Mohs Surgery in Melbourne, FL

We understand that being diagnosed with skin cancer can be scary. However, there are a number of effective treatment options available today! If you have basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma or have skin cancer in a sensitive area such as between the fingers or near the eyes or nose, Mohs surgery may be a good option. Our team of skilled dermatologists is highly knowledgeable regarding skin cancer and the appropriate treatment options, so you can feel confident that you are in good hands.

You are in the Best of Hands

After completing dermatology residency at George Washington University Medical Center, your Mohs surgeon with Dermatology + Plastics Surgery, Dr. Marchell, completed her Mohs Surgery and Laser Fellowship with world-renowned dermatologist Drs. Fitzpatrick and Goldman in La Jolla, California. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Marchell has worked both as a clinical surgeon, as well as a national and international guest lecturer. Her research is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Archives of Dermatology. Dr. Marchell was born and raised in Hawaii and now calls the Space Coast home. She has a love of being near the ocean and is passionate about diagnosing and treating skin cancer with the best possible results for each patient. Dr. Marchell is accepting patients in March for Mohs surgery and skin checks.

Why should patients choose Dr. Marchell?

Years of experience treating skin cancer and thousands of Mohs surgeries performed.

What is Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer. The goal of this procedure is to remove as much of the skin cancer as possible while doing minimal damage to healthy, surrounding tissue.

This procedure is particularly effective against skin cancers that:

• Are located in areas where you wish to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Have a high risk of recurrence.
• Have borders that are difficult to define.
• Are aggressive.

Who is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Individuals with squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma in a sensitive area can benefit from Mohs surgery. The best way to determine if Mohs surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment at our office today.

How is Mohs Surgery Performed?

The Mohs procedure is performed in stages which include lab work while the patient waits. This allows for the removal of all cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue intact. During this surgery, a local anesthetic is administered, and the surgeon will remove a layer of tissue using a scalpel and examine it under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, the surgeon will remove another layer of tissue. This is repeated until all cancer cells are removed.

Once no cancer cells remain, the wound site may be left open to heal, or it may be closed with stitches. This will depend on the size and location of the wound. In some cases, the area may require reconstruction with a skin flap. This involves moving neighboring tissue into the wound, or the use of a skin graft.

Mohs Surgery Recovery

Following your Mohs procedure, you will receive your results right away. We recommend that you limit vigorous exercise, including bending over, for one week to allow your Mohs surgery site to heal. Sutures are commonly removed 5-10 days after surgery.  You may require a follow-up visit with your doctor to monitor recovery. Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions customized to your surgery site to ensure you heal properly.

To learn more about Mohs surgery in Melbourne, FL, contact Dermatology + Plastic Surgery today! Led by board-certified dermatologist Anita Saluja, MD, and double board-certified plastic surgeon Rebecca Novo, we are dedicated to providing each of our patients with outstanding results.

Mohs Instructions 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from Mohs surgery? Depending on the size of the treated area and the depth to which the cancerous tissue had grown, recovery can take at least a few days before you can remove your bandage and resume normal strenuous activity. Full healing of any incision is typically 6 weeks, and average scar maturation occurs over 6-12 months. What are the side effects of Mohs surgery? Side effects include tenderness, swelling, and light bleeding. Serious side effects should be reported to your doctor. How long do I wear a bandage after Mohs surgery? Most bandages are kept in place for 24 to 72 hours, but your doctor will instruct you specifically on how long to wear your bandage after your procedure. How long does it take for stitches to dissolve after Mohs surgery? If you require stitches following Mohs surgery, they will be removed after a week or become absorbed by the body gradually over the next few weeks. How do I prepare for Mohs surgery? Your doctor will review your medical history, including allergies, medications, and family history of skin disorders, before performing surgery. Youll be asked to refrain from alcohol or nicotine use prior to surgery for at least a few days. You may be asked to hold any blood-thinning medications if medically feasible to reduce bleeding during and after your procedure. How do you wash your hair after Mohs surgery? You are allowed to bathe as normal while avoiding getting your bandage or surgical site wet for at least 72 hours. After your bandage is off, you will be given specific instruction by your surgeon on how to care for your healing procedure site. How painful is MOHS surgery? Mohs surgery is not painful, because anesthetics are used to numb the area prior to surgical excision of any tissue. How do I take care of my skin after Mohs surgery? You should wash your skin like normal after Mohs surgery, taking care to avoid scrubbing or pressing too hard on the treated area. Should you massage Mohs scar? Any scarring present after Mohs surgery will eventually fade with time, and you should not massage the area intensely shortly after the procedure. Should I apply ice to my procedure site after Mohs surgery? If you have excess swelling following Mohs surgery, cold packs can be used to help alleviate any discomfort. Do not apply ice directly to the unbandaged wound. See All