Clarus Dermatology provides Mohs micrographic surgery at our New Brighton office, offering New Brighton, MN residents and patients across the Twin Cities access to the most precise and effective skin cancer removal technique available today. Led by Dr. Neil A. Shah, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, our team delivers exceptional cure rates while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs and refined over decades, the procedure involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing tissue one at a time and examining each layer under a microscope immediately during surgery. This real-time analysis allows the surgeon to identify and remove all cancerous cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact.
Unlike standard excision — where the surgeon estimates margins and sends tissue to an outside lab — Mohs surgery provides 100 percent margin analysis during the procedure itself. This results in cure rates of up to 99 percent for primary basal cell carcinomas and up to 97 percent for primary squamous cell carcinomas, making it the gold standard in surgical dermatology for these common skin cancers.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery when a skin cancer exhibits characteristics that make complete removal particularly critical or challenging. Common indications include:
- Cancers in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas — the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet, and genitalia, where preserving tissue is essential for appearance and function
- Large or aggressive tumors — cancers that are growing rapidly or have poorly defined borders
- Recurrent skin cancers — tumors that have returned after previous treatment with excision, radiation, or other methods
- Cancers with aggressive histological subtypes — including morpheaform, infiltrative, or micronodular patterns
- Cancers in areas of prior radiation therapy — where tissue changes may increase the risk of recurrence
- Immunosuppressed patients — who may have a higher risk of aggressive or recurrent skin cancers
The Mohs Surgery Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure at our New Brighton office under local anesthesia. Here is what New Brighton patients can expect:
Step 1: Preparation and Anesthesia
The surgical site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. You remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure — general anesthesia is not required.
Step 2: Tissue Removal
Dr. Shah removes a thin layer of tissue from the tumor site. The tissue is carefully mapped and color-coded so that its precise location on the body is tracked.
Step 3: Microscopic Examination
The removed tissue is processed and examined under a microscope in our on-site laboratory. Dr. Shah personally reviews every section of the tissue margins — both the bottom and edges — to check for remaining cancer cells.
Step 4: Repeat If Necessary
If cancer cells are found at any margin, Dr. Shah removes another thin layer only from the area where cancer remains. This process repeats until the margins are completely clear. Because only cancer-containing tissue is removed, the wound is kept as small as possible.
Step 5: Reconstruction
Once the cancer is fully removed, the surgical site is repaired. Depending on the size and location of the wound, reconstruction may involve direct closure with stitches, a local skin flap, or a skin graft. Dr. Shah’s surgical expertise ensures both thorough cancer clearance and the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Dr. Neil A. Shah: Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Dr. Shah founded Clarus Dermatology with a commitment to clinical excellence in both medical and surgical dermatology. His fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery — one of the most competitive subspecialties in dermatology — equips him with the advanced skills necessary to treat complex, recurrent, and high-risk skin cancers. Patients in New Brighton and across the Twin Cities metro benefit from his expertise, precision, and commitment to preserving both function and appearance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of Mohs surgery. Post-operative care instructions typically include keeping the wound clean and moist, changing dressings as directed, and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period. Our team provides detailed written aftercare instructions and is available by phone if questions arise during recovery. Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and allow us to establish an appropriate skin cancer surveillance schedule going forward.
Six Offices Across Minnesota
While Mohs surgery is performed at our New Brighton location, Clarus Dermatology provides comprehensive dermatological care at six offices: New Brighton, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Hugo, Otsego, and Spicer. Skin cancer screenings and consultations are available at all locations.
To schedule a Mohs surgery consultation or skin cancer evaluation, call (612) 213-2370 or book your appointment online using the scheduler on this page.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Mohs surgery is not appropriate for all types of skin cancer. Your dermatologist will evaluate your diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment approach for your individual case. Surgical outcomes vary by patient.
