Most Mohs surgery sutures are healed within 1-2 weeks.
In-House Pathology
On-Site Procedures
Elevated Pharmacy
Our Process
Consultation
All patients will have a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified provider, where we'll review medical history, the area of concern, and options for treatment.
Treatment
The Mohs surgical procedures involves removing cancerous tissue in extremely thin layers with a scalpel. The surgeon continues removing layers one at a time and testing the tissue until the cancer has been completely removed, leaving you cancer free!
Results
Once the site is clear of all cancer cells, the wound will usually be closed with sutures, although occasionally it is allowed to heal naturally. A follow-up appointment will ensure proper healing.
Christopher Messana
DO, FAOCD, FAAD, ACMS
- Specialty
- Cutaneous Oncology, Mohs surgery, and Skin Cancer Surgery
- Education
- University of Michigan and Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Dermatology Residency, Cleveland Clinic Mohs Surgery Fellowship
- Credentials
- Member of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery in Littleton, CO
Yes. We recommend you have a follow-up appointment to ensure everything has healed correctly following your Mohs surgery in Littleton, CO.
Typically, yes. While most insurance does cover Mohs surgery to some extent, we always recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your benefits.
Skin cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the skin and is the most common type of cancer people develop. It is common in areas of the skin that receive the greatest amount of sun exposure. Untreated skin cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body and can ultimately cause death.
Skin cancer can also occur on skin that doesn’t receive significant sun exposure.
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Breakdown: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. It is caused by an abnormal, uncontrolled growth that arises in the skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
- Appearance: BCCs often look like red patches, pink growths, open sores, shiny bumps, or scars and are usually caused by a combination of cumulative and intense, occasional sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Breakdown: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising from the squamous cells in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer.
- Appearance: SCCs often look like warts, elevated growths that may crust or bleed, scaly red patches, or open sores. They can become disfiguring and can be deadly if allowed to grow.
Melanoma
- Breakdown: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the skin’s pigment-producing cells. Early detection of Melanoma skin cancer is critical to long-term survival.
- Appearance: Melanomas may look like a new, unusual growth or an existing mole may grow or change. They can occur anywhere on the body.
Treatment options for skin cancer depend on the patient’s cancer. At Elevated Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery Center, treatment options for skin cancer include surgical procedures to remove the skin cancer (Mohs surgery and surgical excision) and topical therapy.
Mohs Surgery
- Mohs surgery has a cure rate that is greater than 99%. It involves removing the cancer cells in stages until all cancerous cells are removed.
- Mohs surgery allows cancerous tissue to be removed while preserving the greatest amount of normal surrounding tissue.
Surgical Excision
- Surgical excision works by removing skin cancer using a safety margin of normal-appearing skin around the cancer.
- Surgical excision removes melanomas with a wide margin. Some melanomas are best removed with a staged excision with a delayed repair.
