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
Joining Us Soon! - Dr. Heather Lampel
Heather Lampel, MD, 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 post-graduate year-1 at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh while also completing an Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency. Additionally, she completed her Dermatology Residency at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Lampel is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Lampel gives local and national lectures and has written several publications. Although she has many clinical interests, Dr. Lampel focuses on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer, including melanoma. “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
Suzanne Craven, PA-C
Suzanne Craven is a board certified Physician Assistant with three years of experience, who specializes in medical dermatology for all ages and a broad range of conditions, as well as cosmetic dermatology services. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UNC-Greensboro and Master’s Degree from Wake Forest Medical School, where she focused on Physician Assistant Studies. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as the Society of Dermatology of Physician Assistants. It is Suzanne’s passion to evaluate, diagnose and treat an array of dermatological conditions.
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – North Raleigh
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Carol A. Trakimas
Dr. Carol A. Trakimas is a board-certified Dermatologist with 20 years’ of experience. In addition to her Doctorate in Medicine, she holds Bachelor and Master Degrees in science. Dr. Trakimas completed her internship and residency training at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, where she provided medical and dermatology care to our troops and their families. Dr. Trakimas is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and member of the North Carolina Dermatology Association and other medical societies.
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – North Raleigh
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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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