Mohs Surgery

Skin Cancer Doesn't Wait. Neither Should You.

A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You may be replaying the moment your dermatologist said the word "cancer" and wondering what comes next. That fear is completely understandable, and it's exactly why the next step matters so much. The goal is to remove every cancer cell while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, and to do it with a physician you can trust.

South Florida's intense year-round sun exposure means skin cancer is one of the most common conditions we treat at Dermatology Experts. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain other skin cancers are highly treatable when caught and removed correctly. Mohs surgery is widely regarded as the most precise technique available, and it is performed at our practice by Dr. Angelo Ayar, a double board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in surgical dermatology and a research background in skin cancer.

You don't have to travel out of state for expert Mohs surgery. It's available right here in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, with three convenient locations in Tamarac, Parkland, and Miami.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Unlike traditional excision, which removes the tumor and a surrounding margin of tissue all at once, Mohs surgery removes the cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope immediately, before any additional tissue is removed. This process continues until no cancer cells remain.

The result is the highest possible cure rate with the smallest possible wound. That matters enormously when skin cancer appears on the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, scalp, hands, or other areas where preserving tissue is critical to both function and appearance.

• Cure rate: Mohs surgery offers cure rates up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma and up to 94% for squamous cell carcinoma, making it the most effective treatment available for many skin cancers
• Tissue-sparing: Only cancerous tissue is removed, leaving the maximum amount of healthy skin intact
• Same-day pathology: Dr. Ayar reads the tissue slides himself during your procedure, so you receive results without waiting days for a lab report
• Most common use: Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas
• Outpatient procedure: Performed in the office under local anesthesia, with no general anesthesia required
• Reconstruction included: Once the cancer is fully removed, Dr. Ayar repairs the wound using the technique best suited to your specific location and skin type

What to Expect During Your Mohs Surgery Procedure

Many patients feel anxious about surgery, especially on the face or a visible area of the body. Understanding exactly what will happen can make a significant difference. Here is a straightforward overview of what a typical Mohs surgery day looks like at Dermatology Experts.

• Preparation: The treatment area is cleaned and marked. Local anesthesia is injected to numb the site. Most patients feel only a brief sting from the anesthetic, and the area stays numb throughout the procedure
• First layer removal: Dr. Ayar removes a thin layer of tissue that includes the visible tumor and a small margin beneath and around it
• Microscopic analysis: The tissue is processed and examined under a microscope. This step typically takes 45 minutes to one hour
• Waiting period: You rest comfortably in our office while the tissue is analyzed. Many patients bring a book, headphones, or something to snack on
• Additional stages if needed: If cancer cells are found at the edges of the removed tissue, another precise layer is taken only from the exact area where cancer remains. This continues until the margins are completely clear
• Reconstruction: Once the cancer is confirmed fully removed, the wound is closed. Depending on size and location, this may involve simple sutures, a skin flap, or a skin graft
• Total time: Most procedures take between two and four hours from start to finish, though complex cases may require a longer appointment. Plan to spend most of the day with us
• Aftercare: You will leave with written wound care instructions and a follow-up appointment scheduled. Most patients manage post-procedure discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief

What Results Can You Expect?

Mohs surgery consistently delivers the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment method. For most patients, the cancer is fully removed in one to two surgical stages during a single office visit.

• Cure rates: Up to 99% for new basal cell carcinomas and up to 94% for new squamous cell carcinomas
• Recurrent cancers: Mohs surgery also has excellent outcomes for skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment, with cure rates around 94% for recurrent basal cell carcinoma
• Healing timeline: Most surgical wounds heal within two to four weeks. Final scar appearance continues to improve over six to twelve months
• Scarring: Because Mohs removes only what is necessary, scars are typically smaller than those from standard excision. Scar appearance varies by location, skin type, and wound size
• Cosmetic outcomes: When surgery involves the face or other visible areas, Dr. Ayar prioritizes reconstruction techniques that minimize visible scarring and restore natural contour
• Follow-up care: Patients who have had one skin cancer are at higher risk for future skin cancers. Regular skin checks at Dermatology Experts are strongly recommended following your procedure

Who Is a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is not the right approach for every skin cancer, but it is the recommended treatment for many of the most common types, particularly in certain locations or situations. Dr. Ayar will evaluate your specific diagnosis and discuss whether Mohs is the most appropriate option for you.

