Mohs Micrographic Surgery at West Hills Dermatology

At West Hills Dermatology, we specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery, the gold standard in the treatment of skin cancer. With cure rates as high as 99%, this advanced technique removes cancerous cells layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This makes it especially effective for treating cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, neck, and hands, as well as for high-risk or recurrent tumors. Our board-certified dermatologists pair precision with compassion, ensuring you receive care that not only restores your health but also protects your natural appearance.

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, don’t settle for less than the most effective treatment available. Schedule your Mohs surgery consultation with West Hills Dermatology today and take the first step toward peace of mind, lasting results, and expert care you can trust. Call us at (818) 592-6005 or request an appointment online to get started with a team that prioritizes your health and confidence.

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What is Moh’s Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly advanced and specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer. Unlike standard excision methods, which remove the visible tumor along with a larger margin of surrounding tissue, Mohs surgery combines precise surgical removal with real-time microscopic analysis of the tissue. After each thin layer of skin is removed, it is carefully mapped, processed, and examined under a microscope. If cancerous cells are still present, the surgeon knows exactly where they remain and removes only additional tissue from those specific areas. This process repeats until all cancer cells are eliminated.

The result is the highest possible cure rate while sparing the maximum amount of healthy tissue. By targeting only the affected areas, Mohs surgery reduces unnecessary scarring and preserves healthy skin, making it especially valuable for cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, lips, nose, and hands. Patients benefit from both the medical security of complete cancer removal and the cosmetic advantage of tissue conservation.

Mohs surgery was originally developed in 1938 by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, who pioneered the concept of using microscopic tissue examination to ensure complete cancer clearance. Over time, the technique has been refined with modern innovations, such as frozen-section histology, allowing surgeons to evaluate tissue immediately during the procedure. This means that patients leave the office knowing their skin cancer has been fully addressed in a single visit.

How does it Work?
The surgery consists of removing a disc or “layer” of tissue that gets processed into microscope slides in the Mohs laboratory in real time for the surgeon to examine. These slides are precisely mapped, marking any residual tumor found by the surgeon. This process is repeated until no residual tumor is identified. The advantages of this process include the highest cure rates for most skin cancers, as well as the smallest amount of normal tissue damage.
Who is a candidate for Mohs?
Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers that are located on cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the head, face, neck, hands, feet and genitalia and for skin cancers that have been previously treated and come back. Mohs surgery can also be used in other situations, and these can be discussed with your Mohs surgeon. To learn whether Mohs surgery is an appropriate treatment for your skin cancer, please get in touch with us today.
Cure Rates with Mohs Surgery
● Primary Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): 97%–99.8% five-year cure rate● Recurrent BCC: ~94% five-year cure rate● Also highly effective for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma in situ, and rare but aggressive tumors such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
With its unmatched effectiveness, precision, and ability to preserve healthy skin, Mohs surgery has become the gold standard in treating many forms of skin cancer.

1. Preparation & Anesthesia

The procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment, typically under local anesthesia, meaning you remain awake and comfortable during the procedure.

2. Layer-by-Layer Removal

The visible tumor and a thin margin of tissue are excised.
The removed tissue is precisely mapped and frozen into microscope slides for immediate evaluation.

3. Microscopic Analysis & Mapping

The surgeon inspects each slide; if cancer cells persist, the exact location is marked and targeted in subsequent excisions until the margins are clear.

4. Reconstruction

Once clear margins are confirmed, the resulting defect is closed, with options including stitches, skin grafts, flaps, or allowing the wound to heal naturally.

5. Recovery & Follow-Up

Recovery is typically quick, with mild swelling or discomfort that may occur, and initial scars gradually fade over 3 to 12 months.

6. Long-term vigilance:

Even after successful treatment, the risk of developing new skin cancers remains significant; therefore, routine skin checks are strongly recommended.

Initial Consultation

A dermatologist examines your lesion and may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Pre-Surgery Guidance

Receive detailed instructions regarding medication adjustments, dietary considerations, and skin care before surgery (many sources recommend avoiding alcohol and thoroughly cleaning the skin on the day of surgery).

Scheduling

Typically scheduled soon after diagnosis to ensure timely treatment.

After Surgery

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Immediate Outcome: You will leave the clinic once the procedure is completed.

Wound Care: Detailed instructions provided for caring for the site to minimize infection risk and optimize cosmetic results.

Recovery Timeline:● Swelling or bruising may last a few days.● Fine-line scars usually fade considerably within 3 to 12 months.

Follow-ups: Essential to check for recurrence and monitor new lesions, as up to 50% of patients may develop another skin cancer in five years.

Mohs surgery is not necessary for all skin cancers; for example, small, uncomplicated lesions on the trunk or limbs sometimes warrant simpler treatments.

Alternatives may include IG-SRT (Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy)—a surgery-free treatment offered at West Hills with similarly high cure rates (~99%) and excellent cosmetic outcomes, especially for non-melanoma cancers.

Who Is a Candidate?

Mohs surgery is particularly recommended when:

Skin cancers are located in cosmetically or functionally critical areas, such as the face, neck, hands, feet, genitalia, or areas with thin tissue layers.

Tumors are aggressive, recurrent, or have poorly defined borders.

Prior treatments have failed or removed the cancer incompletely.

If you're unsure whether Mohs surgery is the right fit, our team at West Hills Dermatology can evaluate your case and guide you through your options.

Why Choose West Hills Dermatology?

We are led by board-certified dermatologists, including Dr. Farnaz Gaminchi, a fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, recognized for excellence in both surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Our clinic provides comprehensive care, blending medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology in a patient-centered environment.

We treat patients across the lifespan, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate care.

Full support is provided through pre- and post-operative care, including downloadable forms to guide healing.

Get Moh’s Surgery Near You in West Hills, CA

Our goal is to deliver safe, effective skin cancer treatment with the best possible cosmetic and health outcomes. With Mohs surgery, we combine technical mastery, accuracy, and personalized care, enabling you to move forward confidently. West Hills Dermatology takes your health and confidence in your skin seriously. We know that a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our expert team combines advanced medical training with compassionate care to deliver the best possible outcomes, both medically and cosmetically. With Mohs micrographic surgery, we offer the most precise and effective treatment available, ensuring that your cancer is fully removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Don’t wait when it comes to your health. Schedule your consultation with West Hills Dermatology today and take the first step toward peace of mind and lasting wellness. Call us directly at (818) 592-6005 or request an appointment online to connect with our board-certified dermatologists. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have and the better your results will be. Trust your skin and your future to a team that prioritizes your safety, appearance, and quality of life.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery at West Hills Dermatology

What is Moh’s Surgery?

How does it Work?

Who is a candidate for Mohs?

Cure Rates with Mohs Surgery

What Types of Skin Cancer Does Mohs Surgery Treat?

How Mohs Surgery Works

Preparing for Your Mohs Procedure

Additional Considerations & Alternatives

Love Your Skin

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