Mohs Surgery in Houston

Advanced Mohs surgery in Houston performed by an experienced, fellowship trained Mohs surgeon and board certified dermatologist.
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What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized, layer-by-layer removal technique for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and select melanomas. Each layer of tissue is examined under a microscope during the procedure, allowing for the complete removal of cancer cells while sparing as much healthy skin as possible. This method offers:

  • The highest cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers
  • Minimal tissue loss, ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas
  • Efficient same-day results, with most procedures completed in a single visit

At Harrison Dermatology, we proudly offer Mohs micrographic surgery, the gold standard for treating certain types of skin cancer with the highest precision and success rates. Our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Harrison Nguyen, is a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, who completed his advanced surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s top programs in both Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Nguyen’s elite background ensures that patients receive the highest level of care, combining medical accuracy with an artistic approach to skin preservation and aesthetics. His experience allows us to deliver safe, effective treatment while minimizing visible scarring and preserving healthy tissue especially critical when treating skin cancer on sensitive areas like the face, scalp, ears, neck, and hands.

Why Mohs Surgery Has a High Cure Rate?

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for many types of skin cancer because it offers the highest cure rate while helping preserve healthy skin. This tissue sparing technique removes cancer in thin layers and checks each layer under a microscope for cancer cells. With this level of precision, Mohs surgery can fully remove the cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. If you are looking for an experienced Mohs surgeon in Houston, Harrison Dermatology provides precise, tissue sparing skin cancer treatment with personalized care from diagnosis through recovery.

The Procedure Step by Step

Consultation

Your care begins with a detailed consultation to review your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment plan. Dr. Nguyen will explain whether Mohs surgery is the right option for your skin cancer and answer any questions before treatment.

Procedure

During the procedure, Dr. Nguyen carefully removes a thin layer of affected tissue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells. This process is repeated only as needed until the margins are clear.

Reconstruction

After the cancer has been fully removed, Dr. Nguyen will repair the area with careful attention to function, healing, and cosmetic appearance. The reconstruction plan depends on the size, depth, and location of the surgical site.

Your Mohs Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon matters. At Harrison Dermatology, Mohs surgery is performed by Dr. Harrison Nguyen, a board certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon with advanced training in skin cancer surgery, reconstruction, and patient centered care.

Dr. Nguyen combines experience, proven outcomes, and surgical precision to provide thoughtful, personalized treatment for each patient. From diagnosis to recovery, our team focuses on clear communication, comfort, and compassionate care so you feel supported every step of the way.

Mohs Surgery Recovery

Most patients go home the same day with detailed wound care instructions. Our team will guide you through the healing process and help you understand what to expect during recovery.

Recovery from Mohs surgery depends on the size and location of the treated area, especially when the procedure is performed on the face, scalp, ears, neck, or hands. Most patients return to light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, while the full healing process may continue over several weeks.

Mohs Surgery Healing Stages

The early healing stage usually involves mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness during the first few days. Stitches may be removed depending on the location and repair type, and the scar often continues to improve over several months.

Recovery Timeline

Many patients resume light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, while strenuous exercise may need to be avoided until the doctor clears you.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare helps support healing and reduce the risk of complications. You will receive detailed instructions for cleaning the wound, changing bandages, limiting activity, and knowing when to contact our office.

Mohs Surgery Patient Resources

To help you prepare and understand your treatment journey, we recommend these trusted resources from the American College of Mohs Surgery:

Please note: These resources are provided by the American College of Mohs Surgery and will open in a new window.

  • Clinical Research page
    Learn more about our dermatology clinical trials in Houston for advanced treatment options.

  • Contact Us
    Have questions about Mohs surgery or recovery?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Mohs surgery is a highly effective and advanced skin cancer treatment offered at Harrison Dermatology. During this precise procedure, cancerous tissue is carefully removed in ultra-thin layers, with each layer examined under a microscope in real time. This step-by-step method ensures that all cancer cells are completely removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible—making it ideal for treating cancers on sensitive or visible areas like the face, scalp, and hands.

Mohs micrographic surgery is most frequently used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—the two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer. At Harrison Dermatology, this precise technique is often recommended for cancers located on high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, scalp, hands, and feet, where preserving healthy skin is essential. Mohs surgery is also ideal for treating aggressive tumors or those with a higher risk of recurrence, ensuring maximum removal of cancer cells with minimal impact to surrounding tissue.

During Mohs micrographic surgery, the surgeon begins by carefully removing a thin layer of tissue from the area where the skin cancer is located. This tissue is then processed immediately in our on-site lab and examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells.

If any cancer cells are still present, the doctor removes another precise layer from the exact area where the cancer remains. This process is repeated layer by layer until the entire tumor is eliminated.

This meticulous approach ensures that all cancerous tissue is removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, resulting in the highest cure rate with the smallest and most cosmetically optimal scar—making it the preferred method for skin cancer on visible or delicate areas like the face, nose, ears, and hands.

Mohs surgery can take several hours because each layer of tissue is carefully removed and examined under a microscope during the same visit. The total time depends on the size, location, and depth of the skin cancer, as well as how many layers need to be removed.

Mohs surgery is performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Most patients feel pressure or movement during the procedure but should not feel sharp pain. Mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness can occur after the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery time after Mohs surgery depends on the size and location of the surgical site. Many patients return to light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, while initial healing often takes 1 to 3 weeks. Your aftercare instructions will help support proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Any skin surgery can leave a scar, but Mohs surgery is designed to be tissue-sparing and precise, helping preserve as much healthy skin as possible. Dr. Nguyen carefully repairs the area after the cancer is removed to support healing, function, and the best possible cosmetic outcome.

Most insurance plans cover Mohs surgery when it is medically necessary for skin cancer treatment. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, diagnosis, and benefits, so our team can help guide you on what information may be needed before treatment.

Healing after Mohs surgery usually begins with mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness during the first few days. The wound continues to strengthen over the next several weeks, and the scar may continue to improve for several months.

Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation

Harrison Dermatology provides Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer at our Missouri City clinic, serving Greater Houston. Schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment and next steps.
Book a Mohs Consultation
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