Do I require a follow-up appointment? Yes. We recommend you have a follow-up appointment to ensure everything has healed correctly following your Mohs surgery in Parker, CO.
Does insurance cover Mohs Surgery? Typically, yes. While most insurance does cover Mohs surgery to some extent, we always recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your benefits.
What is skin cancer? Skin cancer (abnormal cell growth in the skin) is the most common type of cancer people develop, and it usually develops 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 ultimately cause death. It is important to note that skin cancer can also occur on skin that doesn’t receive significant sun exposure.
What types of skin cancer are there? 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 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 open sores, red patches, pink growths, 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 scaly red patches, open sores, warts, or elevated growths, which may crust or bleed. 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: They can occur anywhere on the body and may look like a new, unusual growth or an existing mole growing or changing.
How is skin cancer treated? 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.
How Does Mohs Surgery Work? Mohs skin cancer surgery is performed in stages on the same day, allowing us to evaluate and treat your condition in real time: A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. A thin layer of tissue is carefully removed. That tissue is immediately processed and examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon. If cancer cells are still present at a margin, another layer is removed only from the area at which the cancer cells are present. This process is repeated until the margins are clear, ensuring full removal of the cancer. Most Mohs surgeries only require one or two removals of tissue (also known as stages.) Because your tissue is examined in real time during your single appointment there is typically no need for multiple visits. Our team is focused on providing the most effective and cosmetically optimal y in a setting that’s comfortable and efficient.
How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take? Mohs procedures can take the majority of a day to complete , depending on how many layers of skin need to be removed.. While the removal and analysis of each layer takes time, this careful approach is what makes Mohs surgery the gold standard for treating skin cancer. During your appointment, you’ll wait in a semi-private space while our teams evaluates your tissue . This process helps ensure complete skin cancer removal while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.
What Types of Skin Cancer Does Mohs Surgery Treat? At Elevated Dermatology, we perform Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other rare skin cancers. This technique is especially recommended for: Areas where tissue conservation is critical Cancers with poorly defined borders Recurrent skin cancers Aggressive or rapidly growing tumors Skin cancers in those with a compromised immune system Our team will assess your condition thoroughly and determine if Mohs is the most appropriate treatment option for you.
What Is the Success Rate of Mohs Surgery? Mohs skin cancer surgery offers up to a 99% cure rate for newly diagnosed skin cancers and up to 94% for recurrent cancers . This high success rate is due to its complete and microscopic margin control, which allows for the removal of cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. Our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Christopher Messana, fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care possible.
How Do I Prepare for Mohs Surgery? Preparing for your procedure is simple. Here’s what to expect before your visit: Eat a meal the morning of your surgery Take any regular medications unless otherwise directed Avoid blood thinners if advised by your physician Bring something to read or do while you wait between surgical stages Shower/bathe prior to coming to your appointment Take the first dose of your antibiotics if one is prescribed by us You’ll remain awake during the procedure, and our staff will guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.
What Should I Expect During Mohs Surgery? On the day of your Mohs procedure, we’ll begin by cleaning and numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The surgeon will then remove a thin layer of tissue and have it processed into our in-house lab for microscopic analysis. You’ll wait comfortably in the office while we examine the tissue. If additional layers or stages are needed, we’ll repeat the process until all cancerous cells are removed. Thereafter, we’ll repair the wound to maximize your appearance and function. Our clinic environment is calm and professional, designed to reduce anxiety and ensure you feel supported throughout your visit.
What Is the Recovery Time After Mohs Surgery? Recovery after Mohs surgery is generally quick and well-tolerated. Most patients return to work or light activities within 1 to 2 days. You may experience some swelling or bruising near the surgical site, especially on the face or neck; this may take a week or more to fully resolve. Stitches are typically self dissolving but on occasion must be removed, depending on the location and type of closure. Full healing takes months, but discomfort is often minor and well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How Do I Care for My Wound After Mohs Surgery? Post-operative care is critical to ensuring optimal healing and minimal scarring. Our care team will give you detailed instructions, but in general: Keep the wound clean and dry Follow dressing change guidelines Apply any prescribed antibiotic ointments and take any prescribed antibiotic pills. Schedule any recommended follow-up visits in Parker or Littleton We are always here to answer questions and support you during your healing process.
How Much Does Mohs Surgery Cost in the Denver area? The cost of Mohs skin cancer removal varies based on the location and complexity of the case and is determined by your insurance company To understand what your costs may be, we recommend contacting our front office team in either Parker or Littleton. We obtain prior authorization from your insurance company prior to your care to maximize the chance your care is covered by your insurance.
Why Choose Elevated Dermatology for Mohs Surgery in the Denver Metro Area? Choosing the right Mohs surgeon can make all the difference in your treatment outcome. Here’s why patients across the Denver metro area trust Elevated Dermatology: Dr. Christopher Messana is a Cleveland Clinic, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with extensive experience Our surgical suites are equipped with advanced technology in a welcoming, comfortable setting. We provide personalized medical dermatology treatment plans, from initial diagnosis through post-operative care. With locations in Parker and Littleton, we’re accessible to patients across Denver, the suburbs, and beyond.
