Mohs Surgery in Maple Grove, MN
When skin cancer requires surgical treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate available — up to 99% for primary basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. At Clarus Dermatology, Mohs surgery is performed by Dr. Neil A. Shah, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who founded the practice on a commitment to clinical excellence. Our Maple Grove office provides Maple Grove and northwest metro residents with convenient access to this specialized procedure.
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer by removing cancerous tissue one thin layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it is immediately examined under a microscope in our on-site laboratory. This process continues until no cancer cells remain in the margins, ensuring complete tumor removal while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue.
Unlike standard excision, which relies on estimated margins and sends tissue to an external lab, Mohs surgery provides real-time, 100% margin analysis. This means the surgeon can confirm that all cancer has been removed before the patient leaves the office — dramatically reducing the risk of recurrence.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for skin cancers that meet certain criteria. Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery when:
- The cancer is in a cosmetically or functionally sensitive area — including the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, hands, feet, and genitalia, where tissue preservation is critical
- The tumor has recurred after previous treatment with excision, radiation, or other methods
- The cancer has aggressive histologic features — such as poorly defined borders, perineural invasion, or aggressive growth patterns
- The tumor is large or has been present for an extended period
- The patient is immunosuppressed and may have a higher risk of recurrence
Dr. Neil A. Shah: Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Dr. Shah completed his Mohs surgery fellowship training accredited by the American College of Mohs Surgery, giving him specialized expertise in the technique that goes well beyond general dermatology training. His fellowship included intensive training in tissue examination, reconstruction techniques, and the management of complex skin cancers.
As the founder of Clarus Dermatology, Dr. Shah built the practice with the philosophy that patients deserve access to the highest level of dermatologic surgical care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment. His experience spans thousands of Mohs cases, and he is skilled in both cancer removal and the reconstructive closures that follow — including flaps, grafts, and layered closures designed to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia at our Maple Grove clinic. Here is what a typical Mohs surgery day looks like:
Step 1: Preparation and Anesthesia
The surgical site is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. You will be awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients experience little to no pain after the area is numbed.
Step 2: Tissue Removal and Examination
Dr. Shah removes a thin layer of tissue from the tumor site. The tissue is carefully mapped, color-coded, and processed in our on-site laboratory while you wait. The tissue is then examined under the microscope to check for remaining cancer cells along the margins.
Step 3: Repeat as Needed
If cancer cells are detected at any margin, Dr. Shah removes another precisely targeted layer only from the area where cancer remains. This process repeats until the margins are completely clear. Most cases require one to three rounds.
Step 4: Wound Repair
Once all cancer has been removed, Dr. Shah discusses the best reconstruction option for your specific wound. Depending on the size and location, the wound may be closed with stitches, repaired with a local skin flap or graft, or in some cases allowed to heal naturally. Cosmetic outcome is always a priority in the reconstruction plan.
Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. You will receive detailed wound care instructions, including information about bandage changes, activity restrictions, and what to watch for during healing. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures when applicable. Scarring is typically minimal, especially on the face, thanks to the tissue-sparing nature of the procedure.
Maple Grove and Northwest Metro Convenience
Our Maple Grove office serves patients from Maple Grove, Plymouth, Rogers, Osseo, Brooklyn Park, and the surrounding northwest metro communities. With ample parking and a modern clinical environment, our Maple Grove clinic makes it easy to receive expert Mohs surgical care close to home.
Six Clarus Dermatology Locations
In addition to Maple Grove, Clarus Dermatology has offices in Minnetonka, New Brighton, Hugo, Otsego, and Spicer. Regardless of which location you visit, you receive the same standard of care from our experienced team.
To schedule a Mohs surgery consultation, call (612) 213-2370 or book an appointment online. Learn more about Mohs surgery at Clarus Dermatology.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Mohs surgery candidacy is determined through a clinical evaluation with a qualified dermatologist. Cure rates and outcomes vary based on tumor type, location, and individual patient factors.
