Preserve healthy skin while precisely removing cancerous tissue with Mohs surgery in Bridgewater at Curated Dermatology. This advanced technique is ideal for treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other complex skin cancers. Dr. Tanvi Patel expertly performs this meticulous procedure, ensuring optimal results with minimal scarring. This is cutting-edge oncological dermatology, curated just for you, in the heart of Bridgewater, NJ.
Remove cancer while preserving healthy skin
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, most commonly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, this method involves the layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue, followed by its immediate evaluation under a microscope, until no cancer remains. This helps preserve as much healthy skin as possible, making it particularly valuable for tumors in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, such as the face, ears, or hands. Dr. Patel utilizes this method to ensure maximum cure rates, often exceeding 95%, with minimal scarring.
When to consider screening for skin cancer
Early detection is critical in the successful treatment of skin cancer. Regular skin exams, both at home and by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Patel, can help identify concerning changes before they become advanced. Even if you don’t have a history of skin cancer, you may still be at risk based on your lifestyle, skin type, or family history. Knowing when to schedule a screening can make all the difference in preserving your health and overall well-being.
You should consider screening if you:
- Notice a new mole or lesion that changes in size, color, or shape
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Have fair skin, light hair, or light eyes and burn easily in the sun
- Spend significant time outdoors or have had frequent sunburns
- See a sore that doesn’t heal or keeps bleeding
- Are over the age of 35 (screen cancer screenings are recommended annually)
Types of skin cancer that Mohs surgery treats
Mohs micrographic surgery in Bridgewater provides precise, tissue-sparing treatment for skin cancers, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas. Ideal for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, this technique ensures complete removal while preserving healthy skin for optimal results.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a potentially serious form of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new, irregularly shaped lesion. While not all cases are suited for Mohs surgery, certain early-stage melanomas, such as lentigo maligna or melanoma in situ, may be effectively treated with this technique, especially when located on the face or other cosmetically sensitive areas.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises from the basal cells in the top layer of your skin and is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer. While it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, BCC can be locally aggressive, especially when left untreated. Mohs surgery is effective for BCCs located in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the nose, eyelids, and ears, because it ensures complete cancer removal while sparing healthy tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originates from squamous cells and can be more aggressive than BCC. It may develop on sun-exposed areas and sometimes spread to lymph nodes if not promptly treated. Mohs surgery in Bridgewater is ideal for SCCs that are large, have poorly defined borders, or recur after previous treatment. By removing the cancer layer by layer and examining it in real time, this method offers precise, tissue-conserving results for SCC.
What are the benefits of Mohs surgery?
- Highest cure rates for many types of skin cancer
- Precise removal of cancerous tissue only
- Maximum preservation of the surrounding healthy skin
- Reduced risk of recurrence in treated areas
- Immediate microscopic analysis during the procedure
- Minimal scarring, especially in sensitive or visible areas
- Same-day confirmation of complete cancer removal
How is Mohs surgery done?
Mohs surgery is a meticulous, step-by-step procedure to remove skin cancer with the highest precision. During your session, Dr. Patel will begin by numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. She’ll then carefully remove the visible tumor along with a thin margin of surrounding tissue. That tissue is examined under a microscope in an on-site lab to check for remaining cancer cells.
If any cancerous cells are found at the edges, Dr. Patel will use a detailed map to guide the removal of additional layers, only where cancer remains. This process is repeated until the margins are clear. Because each layer is checked on the spot, you’ll leave knowing whether all the cancer has been removed. Once the area is fully cleared, Dr. Patel will discuss the most appropriate method of closure to support healing and minimize scarring.
What happens during recovery after Mohs surgery?
After your Mohs micrographic surgery in Bridgewater, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the treated area, which improves within a few days. Dr. Patel will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce scarring. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities shortly after, though strenuous exercise should be avoided temporarily. Sun protection is essential to safeguard your results and prevent future skin cancers.
Oncological dermatology,
curated just for you
Curated Dermatology offers advanced, compassionate care for skin cancer. Dr. Tanvi Patel, our board-certified dermatologist with specialized expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, provides meticulous, effective treatments tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your consultation for Mohs surgery in Bridgewater, NJ, and experience dermatologic care that’s curated just for you.
