What is Mohs surgery, and why is it the gold standard for skin cancer on the face?

Mohs is a micrographic surgical technique that removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, examining each layer under the microscope before going further. This lets the surgeon confirm the tumor is fully removed while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Recurrence rates are under 1 percent, and scars are typically smaller than with conventional removal.

Am I a good candidate for Mohs surgery?

Mohs is most often used for basal cell or squamous cell cancers on the face, neck, scalp, hands, feet, genitals, and nails. It is also appropriate for larger tumors on other parts of the body, rare skin cancers, cancers that have returned after prior treatment, and patients with altered immune systems. Dr. Krishna will review your case during consultation.

How long does the procedure take on the day of surgery?

Mohs begins in the morning. After the first layer is removed, you wait while the tissue is examined. If the margins are clear, reconstruction follows. If not, additional layers are taken and tested until clearance is confirmed. Most cases finish the same day, though total time varies by tumor.

What should I expect during recovery?

The first 48 hours to 1 week involves a bandage over the site and mild discomfort that most patients manage with Tylenol or Aleve. Sutures are usually removed at 1 to 2 weeks. From 1 week to 3 months, the site continues to heal and fade. Final remodeling takes place over 3 to 6 months.

How can I reduce scarring after Mohs?

Keeping the site protected helps. Flesh-colored paper tape with sunscreen on top is the simplest approach. Scar prevention creams like Strataderm are also an option. Dr. Krishna will give you specific guidance based on your case and surgical site.

Expert Mohs Surgery in Encinitas, CA

Remove skin cancer with the highest cure rate and smallest scar. Dr. Sheila Krishna is double board-certified in Mohs surgery, offering same-day treatment that saves healthy tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal.

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Understanding Mohs Surgery

What Is Mohs Surgery?

A tissue-sparing technique for basal and squamous cell skin cancer, with a recurrence rate of less than 1 percent and typically smaller scars than conventional removal. Considered the gold standard for skin cancer on the face.

High-Risk Locations

Basal cell or squamous cell cancer on the face, neck, scalp, hands, feet, genitals, or nails, where preserving healthy tissue matters most.

Larger or Rare Tumors

Basal or squamous cell cancers larger than an inch on other parts of the body, plus rare types like atypical fibroxanthoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Recurrent Cancers

Skin cancers that have come back after standard removal. The layer-by-layer Mohs technique is often the best path to complete clearance.

Altered Immune Systems

Patients with conditions like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) where immune function is compromised and full tumor clearance is critical.

Personalized Care

How Dr. Krishna Approaches Mohs Surgery

Dr. Krishna is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery, with 10 years of experience and thousands of cases completed. She collaborates with plastic, oculoplastic, and head and neck surgeons when a case benefits from that expertise.

01

Preoperative Evaluation

A detailed review of medical history, current medications, supplements, and tumor size and type. You receive specific preparation instructions for your case.

02

In-Office Removal

Surgery begins in the morning with local anesthetic. Each tissue layer is removed and examined. Layers are taken until the margins are clear.

03

Same-Day Reconstruction

Once clearance is confirmed, Dr. Krishna reconstructs the site the same day. Most patients go home that afternoon.

What Recovery Looks Like:

48 Hours to 1 Week A bandage protects the healing site. Mild swelling and possible bruising. Most discomfort is managed with Tylenol or Aleve.
1 Week to 3 Months Sutures are removed at 1 to 2 weeks. Flesh-colored paper tape with sunscreen helps the site heal. Scar creams like Strataderm are optional.
3 to 6 Months The wound continues to remodel and fade. Sunscreen remains important for protecting the healed area.

Dr. Krishna was great. Very kind and gentle. I've had two other Mohs surgeons and Dr. Krishna is by far the best.

Ken S., patient review

Your Questions, Answered

Mohs Surgery FAQ

What is Mohs surgery, and why is it the gold standard for skin cancer on the face?

Mohs is a micrographic surgical technique that removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, examining each layer under the microscope before going further. This lets the surgeon confirm the tumor is fully removed while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Recurrence rates are under 1 percent, and scars are typically smaller than with conventional removal.
Am I a good candidate for Mohs surgery?

Mohs is most often used for basal cell or squamous cell cancers on the face, neck, scalp, hands, feet, genitals, and nails. It is also appropriate for larger tumors on other parts of the body, rare skin cancers, cancers that have returned after prior treatment, and patients with altered immune systems. Dr. Krishna will review your case during consultation.
How long does the procedure take on the day of surgery?

Mohs begins in the morning. After the first layer is removed, you wait while the tissue is examined. If the margins are clear, reconstruction follows. If not, additional layers are taken and tested until clearance is confirmed. Most cases finish the same day, though total time varies by tumor.
What should I expect during recovery?

The first 48 hours to 1 week involves a bandage over the site and mild discomfort that most patients manage with Tylenol or Aleve. Sutures are usually removed at 1 to 2 weeks. From 1 week to 3 months, the site continues to heal and fade. Final remodeling takes place over 3 to 6 months.
How can I reduce scarring after Mohs?

Keeping the site protected helps. Flesh-colored paper tape with sunscreen on top is the simplest approach. Scar prevention creams like Strataderm are also an option. Dr. Krishna will give you specific guidance based on your case and surgical site.