Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Lopez has personally performed over 10,000 Mohs micrographic surgery procedures since completing his fellowship at Mayo Clinic in 2018. His annual case volume has grown every year, with 1,757 Mohs procedures performed in 2025.

Yes. The face and nose are the most common treatment sites in Dr. Lopez's practice. In 2025, 1,288 of his Mohs cases were performed on the head, neck, and other anatomically sensitive sites where reconstruction technique determines the cosmetic and functional outcome.

Yes. Dr. Lopez routinely manages complex skin cancers including large or recurrent tumors, cancers near the eye, nose, and lip, and tumors requiring multi-stage reconstruction. He also accepts referrals from plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and radiation oncologists for complex cases that require advanced Mohs and reconstruction expertise.

Dr. Lopez performs 99% of his own reconstructions, including local flaps, full-thickness skin grafts, and multi-stage repairs. There is no separate appointment with plastic surgery and no second surgical team. Tumor removal and reconstruction are typically completed on the same day, in the same visit.

Yes. Dr. Lopez performs approximately 100 slow Mohs procedures per year for melanoma in situ and select early invasive melanomas. Slow Mohs uses permanent paraffin sections and immunostains for improved accuracy on melanocytic lesions, particularly on cosmetically sensitive sites such as the face.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. The surgeon removes thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examines each layer under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This technique offers cure rates up to 99% while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.

Dr. Lopez treats basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and rare skin cancers. He specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, which is the gold standard for treating skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, head, neck, hands, and feet.

Most Mohs procedures are completed within a few hours, though the time can vary depending on the size and complexity of the cancer. Plan to be at our office for most of the day to allow time for tissue processing and reconstruction.

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or tugging. Dr. Lopez and his team are committed to keeping you comfortable throughout the entire process.

We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Tricare, and United Healthcare, among others. Visit our insurance page for a complete list, or call us at 813-867-6200 to verify your coverage.

The cost of Mohs surgery depends on the number of stages required and the complexity of the reconstruction. Mohs surgery is covered by most major medical insurance plans, including Medicare, when it is performed to treat skin cancer — insured patients typically pay only their plan's standard copay, coinsurance, or deductible. See our accepted insurance plans, or call us at 813-867-6200 and we'll verify your coverage.

You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at 813-867-6200. Most patients are referred by their dermatologist or primary care physician, but self-referrals are also welcome.

Most patients experience mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, and return to normal activities within a few days. You'll receive detailed written instructions at your visit — you can also read our aftercare instructions online.

Some discomfort during the first 48 to 72 hours is normal and is usually controlled with over-the-counter acetaminophen. The initial dressing stays dry for 24 to 48 hours, followed by simple daily wound care until sutures are removed — or for one to two weeks if no sutures need removal. Avoid submerging the wound in a pool or tub for two weeks. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a few days; see our full aftercare instructions.