Atlanta (404) 351-7546
Covington (770) 784-0343
Decatur (678) 355-8764
At Dermatology Consultants we are proud to offer Mohs micrographic surgery—the most effective technique for removing common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially in sensitive or high-risk areas like the face, ears, and hands.
Learn more by scheduling a consultation with our dermatologists at one of our office locations. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process with expert care and compassion.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized, precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It’s considered the gold standard for removing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the two most common forms of skin cancer — as well as some cases of melanoma and other rare skin cancers.
Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, this technique offers the highest cure rate while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Unlike traditional excision, where the tumor is removed with a margin of surrounding skin, Mohs surgery removes skin cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure. Here’s how it works:
LOCAL ANESTHESIA is applied to numb the area.
The visible portion of the TUMOR IS REMOVED, along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
That tissue is processed and EXAMINED UNDER MICROSCOPE to see if cancer cells remain.
If cancer is still present, ANOTHER LAYER IS REMOVED precisely where the cancer remains.
This PROCESS CONTINUES until no cancer cells are found.
Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs if:
The cancer is in a cosmetically sensitive area (face, scalp, hands, genitals).
The cancer is large, aggressive, or has unclear borders.
The cancer has recurred after previous treatment.
You have a weakened immune system, which may require more precise treatment.
Most patients go home the same day.
A bandage is applied, and detailed wound care instructions are provided.
Depending on the size and location of the surgical site, stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive techniques may be used.
Scarring is minimized, and cosmetic outcome is a top priority.
Dr. Michael Liu is a board-certified dermatologist, specializing as a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. His journey in medicine has been driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, particularly on providing specialized care to those facing skin cancer diagnoses.
Our Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Michael Liu, is a member of The American College of Mohs Surgery. This is the only organization that requires its physician members who have completed residency, to successfully complete an additional specialized Mohs surgery fellowship which involves at least one year of extensive surgical training in the Mohs procedure, skin cancer pathology and reconstruction.
