Mohs surgery is a trusted and highly effective technique for treating many common skin cancers. It removes cancer in thin layers while preserving healthy tissue, making it especially valuable for tumors in sensitive or visible areas. Patients benefit from high cure rates and minimal scarring, especially when early treatment is prioritized.
Dr. Sydney Proffer is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and complex medical dermatology. She completed her residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and further specialized at Northwestern University. Known for her expertise in treating skin cancer with both precision and aesthetic sensitivity, Dr. Proffer is proud to bring this advanced level of care to patients in Austin and the surrounding area.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized outpatient procedure used to treat common and aggressive forms of skin cancer. It involves removing cancerous tissue one layer at a time, with each layer examined under a microscope in real time. This approach ensures complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
The procedure is named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, who developed the micrographic technique in the 1930s. Today, Mohs surgery is considered the most precise and effective skin cancer treatment available, with cure rates up to 99% for new cancers and 94% for recurrent cases.
Conditions Treated with Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is most commonly used for treating nonmelanoma skin cancers, particularly those in cosmetically or functionally important areas. It is especially valuable for treating:
- Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, known for slow growth and local invasion.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, which can be more aggressive and carry a risk of metastasis.
- Recurrent or high-risk tumors that have returned after previous treatments.
- Skin cancers located on sensitive areas such as the nose, lips, ears, eyelids, hands, and genital region.
Some rarer cancers and select cases of melanoma may also qualify. Mohs is preferred when preserving healthy tissue is essential, and each case is carefully evaluated by Dr. Proffer.
How the Mohs Procedure Works
Mohs surgery is a methodical, layer-by-layer technique that combines surgery and pathology into one efficient outpatient procedure. Here is how it works:
- The visible cancer and a small margin of surrounding skin are carefully excised.
- The tissue is color-coded, mapped, and sent to an on-site lab for processing.
- A specially trained technician freezes and slices the tissue into thin sections.
- The Mohs surgeon reviews these sections under a microscope to detect any remaining cancer.
- If cancer is still present, the surgeon removes another thin layer, targeting only the affected area.
- This process repeats until no cancer cells are found.
Because of the precise nature of this technique, most patients require only a few stages and leave with all cancer removed and minimal damage to healthy skin.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery offers unique advantages that make it the preferred treatment for many skin cancers, such as:
- The highest cure rate available, with up to 99% success for new skin cancers.
- Maximum preservation of healthy skin, which is critical in visible areas.
- Same-day pathology ensures real-time results and minimizes uncertainty.
- Performed with local anesthesia in a comfortable outpatient setting.
This technique is unmatched in its precision, effectiveness, and cosmetic outcomes.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Mohs surgery is not always necessary for every type of skin cancer. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Skin cancer in an area where tissue conservation is important, such as the face, scalp, hands, or feet.
- A large or aggressive skin tumor with unclear borders.
- A previously treated cancer that has returned.
- A confirmed diagnosis of basal or squamous cell carcinoma with high-risk features.
Dr. Proffer will review your diagnosis and medical history to determine if Mohs surgery is right for your condition.
Why Choose ProDerm Skin & Surgery for Mohs Surgery in Austin?
Choosing the right provider for skin cancer treatment is essential, especially when the outcome affects both your health and your appearance. At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, patients benefit from the unmatched expertise of Dr. Sydney Proffer, a board-certified dermatologist who brings a rare combination of technical excellence, advanced training, and compassionate care to every procedure.
Dr. Proffer completed her dermatology residency at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, where she gained extensive experience managing complex skin conditions and surgical cases. She further refined her expertise with a dedicated fellowship in complex medical dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery, focusing on high-risk cancers and reconstructive outcomes. Her work is especially impactful for patients with skin cancers located on the face, scalp, ears, or other cosmetically sensitive areas where preserving form and function is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
The area is numbed. Most patients feel only mild pressure.
Possibly. Dr. Proffer will choose the closure method based on your wound.
Most people can, depending on the location and job type.
Yes. Follow-ups ensure proper healing and monitor for recurrence.
Yes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you remain awake and alert.
In select cases, yes. Mohs is effective for melanoma when paired with specialized staining techniques.
Schedule a Consultation for Mohs Surgery in Austin
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or referred for Mohs surgery, our clinic is here to help. Reach out to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sydney Proffer and learn more about your treatment options.