Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise, tissue-sparing technique available for the treatment of many skin cancers — particularly those on the face, scalp, and other cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas. At Bernardo Dermatology Medical Group, Mohs surgery is performed by fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeons with decades of combined experience.
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope by the surgeon before the next layer is taken, which means the cancer is removed completely while the maximum amount of healthy tissue is preserved. Mohs offers the highest reported cure rate of any skin cancer treatment — up to 99% for primary basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
How Mohs Surgery Works — Step by Step
- Local anesthesia. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic. You'll be awake and comfortable throughout.
- First layer removed. The visible cancer is removed along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Microscopic examination. The tissue is processed and examined under a microscope right in our office. You wait in our comfortable Mohs suite.
- Additional layers (if needed). If cancer cells are still visible at any margin, the surgeon takes another precise layer — only from the area where cancer remains.
- Reconstruction. Once all the cancer is gone, the surgeon repairs the surgical site to optimize cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Conditions Treated With Mohs
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Other less common skin cancers, where appropriate
- Recurrent skin cancers
- Skin cancers on the face, ears, scalp, hands, feet, and genitalia
Our Mohs Surgeons
Dr. Ruth A. Larson and Dr. Ashley Rubin are fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons and members of the American College of Mohs Surgery, with a combined 40 years of experience and thousands of cases treated. Dr. Francis A. Barber, a board-certified dermatopathologist, consults on difficult cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mohs surgery preferred for facial skin cancers?
Because Mohs allows the surgeon to spare the maximum amount of healthy tissue while confirming complete removal of the cancer in real time, it produces the smallest possible defect — which means the best cosmetic outcome on the face.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Most Mohs procedures take a few hours from start to finish, including microscopic processing time. Plan to be in our office for most of the day, and bring a book or tablet for the wait between layers.
Will I need stitches?
Most surgical sites are repaired with sutures by the Mohs surgeon at the end of the procedure. The repair is tailored to the location and size of the wound to optimize healing and appearance.
Will my insurance cover Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a medically necessary cancer treatment and is covered by most insurance plans. Our office staff will verify your coverage before surgery.
Who performs Mohs surgery at Bernardo Dermatology?
All Mohs procedures are performed by Dr. Ruth A. Larson or Dr. Ashley Rubin — both fellowship-trained members of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Schedule Mohs Surgery in Poway
To schedule Mohs surgery or a consultation, call our dedicated Mohs Surgery Coordinator at (858) 451-3984. For general appointments, call (858) 451-3311. Patients travel to our Poway office for Mohs surgery from Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Escondido, Ramona, and across San Diego North County.