Gold Standard Treatment
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
The most precise and effective treatment for skin cancer in Tampa, FL — offering cure rates up to 99% while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
About Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery was pioneered by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and refined over the following years. Today, Mohs surgery is the most thorough possible treatment for skin cancer and is the gold standard for cancers on delicate or sensitive areas such as the face, head, neck, hands, feet, genitals, and legs.
Unlike standard excision where tissue is sent to an outside lab, the Mohs surgeon serves as both surgeon and pathologist, examining 100% of the tissue margin during the procedure to ensure all cancer cells have been removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Highest Cure Rate
Up to 99% cure rate for primary basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma — the highest of any skin cancer treatment method.
Tissue-Sparing Technique
Removes only cancerous tissue, preserving the maximum amount of healthy skin around the tumor.
Smallest Possible Scar
By removing only what is necessary, Mohs surgery results in the smallest possible wound and scar.
Same-Day Results
Know your cancer is completely gone before you leave the office. No anxious waiting for lab results.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients return to normal activities within days. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Office-Based Procedure
Extraordinarily safe procedure performed in our comfortable office setting — no hospital visit required.
Cure-rate figures refer to previously untreated (primary) basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery, as reported by the American College of Mohs Surgery (opens in new tab) and the published Mohs surgery literature.
Mohs Surgery vs. Standard Excision
Mohs surgery achieves cure rates up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, compared with roughly 90–95% for standard surgical excision. The difference comes down to margin control: in standard excision, the surgeon removes the tumor with an estimated safety margin and the lab later examines only a small sample of the edges. In Mohs surgery, 100% of the margin is examined under the microscope before you leave, so nothing is left to estimation.
Because the margin is verified in real time, Mohs also removes less healthy tissue — the excision stops as soon as the margins are clear, rather than taking a pre-set margin of normal skin. On the face, ears, nose, lips, and other tight areas, that smaller defect usually means a simpler reconstruction and a smaller scar. Standard excision remains a reasonable choice for many lower-risk tumors on the trunk and extremities, and Dr. Lopez performs approximately 250 standard excisions per year for exactly those cases.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers where the highest cure rate and maximum tissue preservation matter most. Based on the Appropriate Use Criteria published by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery, common indications include:
- Skin cancers on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas — the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, hands, feet, and genitals
- Tumors that have recurred after previous treatment, or that arise in a scar or prior radiation field
- Large tumors, tumors with poorly defined borders, or aggressive growth patterns on pathology
- Skin cancers in patients with weakened immune systems, such as organ-transplant recipients
Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs at the time of biopsy, or Dr. Lopez can evaluate whether Mohs is the right approach at your consultation. A referral is not required — self-referred patients are welcome.
Treatment Sites
Mohs Surgery by Anatomic Site
Mohs surgery technique and reconstruction approach vary by where on the body the cancer is located. Read about Dr. Lopez's approach to Mohs surgery for cancers on the most common anatomic sites.
Nose
Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the nasal tip, alar rim, dorsum, sidewall, and columella, with in-house reconstruction.
Read moreEyelid
Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the eyelid, lid margin, medial canthus, and lateral canthus, with careful preservation of eye function.
Read moreLip
Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the upper lip, lower lip, vermillion border, and oral commissure, with preservation of oral competence.
Read moreEar
Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the helix, antihelix, conchal bowl, tragus, and lobule, including cartilage-involving cases.
Read moreScalp
Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the hair-bearing and bald scalp, with reconstruction that conceals well in surrounding hair.
Read moreWhat to Expect
Preparation
You'll arrive at our office and the surgical area will be cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. You'll be comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Removal
The visible cancer is removed, which typically only takes a few minutes, and a bandage is applied.
Lab Processing
The tissue is taken to the lab and processed to check 100% of the edges. This takes about an hour while you wait comfortably. This is repeated as necessary until all cancer cells have been removed.
Reconstruction
Once all cancer is removed, we review reconstruction options and complete the repair to ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome. You leave cancer-free.
Dr. Lopez has personally performed over 10,000 Mohs surgery cases since completing his Mayo Clinic fellowship in 2018, and is committed to keeping you comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
Questions about an upcoming procedure? Call our office at 813-867-6200.
Serving Tampa Bay and Surrounding Communities
Dr. Lopez's office is located in Tampa, FL, and patients travel from across the Tampa Bay area for Mohs surgery — including Westchase, Carrollwood, Town 'N' Country, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Because consultation, surgery, and reconstruction are typically completed in a single visit, traveling for fellowship-trained care is practical for patients throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
If you are looking for a Mohs surgeon near you in the Tampa area, call our office at 813-867-6200 to schedule a consultation.
Post-Procedure Care
Read our aftercare instructions online, or download the printable PDF to help you prepare for a smooth recovery.
Aftercare Instructions (PDF) (opens in new tab)Reviewed by Jonathan Lopez, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last updated June 2026
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information presented here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dr. Lopez and his team are here to provide expert, compassionate skin cancer care. Schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
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