used to treat skin cancer and is aimed to maximize the cure rate while cutting smaller amounts of skin. 

Dermatologist smiling while consulting with a patient in an office setting.

The Mohs surgeon uniquely removes your visibly apparent skin cancer to maintain proper orientation. This piece of tissue is processed with color-coding ink and placed on glass slides for the Mohs surgeon to examine under the microscope. The Mohs surgeon analyzes the entire peripheral and deep border of the tissue to ensure the highest cure rate. If cancerous cells are identified, they are annotated on a “Mohs map,” which the Mohs surgeon refers to when he removes more cancerous tissue.


The Mohs surgeon returns to the patient and removes a second cut of tissue based on his “mohs map.” This tissue is then processed similarly, and the Mohs surgeon analyzes the second stage of tissue. This process continues until no more cancerous cells are identified.


Once no more cancerous cells are identified, the Mohs surgeon will repair the surgical defect with the goal of restoring the function and cosmetic appearance of the surgical site in the most optimal manner.

Mohs surgery may be necessary for the following:

  • Skin cancer in sensitive parts of the skin, such as the face and hands
  • Large skin cancer
  • Skin cancer that has ill-defined borders
  • Skin cancer that has not responded to treatment as expected or has recurred after treatment
  • Skin cancer that is aggressive and has a high risk of returning after trying to remove it

During the procedure, your surgeon will remove and analyze the cancerous tissue in the lab. He will continue to remove more tissue until he’s sure he has removed all cancerous cells.

During surgery, you’ll be awake but will not feel pain. The surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing your skin cancer. While the Mohs surgeon analyzes the tissue, your surgical site will be covered with a bandage. Once the area is free of cancer, the Mohs surgeon will discuss the options to repair the surgical site and proceed to do so.

After the procedure, you will be given a bandage to cover the area. You may also receive antibiotics to prevent infection and instructions for follow-up care.

If you have stitches in your skin, they will likely need to be removed in 1-2 weeks.

Patients return home the same day as their procedure. Like all surgeries, risks include pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring. During your consultation, the Mohs surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of Mohs surgery. Doctor Joshua D. Fox has undergone specialized training in this technique and is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.  

Dr. Joshua D. Fox, MD

Doctor Fox is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon who has undergone specialized training in Mohs surgery. He also has served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, International Wound Journal, and others.

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Our Process

Dermatologist smiling while consulting with a patient in an office setting.
Dermatologist treating a patient's foot in a clinical setting, wearing protective gloves.
Medical professional preparing patient's knee for injection with antiseptic.
Dermatologist in protective gear performing a skincare procedure in a clinic.
Close-up of a professional performing a dermatological procedure on a patient's arm.
Gloved hands performing skin surgery on a person's arm.
DSC_0454_4x5
Medical professional treating a skin wound on a patient's leg with precision.
Gloved hands dissecting tissue sample with dyes in laboratory setting.
Detailed close-up of a tattoo artist applying vibrant colors with precision.
Gloved hand holding a specimen with colorful bottles in the background
Gloved hands applying liquid to a dermatological sample on a lab setup.
Gloved hands holding a dermatology sample near a lab machine.
Technician operating a laboratory microtome for precise tissue slicing.
Laboratory technician prepares tissue sample with precision tools under microscope.
Gloved hands performing a laboratory procedure with containers and medical equipment.
Histology slides with tissue samples under a yellow folder.
Person using a microscope in a dermatology lab with a display screen in the background.
Surgeon performing a precise dermatological procedure with surgical tools and gloved hands.
Surgical procedure on a leaf illustrating intricate suture techniques.

Before & After - Eyebrow Surgery

Medical professional prepares for an eyebrow biopsy procedure on a patient.
Day of the Biopsy
Woman lying down in a clinic with a marked eyebrow, preparing for a cosmetic procedure.
Mohs Pre-op
Close-up of a surgical defect on a woman's eyebrow area.
Mohs Surgical Defect
Close-up of a healing eyebrow wound under medical care.
Day 0 - Closure
Post-operative image of an eyebrow with a healing incision one week after surgery.
1 Week Post Op Eyebrown
Woman's face showing eyebrow post-op results 11 weeks after procedure.
11 Weeks Eyebrow Post Op

Before & After - Chin Surgery

Gloved hand holding a ruler to a chin with a biopsy site in a medical setting.
Biopsy Photo Chin
A patient lying down in a clinical setting with a small marking on the chin area. The marking appears to be in preparation for a medical procedure, possibly a biopsy or a minor surgical intervention
Preop Chin
A close-up view of a patient's chin area, showcasing a surgical wound with a noticeable red open area. The surrounding skin has a yellowish tint, likely from an antiseptic solution applied pre-operatively.
Chin Surgical Defect
A close-up of a patient's lower face, highlighting a stitched wound on the chin area. The surrounding skin appears yellowish, possibly due to the application of an antiseptic solution.
Chin Closure Photo Day 0
A patient lies on a medical examination bed with a visible stitched wound on the lower part of their face, around the chin area.
Chin Closure Photo Day 0 less warm
A patient 1 week post Op in a clinical setting, showing the lower face with a healed area on the chin. The skin appears smooth with slight redness and texture differences, indicating recent recovery from a procedure.
1 Week Post Op Chin Inferior View
A patient 1 week post Op in a clinical setting, showing the lower face with a healed area on the chin. The skin appears smooth with slight redness and texture differences, indicating recent recovery from a procedure.
1 Week Post Op Chin
A patient 11 weeks post Op in a clinical setting, showing the lower face with a healed area on the chin. The skin appears smooth with slight redness and texture differences, indicating recent recovery from a procedure.
11 Week Post Op Chin Inferior View

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