Mohs surgery may be recommended when:

• The skin cancer is located on the face, neck, scalp, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, or hands, where preserving tissue is important
• The tumor has poorly defined borders and is difficult to measure by the naked eye
• The cancer has returned after previous treatment
• The tumor is large or has been growing for a long time
• You are younger and want the best possible long-term outcome and the smallest scar
• You are immunocompromised, which can increase the risk of cancer recurrence with less precise methods
• The cancer is an aggressive subtype, such as morpheaform or infiltrative basal cell carcinoma
• You have had significant sun exposure over your lifetime, which is extremely common in South Florida patients

Mohs surgery is generally performed for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Other skin cancer types may require a different treatment approach, which Dr. Ayar will discuss with you based on your biopsy results and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery

Will Mohs surgery hurt?

The most uncomfortable part of Mohs surgery is typically the initial injection of local anesthesia, which causes a brief stinging or burning sensation as it takes effect. Once the area is numb, most patients feel only light pressure or movement during the procedure. If you feel any discomfort during a stage, let Dr. Ayar know and additional anesthesia can be given. Many patients are genuinely surprised by how manageable the experience is.

How long will I be at the office on the day of surgery?

You should plan to be with us for most of the day, typically between two and five hours depending on how many stages are needed to clear the cancer. The waiting periods between stages are the longest part of the visit, not the surgery itself. We encourage patients to bring something to read, listen to, or watch, and our team will keep you comfortable and updated throughout the process.

Will I have a noticeable scar after Mohs surgery?

Any surgery that removes tissue will leave some degree of scarring. Because Mohs surgery removes only the cancerous tissue and spares as much healthy skin as possible, scars tend to be smaller than those from standard excision. Dr. Ayar uses reconstruction techniques designed to minimize visible scarring and blend with the natural contours of your skin. Final scar appearance continues to improve over several months as healing progresses.

How many stages will my surgery take?

This depends entirely on the size and extent of your tumor and cannot be predicted before surgery begins. Many skin cancers are fully removed in one or two stages. More complex or larger tumors may require additional stages. Because each stage involves real-time microscopic analysis, Dr. Ayar removes only what is necessary, stopping as soon as the margins are completely clear. You will know the cancer is fully gone before you leave the office.

Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance or HSA/FSA?

Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer is a medically necessary procedure and is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, those funds may also be applied to eligible expenses related to your care. Our team is happy to help answer questions about coverage when you call to schedule.

Why Choose Dermatology Experts for Mohs Surgery in South Florida?

Choosing a surgeon for skin cancer is one of the most important decisions you can make. Mohs surgery requires a physician who combines deep surgical skill with the ability to read and interpret pathology in real time. That combination is not universal, and it matters enormously to your outcome.

• Elite training: Dr. Angelo Ayar completed his dermatology residency at the University of Michigan, consistently ranked among the top dermatology training programs in the country
• Skin cancer research background: Dr. Ayar has a research fellowship specifically focused on skin cancer, which means he brings both clinical expertise and a deeper scientific understanding to every case
• Double board certification: Dr. Ayar is double board-certified, reflecting a standard of training and knowledge that goes beyond the baseline requirements for practice
• Full-spectrum surgical care: From initial skin cancer diagnosis through Mohs surgery, wound reconstruction, and long-term skin surveillance, everything happens under one roof at Dermatology Experts
• Three convenient South Florida locations: Offices in Tamarac, Parkland, and Miami mean you can receive expert surgical care close to home, whether you are in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or Boca Raton
• Over 500 five-star reviews: Patients consistently describe feeling calm, heard, and well cared for throughout their experience, including during surgical procedures
• Same-day appointments available: If you have received a biopsy result and want to move forward quickly, we can often accommodate same-day consultations
• A team that treats you like a person: One patient described Dr. Ayar arriving with "peaceful words of assurance" before a procedure. That is the standard every member of our team works toward

South Florida's sun is one of the most intense in the continental United States. The rates of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma here are elevated compared to most of the country. Having a surgeon with Dr. Ayar's specific background in skin cancer, right here in your community, means you do not have to choose between convenience and quality of care.

Schedule Your Mohs Surgery Consultation in South Florida

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a suspicious lesion that needs evaluation, the right time to act is now. Mohs surgery offers some of the highest cure rates in medicine when the cancer is addressed promptly and performed by a skilled surgeon.

Dr. Ayar and the team at Dermatology Experts are ready to walk you through every step of the process, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you feel informed and at ease from your first call to your final follow-up appointment.

• Call us today: (954) 726-2000
• Same-day appointments available for patients with urgent skin cancer concerns
• Three locations: Tamarac, Parkland, and Miami
• HSA and FSA funds may be applied to medically necessary procedures
• Serving: Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and surrounding South Florida communities

You deserve a physician who takes your diagnosis seriously and treats you with genuine care. Call Dermatology Experts today and let us help you move forward with confidence.