Mohs Surgery
Our fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons bring advanced expertise to every skin cancer procedure. We provide the expert treatment and compassion you deserve.
Medically reviewed by Daniel Eisen on May 23, 2026.
Experts in Mohs Micrographic Surgery
The Mohs surgery team at UC Davis Health has completed rigorous fellowship training specifically in Mohs surgery and dermatologic oncology. This advanced training means your surgeon has spent an additional year mastering this intricate technique beyond their residency training. Each surgeon has performed thousands of procedures and are leaders in the field of cutaneous surgery.
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Advantages of Mohs Surgery
Surgeons providing traditional skin cancer surgery remove the visible cancer plus surrounding tissue. Then, the tissue is processed in a lab and examined with a microscope by your surgeon to assure complete removal of the cancer. If cancer cells remain, another piece of tissue is removed until the cancer is fully removed.
Mohs surgery offers significant benefits, making it an excellent treatment for many skin cancers. Advantages of this type of skin cancer surgery include:
Highest Cure Rates
Mohs surgery offers a cure rate of up to 99% for skin cancers that have not had a treatment before.
Improved Aesthetic Outcomes
Mohs surgery typically uses smaller incisions, leading to less scarring.
More Healthy Tissue Spared
Your surgeon examines the skin margins (edges) during surgery, so they do not need to remove a wide area around the cancer.
Peace of Mind
Your surgeon can see that all cancerous cells are gone during your procedure instead of waiting for lab results.
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Mohs Surgery Step by Step
Your care team will explain in detail what you need to do to prepare for surgery. Most people go home the same day as their surgery. You may need someone to drive you home, depending on where your skin cancer is located.
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Removing the Skin Cancer
Your surgeon will numb the area with local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Then, they carefully remove the cancerous area and a thin layer of surrounding tissue. A team member takes the tissue to our on-site laboratory while you wait in the procedure room.
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Testing and Repeating Removal
Your Mohs surgeon uses a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells on the tissue margins. If they find any traces of cancer, they mark the location and return to your procedure room. Then, they remove another specimen from the specific area where cancer remains. They repeat this process until microscopic examination shows no remaining cancer cells.
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Wound Closure
You will discuss options for wound closure when your surgeon confirms all cancer is gone. You may need stitches or reconstruction using your own tissue or a skin graft, depending on the size and location of the wound. Smaller areas may heal well without these steps.
Home Care
Taking care of your Mohs surgical site after your procedure is a key part of healing. Your aftercare may include:
Activity and Rest Guidelines
You may need to avoid physical activity for a week or more. You’ll also need to avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least two weeks.
Incision Care
It’s important to keep your surgical site clean. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to wash the area, change the bandage and apply any medications.
Pain Management
Your surgeon will recommend pain relief medications based on your needs. In many cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen provide adequate relief.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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