Surgical dermatology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and other skin lesions through in-office procedures designed to remove abnormal tissue while preserving healthy surrounding skin.

Procedures may be performed for:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma and melanoma in situ
• Atypical or changing moles
• Precancerous lesions
• Certain benign growths when treatment is appropriate

Because dermatologists specialize in the skin, surgical treatment is performed with careful attention to both complete treatment and cosmetic healing.

Treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including:

• Type of skin cancer
• Size and depth of the lesion
• Location on the body
• Whether the lesion has been treated previously
• Overall patient health and goals

Treatment options may include:

• Surgical excision
• Mohs micrographic surgery
• Superficial treatments for selected lesions
• Monitoring in specific situations
• Coordination of multidisciplinary care when needed

Our physicians take time to explain each option and develop a plan tailored to the individual patient.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized technique used to treat certain skin cancers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.  Mohs surgery is often recommended for:

• Skin cancers located on the face
• Lesions involving cosmetically sensitive areas
• Recurrent skin cancers
• Larger or more aggressive tumors
• Areas where tissue preservation is especially important

During Mohs surgery, the cancer is removed in stages.

Each layer is:

• Carefully removed
• Processed and examined under the microscope in real time
• Mapped to identify any remaining cancer cells

If cancer remains, only the precise area containing residual cells is removed.

This process continues until all cancer cells have been cleared.

Because every layer is evaluated during the procedure, Mohs surgery offers some of the highest cure rates available while minimizing removal of healthy surrounding tissue.

Mohs surgery offers several important advantages:

• Extremely high cure rates
• Maximal preservation of healthy tissue
• Smaller final surgical wounds whenever possible
• Lower recurrence rates for many skin cancers
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes

This combination of precision and effectiveness makes Mohs surgery especially valuable for visible and functionally important areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, and hands.

Once the cancer has been fully treated, attention turns to reconstruction and healing.
At Treiber Dermatology, reconstruction is approached with both functional and aesthetic considerations in mind.

Repair options may include:

• Linear closure with carefully placed sutures
• Layered reconstruction techniques
• Local tissue rearrangement
• Allowing selected wounds to heal naturally when appropriate

Whenever possible, repairs are designed to:

• Preserve natural facial contours
• Minimize visible scarring
• Maintain function
• Support excellent long-term cosmetic outcomes

Our physicians consider skin tension lines, facial anatomy, and expected healing patterns when planning reconstruction.

Most surgical procedures are performed comfortably in the office under local anesthesia. Following treatment, patients receive detailed instructions regarding:

• Wound care
• Activity restrictions
• Healing expectations
• Scar management
• Follow-up appointments

Healing timelines vary depending on the procedure and location, but most patients return to normal activities quickly. Our team remains available throughout recovery to answer questions and ensure optimal healing.

Treatment of one skin cancer is also an opportunity to reduce future risk. Patients are counseled on:

• Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use
• Protective clothing and sun avoidance
• Regular self-monitoring
• Routine skin examinations

For many patients, ongoing surveillance becomes an important part of long-term skin health.

Patients choose Treiber Dermatology because of our combination of expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Our approach emphasizes:

• Comprehensive skin cancer care
• Precision and attention to detail
• Individualized treatment recommendations
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes
• Compassionate, patient-centered care

We believe successful skin cancer treatment means more than removing cancer—it means helping patients heal confidently and comfortably.