Mohs Surgery

Skin cancer is one of the most common—and treatable—forms of cancer when caught early. Mohs surgery offers a precise, effective way to diagnose and remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

When to Consider Mohs Surgery

Skin cancer is a disease characterized by the development of abnormal skin cells that often spread throughout the body. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal-cell, squamous-cell, and melanoma. Though the mortality rate of skin cancer is relatively low, the condition should still be taken seriously. If you believe that you may have skin cancer, Mohs surgery may be an excellent choice for diagnosing and treating this condition.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a procedure originally developed by Frederic E. Mohs in 1938. This technique is often hailed as the gold standard for the removal and control of basal-cell carcinoma and other skin cancer types. Mohs surgery is done by a dermatologist specially trained to remove skin cancers. Each procedure begins with a careful examination of the trouble area. Afterward, a tissue biopsy is taken to test for signs of malignancy. The cancer cells are removed layer by layer until the entire tumor is removed.

This multi-step process allows the dermatologist to remove the cancerous cells entirely and conservatively leave behind the most amount of normal tissue. When the skin lesion is located in the midface or around the eye, the dermatologist will remove the skin cancer using the Mohs technique, place a patch over the defect, and refer you to a trained oculoplastic surgeon like Dr. Michael Connor for meticulous reconstruction. Dr. Connor is chosen by and works closely with numerous Mohs surgeons throughout South Florida to help patients achieve their best cosmetic results following skin cancer removal.

Dr. Connor with female patient and they are both smiling

Who Can Benefit From Mohs Surgery?

Due to Mohs’ high cure rate, anyone showing early signs of skin cancer can benefit from this procedure. Only one surgeon is necessary for the Mohs surgery portion of cancer removal, taking the potential of pathologist-to-surgeon miscommunication out of the equation and reducing the risk of skin cancer recurrence.

Mohs defects around the eye require meticulous reconstruction, with careful attention to the function and aesthetics of the eyelids. Dr. Connor has extensive training and experience in closing Mohs defects and will alleviate your anxiety by discussing a formal plan for your reconstruction with you.

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How Does Treatment Work?

The precision of Mohs in detecting cancer effectively spares healthy tissue. During the procedure, only a small amount of skin around the cancer needs to be removed. If cancer is microscopically detected at the margin of the specimen, then a paper (or digital) map of the specimen is marked by the Mohs surgeon indicating its location.

This map is then used to remove an additional thin layer or “stage” of skin where the cancer is marked on the map. This process is called “microscopic mapping” and is exclusively done with a Mohs procedure. Thanks to the microscopic mapping technique, surgical risks and scarring are kept to a minimum.

How Can Mohs Surgery Help?

Mohs surgery has been shown to have a cure rate of 97-99.8% for most basic skin cancers. However, this method is not suitable for all skin cancers. What makes this method unique is that it allows for a full examination of both the treatment area and the extracted tissue. Using this micrographic cutting technique exclusive to Mohs, your doctor can accurately determine the potential for the cancer to spread and recommend long-term treatment.

Expectations During the Procedure

Skin cancer surgery is conducted only after a thorough consultation and assessment of the issue’s particulars. During the Mohs procedure, we will perform a surgical removal of the cancerous tissue and map it. Mapping the tissue involves freezing, cutting, and staining it to determine cancer severity. After the piece has been removed, possible tissue reconstruction may be done to reduce signs of scarring. The procedure is done under local anesthetic to minimize any pain and discomfort caused.

Recovery After Mohs Surgery

Depending upon the size of your treatment area, recovery from Mohs surgery may take up to 4-6 weeks. This length of time is necessary for your wound to heal completely. Though possible, infection, bleeding, and pain are uncommon. This surgical procedure involves the use of special sutures to minimize scarring and improve the natural healing process.

Patient Reviews

“I am super impressed with this practice. Dr. Connor is extremely talented. I made an appointment thinking that I needed surgery. A less professional and ethical Doctor could have easily scheduled a costly procedure. Dr. Connor was able to take...”

—Karen P.

“Being a patient of Dr Connor’s and his staff could not have gone more smoothly or been more professional. It was, and I don’t use this phrase lightly, perfect from start to finish. Dr Connor corrected a lower eyelid which...”

—Robert M.

“They made the process easy from start to finish with their friendly staff, informative literature, affordable payment plan and post surgery follow up. The results were amazing.”

—Jerome S.

“I did my research, read reviews and asked for recommendations before deciding on Dr. Connor. I could not be more pleased with the results and my experience from the second I walked into his office, to where I am today.

—Pat D.

“I cannot say enough amazing things about this office! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the sweetest and most professional staff you’ll ever meet. Their attention to detail, kindness, and efficiency set the gold standard for how...”

—Jason W.

“2018, Dr Michael Connor was highly recommended by my dermatologist to remove a xanthelasma palpebrarum on my eyelid. I didn’t know what to expect but Dr Connor explained the condition, cause, and procedure to remove it. He had time in...”

—Vickie D.

“Fantastic doctor and staff! Everyone is so friendly and makes the patient feel so comfortable and valued. Dr. Connor has such a great bedside manner! He is highly skilled and really spends the time pre and post op answering questions and...”

—Nicole F.

“I had the eyelid lift surgery in the office. It was virtually painless. The results were fabulous. Dr Connor and his staff are absolutely the best. If I could give them 10 stars I would.”

—Eva E.

“Dr Connor is terrific. He solved a persistent clogged oil duct problem painlessly. Staff is lovely as well. Very glad my optometrist recommended this excellent doctor.”

