Mohs Micrographic Surgery
State-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer
A skin cancer diagnosis can be devastating—but our qualified physicians are well-versed in treatment options that can help. We understand that while skin cancer may be common, dealing with it isn’t easy. Mohs Surgery can minimize the damage done to healthy cells during treatment so healing can start as soon as possible.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat difficult and recurrent skin cancers. A specially fellowship-trained dermatologist takes on the role of surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon getting to the root of skin cancer by combining surgical removal with immediate microscopic examination of the tumor and underlying diseased tissue. The process allows the Mohs surgeon to see beyond the visible disease and to prescisely identify and remove the entire tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
What makes Mohs surgery different?
Moms Micrographic Surgery is an improvement from standard surgery. It involves the removal of not only the visible cancer but a small margin of surrounding cancer tissues all at once. This allows for all the cancer cells to be removed at the time of surgery and helps to decrease the chances of cancer progression.
When should you consider Mohs surgery?
Of all treatment for skin cancer, Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest cure rate, up to 99% based on data for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The procedure aims to remove all cancer cells including the hard-to-see “roots” and “nests” of cells that grow in unpredictable areas. Mohs surgery can successfully remove all cancer cells and eliminate the risk of re-growth or recurrence of the tumor.
Book an appointment now- Cancer is located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas around the face, eyes, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands, feet and genital area
- Cancer in difficult-to-heal areas such as the lower legs
- Cancer in young patients (< 40 years old) or immunocompromised patients (organ transplant or leukemia/lymphoma patients)
- Cancer forms a complicated root system without clearly defined margins
- Cancer was previously treated but has recurred
What can you expect during surgery?
During Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day to complete. A local anesthetic will be injected and the surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the visible portion of the cancer. That layer is then examined for cancer cells so the surgeon can determine the best way to proceed. This process continues until only healthy tissue remains.
Duration: Three to eight hours
Frequency: Typically one tumor per surgical visit
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Surgeons you can count on
Our surgeons specialize in both dermatology and pathology. With their extensive knowledge of the skin and unique pathological skills, they are able to remove only diseased tissue, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing the cosmetic impact of surgery. Our doctors are Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeons. They undergo a one or two-year fellowship program under the supervision of an experienced American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) approved Mohs surgeon.
Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Ronea Chambers
Ronea Chambers, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. She received her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. She completed her internship in internal medicine while serving in the U.S. Air Force at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, in the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. After completion of dermatology residency training at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dr. Chambers continued her military service as Chief of the Dermatology Element at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. She has several articles published, has been featured in many publications/media and has traveled nationally for lecturing engagements. Throughout her career, she has continued to mentor and/or train resident physicians, medical and physician assistant students. The prevention and treatment of skin cancers are of particular interest to her. “My goal for each patient is to help them achieve their healthiest skin possible. It’s rewarding to use my creativity and skill to educate, equip and empower my patients so that we attain this goal together.”
Location: Charlotte - Ballantyne
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Heather Lampel
Heather Lampel, M.D., MPH, is double board-certified in Dermatology and Occupational Medicine. She received her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed her Dermatology Residency at the University of California, Irvine. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh while completing an Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency. Dr. Lampel is a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She is a speaker at national medical conferences and has authored numerous dermatology publications. She has an interest in skin cancer detection and treatment. “I greatly enjoy the “sleuthing” challenge of medicine and, more importantly, applying this skill to improve patients’ lives. Whether it is through finding skin cancer or making a challenging dermatologic diagnosis, I am grateful for the privilege to be a part of my patients’ lives and health.”
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – North Raleigh
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Heather Reagin
Dr. Heather Reagin grew up in Oklahoma, but as the saying goes, she got to Texas as fast as she could! She earned her medical degree with Honors from the University of North Texas Health Science Center where she graduated Valedictorian. Dr. Reagin earned numerous awards for her academic achievements as well as for her commitment to community service. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado. After her internship she returned to Fort Worth to complete her dermatology residency training. During residency, she held many leadership roles, including serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Reagin completed her baccalaureate studies at the University Oklahoma, where she met her husband, a DFW native. She earned her Master of Science from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and was awarded Outstanding Student of the Year. Her clinical interests include psoriasis, acne, hair loss, skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as cosmetic dermatology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Texas Dermatological Society, and Fort Worth Dermatological Society. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, photography, and watching OU football.
Location: Dallas - Fort Worth
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Featured Medical Staff
Shane O'Neil, PA-C
Shane O'Neil is a board-certified Physician Assistant from Binghamton, NY with 5 years of dermatology experience. He is married to his wife KC, who is also a physician assistant. Shane's hobbies include exercise, playing and watching sports, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Having recently relocated from the Washington, D.C. area, Shane is happy to now call Charlotte home. "I strive to provide easy access and excellent care so my patients can leave our office with a smile on their face."
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Charlotte - Lake Norman & Ballantyne
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Featured Medical Staff
Tarsha Rivens, PA-C
Tarsha Rivens is a board certified Physician Assistant with eight years of experience, who specializes in acne, eczema, scalp issues and addressing hair loss. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Augustine’s College and a Master’s Degree from East Carolina University, where she focused on Physician Assistant Studies. She is a member of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistant, as well as the American Academy of Physician Assistant. It is Tarsha’s passion to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and in-depth dermatology evaluations to patients with a wide variety of skin maladies.
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – Cary
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If you know Sona for laser hair removal, Botox, CoolSculpting, or any of our other services, you know that we are dedicated to providing a full-service experience that focuses on convenience, quality, and efficacy. We’re very excited to announce the addition of medical dermatology to our suite of services, now available in select locations. Now Sona offers complete care for the health and beauty of your skin.
“The staff at Sona MedSpa is very informative, courteous, and made me feel a part of the Sona team. Not to mention, the results are amazing! For Laser Hair Removal, I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else, but Sona MedSpa!”
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