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MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY

Mohs micrographic surgery in Danville represents the gold standard for treating high-risk skin cancers with the highest cure rates and maximum tissue preservation. This precise surgical technique examines 100% of tumor margins under microscopic control to ensure complete cancer removal while sparing healthy tissue. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, Dr. Potozkin specializes in Mohs Surgery and was in the first group of physicians to be officially board-certified in this revolutionary surgery, providing expert cancer treatment with optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.

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What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery stands as the most effective technique for removing skin cancer, achieving cure rates up to 99% for new cancers and 95% for recurrent cases. This specialized procedure removes skin cancer layer by layer, with each layer immediately examined under a microscope to identify any remaining cancer cells. If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or certain other skin cancers, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas, Mohs surgery may be your best treatment option.

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the technique in the 1930s, this procedure combines surgical precision with immediate microscopic analysis. Unlike standard excision, where healthy tissue margins are estimated, Mohs surgery uses real-time pathology to ensure complete cancer removal with minimal tissue loss.

Key advantages of Mohs surgery include:

Highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment
Maximum preservation of healthy tissue
Real-time microscopic margin assessment
Same-day completion with immediate reconstruction
Optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes
Precise treatment for complex or recurrent cancers

Mohs surgery is particularly recommended for skin cancers on the face, ears, hands, feet, and genitals, where tissue preservation is critical for function and appearance.

How Does Mohs Surgery Work?

Mohs surgery works through a systematic process of surgical removal followed by immediate microscopic examination of 100% of the tumor margins. After local anesthesia, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue containing the visible tumor plus a small margin. The specimen is precisely mapped, processed in an on-site laboratory, and examined under a microscope within 30-60 minutes. The surgeon acts as both the surgical oncologist and pathologist, providing immediate interpretation of results and precise targeting of any remaining cancer cells. This unique combination allows for complete cancer removal with maximal tissue conservation. Our Danville patients benefit from Dr. Potozkin’s dual board certification and fellowship training, ensuring the highest level of expertise in both cancer removal and reconstruction.

What Types of Skin Cancer Can Mohs Surgery Treat?

Mohs surgery is most commonly used for:

Primary Indications:

Basal cell carcinoma (most common)
Squamous cell carcinoma
Recurrent skin cancers after previous treatment
Aggressive or high-risk tumor subtypes

Anatomical Locations:

Face, including nose, eyelids, ears, and lips
Scalp and neck areas
Hands, feet, and nail units
Genitals and other sensitive areas
Areas with previous radiation therapy

Special Circumstances:

Large tumors with ill-defined borders
Cancers in young patients
Immunocompromised patients
Certain melanomas (in specialized cases)
Rare skin cancers like dermatofibrosarcoma

High-Risk Features:

Tumors larger than 2cm
Aggressive growth patterns
Perineural invasion
Previous incomplete excision

The American College of Mohs Surgery has established appropriate use criteria to guide when Mohs surgery provides the greatest benefit over other treatment methods.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Ideal candidates for Mohs surgery include patients who:

Have been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma
Have skin cancer in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas
Need maximum tissue preservation for optimal outcomes
Have large, aggressive, or recurrent skin cancers
Are healthy enough for outpatient surgery under local anesthesia
Want the highest possible cure rates
Understand the time commitment of the staged procedure

If you’re in the Danville area and have been diagnosed with skin cancer, Dr. Potozkin can determine if Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option during a comprehensive consultation.

Patients with certain bleeding disorders, inability to tolerate local anesthesia, or unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes may require alternative treatment approaches.

Why Fellowship Training Matters

Choosing a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is crucial for optimal outcomes. Mohs surgery requires specialized training beyond dermatology residency, combining advanced surgical skills, pathology expertise, and reconstruction techniques. Dr. Potozkin completed his Mohs Surgery Fellowship at UCSF and is board-certified in both Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery, placing him among the first group of physicians to achieve this specialized certification when it became available in 2021.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, Dr. Potozkin will review your pathology results, examine the cancer site, and discuss the Mohs procedure in detail. We’ll explain what to expect during surgery, discuss reconstruction options, and address any concerns. Each case is unique, and we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes complete cancer removal while optimizing your cosmetic and functional outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery

How is Mohs surgery different from standard skin cancer excision?

Standard excision removes the visible tumor plus an estimated margin of healthy tissue, then sends the specimen to an outside lab. Mohs surgery examines 100% of margins immediately during surgery, ensuring complete removal while preserving maximum healthy tissue.

How long does Mohs surgery take?

The procedure varies depending on tumor size and complexity. Each stage takes 1-3 hours, with most tumors requiring 1-2 stages. Some complex cases may require additional stages, so patients should plan for a full day.

Will I need reconstruction after Mohs surgery?

Reconstruction needs depend on the final defect size and location. Many wounds can be closed with simple stitches, while others may require skin grafts or flaps. Dr. Potozkin is skilled in various reconstruction techniques and will determine the best approach after cancer removal is complete.

What are the cure rates for Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery achieves cure rates up to 99% for new basal cell carcinomas, 95-99% for new squamous cell carcinomas, and 90-95% for recurrent cancers—significantly higher than other treatment methods.

Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, Mohs surgery is typically covered by insurance when medically indicated. We’ll work with your insurance provider to ensure proper authorization and coverage.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900

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