Modified Mohs Surgery in Maryland
Modified Mohs surgery is a precise technique for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo combines meticulous cancer removal with immediate reconstruction for natural-looking results.
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What Is Modified Mohs Surgery?
Many patients researching what is Mohs surgery learn that it is a specialized skin cancer treatment that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
Modified Mohs surgery adapts this technique for use by plastic surgeons, combining the precision of Mohs micrographic surgery with immediate reconstruction to restore the appearance of the treated area.
Dr. Henry Garazo performs modified Mohs surgery in Maryland, offering patients a highly effective approach to skin cancer removal that prioritizes both oncologic outcomes and cosmetic results.
This approach is particularly well-suited for skin cancers located on the face, ears, nose, and other cosmetically sensitive areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential.
Skin Cancers Treated
Modified Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat several forms of skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma often appears as shiny bumps or persistent sores and typically develops from long-term sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as scaly patches, wart-like growths, or lesions that bleed. Early treatment helps prevent spread into deeper tissues.
Recurrent Skin Cancer
Modified Mohs surgery is frequently recommended for cancers that have returned after previous treatment.
What to Expect from Mohs Surgery
Understanding each phase of the modified Mohs surgery process helps you feel confident and prepared from your first consultation through your full recovery.
Consultation
Your visit begins with a thorough consultation and examination of the affected area. Dr. Garazo reviews your medical history, confirms the diagnosis, and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation
Before surgery, the treatment area is carefully marked and numbed with local anesthesia. Dr. Garazo provides detailed pre-operative instructions including any medication adjustments.
Surgical Removal
The tumor and a thin layer of surrounding tissue are removed and sent for immediate pathology review. This staged process continues until clear margins are confirmed.
Reconstruction
Once the cancer has been fully removed, Dr. Garazo performs reconstruction using the most appropriate technique to restore the appearance and function of the treated area.
Follow-Up
Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions and return for follow-up visits to monitor healing, remove sutures, and address any concerns as they progress through recovery.
THE PROCESSHow Modified Mohs Surgery Works
Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can extend beyond what is visible on the surface. Modified Mohs surgery removes these cancers with exceptional precision by examining tissue margins in stages.
Initial Removal
The visible tumor and a thin margin of tissue are removed.
Pathology Evaluation
The specimen is sent for immediate frozen-section pathology evaluation.
Targeted Re-Excision
If cancer cells remain, another small layer is removed only from the affected area.
Clear Margin Confirmation
The process continues until clear margins are confirmed.
Ideal CandidatesFor Modified Mohs Surgery
Modified Mohs surgery is recommended for patients with certain types of skin cancer, particularly those located in cosmetically sensitive areas where tissue preservation is essential. Dr. Garazo will evaluate your diagnosis and tumor characteristics to determine if this approach is right for you.
Modified Mohs surgery may be right for you if you:
- Have basal or squamous cell carcinoma
- Have recurrent or rapidly growing tumors
- Have tumors on the face, ears, or cosmetically sensitive areas
- Have tumors larger than 2 cm in diameter
- Require tissue-sparing skin cancer treatment
Why ChooseDr. Garazo for Modified Mohs Surgery
Dr. Henry Garazo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing skin cancer removal and reconstruction procedures in Maryland. He combines precise Mohs technique with immediate reconstruction for comprehensive, natural-looking results.
Experience, Recognition, and Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Garazo is known for his meticulous surgical approach, thorough consultations, and commitment to patient safety. He has been recognized six times as "Best Plastic Surgeon" in the Herald-Mail Tri-State Community Choice Awards and personally meets with every patient to ensure realistic goals and individualized treatment planning.
Precise Removal and Seamless Reconstruction
His extensive experience with skin anatomy and advanced reconstruction techniques allows him to tailor each Mohs procedure to the patient's unique needs, tumor location, and cosmetic goals.
Mohs Surgery Reconstruction
One advantage of choosing a plastic surgeon for Mohs surgery in Maryland is the ability to perform skin cancer reconstruction immediately after tumor removal. Depending on the size and location of the surgical site, Dr. Garazo selects the most appropriate technique to restore the appearance and function of the treated area.
Local Skin Flap Reconstruction
Nearby healthy tissue is repositioned to cover the surgical site, restoring natural contour and minimizing visible scarring in the treated area.
Skin Grafting
A thin layer of skin is taken from a donor site and applied to cover the area where the tumor was removed, promoting healing and restoring appearance.
Layered Closure
For smaller or less complex defects, the wound is closed in carefully placed layers to minimize tension, reduce scarring, and support natural healing.
CombineRelated Skin Cancer Treatments
Modified Mohs surgery is one part of a comprehensive skin cancer care plan. Patients may also benefit from other procedures to diagnose, remove, and reconstruct treated skin.
Skin Biopsy and Diagnosis
A skin biopsy confirms the presence and type of skin cancer before treatment, helping Dr. Garazo determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Surgical Excision
For certain skin cancers, surgical excision removes the tumor and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue in a single procedure.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Following tumor removal, Dr. Garazo performs reconstruction to restore the appearance and function of the treated area.
Modified Mohs SurgeryFAQs
What is Modified Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a technique used to remove skin cancer layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope. The process continues until no cancer cells remain, helping preserve healthy tissue.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The procedure length varies depending on how many tissue layers must be removed. Many treatments take one to several hours, including pathology evaluation between stages.
What is recovery from Mohs surgery like?
Most patients experience mild swelling and tenderness for several days. Full recovery typically occurs over several weeks depending on the size of the surgical site and reconstruction.
Can Mohs surgery be performed on the arm?
Yes. Mohs surgery on the arm may be recommended when tumors require tissue-sparing removal or when cancers have unclear margins.
Is Mohs surgery safe?
Mohs surgery is considered one of the safest and most effective treatments for certain skin cancers when performed by experienced surgeons.
Written by Dr. Henry Garazo
Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Garazo brings over 20 years of surgical experience and a commitment to natural-looking, personalized results.
LEARN MORERequest aConsultation
Meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo to discuss goals and design a tailored plan. The team at our fully accredited on-site surgery center prioritize your safety and comfort.