—Trish B.

“From the first phone call through the last check up this entire office is kind and professional. Dr. Connor has a wonderful personality and answers any questions and runs a lovely staff. Best of all...I can see better with the...”

—Claudine M.

“Dr. Connor does the best Botox injections! 12 weeks after last injections, there are still no wrinkles! Amazing. He just did around my eyes, which have a lot of - close to the surface veins, and didn't hit a one!!...”

—Carol C.

“They made the process easy from start to finish with their friendly staff, informative literature, affordable payment plan and post surgery follow up. The results were amazing.”

—Jerome S.

“I can not thank Dr Connor and his wonderful team enough for the care I received! Recently I had a basal cell below my right eye lid. The basal cell required the Mohs surgery first done by a dermatologist and...”

—Kelly K.

“We sought out a plastic surgeon when my husband began to have difficulty seeing because of excess drooping of his eyelids. After our consultation with Dr. Connor, we decided to repair both his upper and lower lids. We chose the...”

—Joan M.

“Dr Connor is terrific. He solved a persistent clogged oil duct problem painlessly. Staff is lovely as well. Very glad my optometrist recommended this excellent doctor.”

—Trish B.

“I was most comfortable with my first consultation with Dr. Conner explaining his procedure to correct and improve my upper and lower eyelids. From the moment I decided to have the surgery to my first appointment post surgery, I cannot...”

—Nancy F.

“Dr. Connor did an excellent job with my upper blepharoplasty. I came to him for revision surgery after another completely incompetent doctor had ruined my face. Dr. Connor is the go-to leading plastic surgeon for revision surgeries. I wish I...”

—Jon S.

“I chose Dr. Conner because he was very highly recommended by several medical professionals. They were not wrong. He is highly competent and very personable. He took the time to fully engage in discussion of the process and procedure. He...”

—Gerald B.

“Dr. Connor is an expert surgeon in oculoplastics and I knew I was in competent, capable hands from my first visit. Dr. Connor has a kind, thoughtful demeanor and was extremely responsive to my concerns. This was my first plastic...”

—Debra C.

“I had an upper blepharoplasty and lower skin pinch by Dr Conner. Both surgeries came out great. I would never go anywhere else. I am so pleased.”

—Patricia

“My experience from beginning to end was flawless. The Staff were kind and always concerned for my comfort. I went to sleep and woke up with no pain or worries. They checked on me through the recovery period with answers...”

—Sabrina R.

“Had a mini brow lift! Best thing I’ve done. Very little pain once compression bandage came off. Everyone terrific and communicated a lot! Highly recommend Dr Connor and staff”

—Trish A.

“I had an upper blepharoplasty in January and I'm thrilled with the results. Dr. Connor is talented and kind. The before and after photos were taken a month apart. Everyone in his practice is fantastic. Highly recommend.”

—Jaime G.

“From the first appointment through the final post op visit my expectations were exceeded.Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr Connor is a gifted surgeon and I was amazed to get a post op call at home from Dr. Connor with...”

—Mark E.

“The office is beautiful and the staff warm, welcoming and efficient. Dr. Connor is a very skilled Oculoplastic surgeon with a warm and calming personality. I very pleased with my lower lid blepharoplasty and recommend this practice highly.”

—Carolyn K.

“Amazing! Dr. Connor is extremely knowledgeable and truly an expert in his field. I am so thankful I chose Dr. Connor for my upper eyelid surgery and under eye laser procedure. During my visits and surgery I found the entire...”

—Stephanie F.

“I cannot praise the medical team enough; they are simply amazing! Dr. Connor epitomizes positivity, professionalism, and approachability, backed by unparalleled medical expertise and surgical finesse. Spending time with him and his compassionate team was genuinely enjoyable. And the results?...”

—Dave M.

“I can’t say enough amazing things about this practice! From the staff that welcomes you, to Kim and Lindsey who schedule and walk you through your procedure, and finally to Dr. Connor, Erin, and Melanie, top notch. My upper lids...”

—Dory-Anne B.

“The office staff and Dr. Connor are so kind and professional. I had amazing results after my upper eyelid bleph. I can wear my contacts again because the loose skin isn't dragging the lens with each blink. I look 12...”

—Tori V.

“I am 71 and my eyes had drooped so much that I basically had two narrow slits to try to see through. I had stopped reading magazines such as New York and Vanity Fair because the squinting was too difficult...”

—Andy K.

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How Much Does Mohs Reconstruction Cost?

An average cost for Mohs reconstruction surgery ranges from $2,500-8,000 depending on the treatment area size and the amount of tissue that must be removed. Treating skin cancer may be an ongoing process and may require subsequent visits with your doctor. Therefore a consultation with Dr. Michael Connor will be needed to get a thorough cost assessment. Dr. Connor can provide a cost estimate during an in-person consultation at our Palm Beach Gardens practice.

“If there were more stars to give, I’d give them! ”

"This office, the staff, and the Doctor himself are well above 5 stars. If you could have seen my eye after an in-depth Mohs surgery, and you looked at my eye now after Dr. Connor’s work, you would be in complete AWE!! Dr. Connor is so skilled, professional, and puts you in complete calmness! His staff is the best I’ve ever been with. So I’m going with 10 stars!!”

– Terri N.

Mohs Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Michael Connor, MD, has been serving the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, community for many years. His breadth of surgical expertise makes him exceptionally qualified to remove lesions. For more information on what Mohs surgery can do for you, we invite you to contact Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants today by calling (561) 845-6500 or filling out the form below.

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