Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed each year.

While early detection and prevention are key, effective treatment is essential when skin cancer develops. One of the most advanced and successful treatment methods is Mohs micrographic surgery. At Mountain Dermatology Specialists, we offer this precise and highly effective procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

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What is Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise, tissue-sparing technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This procedure involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time and examining each layer under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. By preserving as much healthy skin as possible while ensuring complete cancer removal, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates—up to 99% for primary cases—and is especially beneficial for areas where cosmetic or functional outcomes are a priority, such as the face, ears, hands, and scalp.

Performed under local anesthesia, Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to remain comfortable throughout. The process typically takes several hours, as each tissue layer is carefully examined in real time. Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound may be left to heal naturally or closed with stitches, a skin graft, or a flap, depending on the size and location. Mohs surgery is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for skin cancer, minimizing both recurrence and unnecessary tissue removal.

“Mohs surgery allows us to clear margins for skin cancer before repair,” says Dr. Lauren Meshkov Bonati, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. “In areas of the skin where there is not much extra skin or in cosmetically sensitive areas, Mohs surgery is the ideal treatment plan for assurance the skin cancer is removed, and for best cosmetic results.”

If you are wondering about brown spots on your skin, it may be time for your annual skin check.

Call us today to schedule your appointment on 970-926-1800.

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It is also used for certain melanoma cases.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery:
✅ Highest Cure Rate: Up to 99% for primary skin cancers and 94% for recurrent cases
✅ Precision & Preservation: Only cancerous tissue is removed, preserving as much healthy skin as possible
✅ Minimal Scarring: The precision of this technique results in smaller wounds and better cosmetic outcomes
✅ Same-Day Results: Since the cancerous tissue is analyzed immediately, patients leave knowing their cancer is fully removed

Beyond the actual cutting and suturing behind Mohs surgery is the microscopic evaluation of the skin specimens to determine clear margins. This step in Mohs surgery is what ensures that a skin cancer is completely removed. Evaluating skin specimens under the microscope is a pillar of every dermatologist’s training and is even more concentrated for dermatopathologists and Mohs surgeons. At MDS, we have this expertise behind our Mohs surgery laboratory to ensure our patients receive the best outcome. —Dr. Jean Liu Urquhart, Board Certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist

What to Expect During Your Mohs Surgical Procedure

Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:

Removal of Cancerous Tissue: The surgeon removes a thin layer of skin containing the visible cancerous tissue.
Microscopic Examination: The removed tissue is carefully mapped and analyzed in an on-site laboratory to check for remaining cancer cells.
Additional Tissue Removal (If Necessary): If cancer cells are still present, the surgeon removes another layer from the affected area and repeats the process until all cancerous cells are gone.
Wound Repair: Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound is either left to heal naturally, closed with stitches, or reconstructed using a skin graft or flap, depending on its size and location.

The entire procedure can take several hours, but patients are able to return home the same day.

“I was nervous about having Mohs surgery on my lips—not once, but twice. Dr. Bonati and her team made the experience seamless. The scarring is virtually undetectable, my healing was quick with minimal discomfort, and the follow-up care was outstanding. I’m so grateful for their expertise and precision.”
—PH

Call us today on 970-926-1800.

What is Dermatopathology? Understanding Your Skin at a Cellular Level

Ever wonder what happens after your skin biopsy? That’s where dermatopathology comes in. Dermatopathology is a specialized field that combines dermatology and pathology to diagnose skin conditions at the microscopic level.

Why Does It Matter?
Our board-certified dermatopathologists analyze skin biopsies to diagnose:

Skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma & melanoma)
Autoimmune skin diseases
Inflammatory conditions (psoriasis, eczema, etc.)
Rare skin disorders

“The field of Dermatology is unique because it incorporates clinical training as well as pathology training in our residency. Every dermatologist is required to pass a clinical exam as well as a microscope exam to become board certified. Understanding skin pathology on a microscopic level helps dermatologists be better clinicians.
—Dr. Jean Liu Urquhart, Board Certified Dermatologist, Fellowship Trained Dermatopathologist

At Mountain Dermatology Specialists, we go beyond the surface to provide precise diagnoses and the most effective treatment plans tailored to your skin’s needs.

Got a skin concern? Let’s take a closer look. Call us today 970-926-1800 to schedule your skin check.