Skin Cancer Surgery
Mohs Surgery in Alaska: What Patients Should Know
A patient-friendly guide to Mohs micrographic surgery, when it is used, what to expect on procedure day, and why local treatment matters. Performed at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska by a Mohs surgeon with advanced cutaneous surgery training.
What Mohs surgery treats
Mohs micrographic surgery is most often used for non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common form of skin cancer. Mohs is often the preferred treatment for BCC on the face, ears, scalp, hands, and other cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
A more aggressive form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Mohs offers the highest cure rate, especially for SCC in high-risk areas or with poorly defined borders.
Recurrent or high-risk skin cancers
Skin cancers that have returned after prior treatment, are large, have unclear edges, or sit close to important structures often benefit most from the precision of Mohs.
Select melanomas and rare tumors
In certain situations, Mohs is used for early melanoma in situ and other less common skin cancers when complete margin evaluation is critical.
Why Mohs is used for certain skin cancers
Mohs surgery combines precise removal with same-day microscope analysis. That combination is what makes it the gold standard for skin cancers in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas.
100% margin evaluation
During Mohs, every edge of the removed tissue is examined under a microscope while you wait. Standard excision typically samples only a small portion of the margin.
Highest cure rates available
Mohs surgery has cure rates up to 99% for primary basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and around 94% for recurrent cancers.
Tissue-sparing precision
Only cancerous tissue is removed, layer by layer. This preserves the maximum amount of healthy skin, which is especially important on the face, ears, nose, and hands.
Same-day clearance
Microscope analysis happens between layers in the same visit. You leave the office that day knowing the cancer is fully removed, with the repair already started or completed.
What to expect on procedure day
Plan to spend most of the day in the office. The procedure is done in stages, with most of the time spent waiting between layers while your tissue is examined under the microscope. Eat a normal breakfast, wear comfortable clothing, and bring something to read.
Arrival and local numbing
You will be checked in and made comfortable. Mohs is performed under local anesthesia, so you stay awake and alert throughout. There is no general anesthesia.
First layer removed
The Mohs surgeon removes the visible cancer along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue, marks the orientation, and places a temporary bandage while you wait.
Microscope analysis
The tissue is processed and examined under a microscope to look at 100% of the edges. This usually takes about an hour. You can relax, read, or use the waiting area.
Additional layers if needed
If any cancer remains at the edge, only that exact area is mapped and another small layer is removed. This is repeated until every margin is clear.
Repair and reconstruction
Once the area is cancer-free, your Mohs surgeon discusses the best closure for your situation, ranging from simple stitches to a flap or graft for larger sites. Most reconstructions are done the same day.
Recovery basics
Recovery from Mohs surgery is usually straightforward. Following your wound care instructions and protecting the area helps you heal well and gives the best cosmetic result.
- Plan for a low-key day. Most patients drive themselves home, but bring a companion if you would feel more comfortable.
- Keep the bandage clean, dry, and intact until your follow-up wound care instructions allow a change.
- Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising is normal for several days. Acetaminophen is usually enough for discomfort. Avoid blood thinners only if your Mohs surgeon advises it.
- Limit heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending for one to two weeks to protect the closure.
- Most stitches are removed within 1 to 2 weeks. Scars continue to fade for up to a year, and the visible result is typically excellent for the size of cancer treated.
- We schedule a follow-up to check healing and review long-term sun protection and skin surveillance.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your Mohs surgeon. Call the office if you notice increasing redness, drainage, fever, or unexpected bleeding.
Why local Alaska care matters
For many Alaskans, advanced skin cancer surgery used to mean a long trip out of state. Mohs surgery is now available locally at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska, with the expertise, technology, and team to treat complex skin cancers close to home.
Expert Mohs care close to home
Dr. Andrew Dorizas is a Mohs surgeon with advanced cutaneous surgery training, performing Mohs micrographic surgery right here in Alaska. You do not need to fly to Seattle or Anchorage from out of region for advanced skin cancer care.
Same-day diagnosis, removal, and reconstruction
Because the lab, surgical suite, and reconstructive expertise are all in the same office, your treatment is completed in one visit. You leave with results in hand, not after weeks of waiting.
Continuity with your dermatology team
Your Mohs surgeon works alongside your screening dermatologist and care team at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska, so follow-up, future skin checks, and any additional treatment are coordinated under one roof.
Less travel, less time off work
Local care means shorter trips, less time away from family or work, and a faster return to your daily routine, especially valuable during long Alaska winters and busy outdoor seasons.
Mohs Surgery service
See clinical details, conditions treated, and what to expect before, during, and after Mohs.
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Serving the Mat-Su Valley with full medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
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Visit AnchorageFrequently asked questions
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Most Mohs procedures take between 2 and 5 hours from check-in to bandage. The actual cutting time is short, but each microscope analysis takes about an hour, and most patients need 1 to 3 layers. Plan to be in the office for most of the day.
Is Mohs surgery painful?
Mohs is performed under local anesthesia, so the area is fully numbed during the procedure. You may feel pressure but not pain. After numbing wears off, most patients describe mild soreness controlled with acetaminophen.
Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
Some scarring is expected with any skin cancer surgery, but Mohs is designed to remove the least amount of healthy tissue possible. Reconstruction is performed by your Mohs surgeon the same day, and most scars fade significantly within 6 to 12 months.
Who performs Mohs surgery at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska?
Dr. Andrew Dorizas, a Mohs surgeon with advanced cutaneous surgery training, performs Mohs micrographic surgery at our practice. He completed dermatology residency training at the University of Miami, where he received advanced training in cutaneous surgery.
Do I need a referral for Mohs surgery?
Not always. If your skin cancer has already been biopsied and is appropriate for Mohs, you can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. We accept most major insurance plans and will help coordinate prior authorization if needed.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Mohs surgery for medically appropriate skin cancers is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Our team can verify your specific benefits and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs before your procedure.
For referring providers
Refer a Patient for Mohs Surgery
Advanced Dermatology of Alaska welcomes referrals for biopsy-proven skin cancers appropriate for Mohs micrographic surgery. We prioritize biopsy-proven skin cancer referrals for timely scheduling and coordinate directly with your office.
Mohs surgery is performed at our Wasilla and Anchorage locations. For patients referred from Juneau, Southeast Alaska, or other communities, our team helps coordinate scheduling and communication so the patient has a clear next step.
How to refer
Fax referrals and records to
1-844-670-3889
Use the Anchorage fax line.
Please send the following
- Completed Mohs Surgery Referral Form
- Pathology or biopsy report confirming the diagnosis
- Photo of the biopsy site
- Lesion details, including number, type, and location
- Patient demographics and two contact numbers
- Insurance information, including front and back of card
One lesion is treated per surgery.
Biopsy-site photo
The biopsy-site photo may be faxed with the other records or sent securely through Klara if better image quality is preferred. A photo helps confirm the correct surgical site, especially once a biopsy has healed or when there are multiple lesions.
If the referring office does not have a photo of the biopsy site, the patient may photograph the site themselves and bring it on the day of surgery.
After records are received, our team contacts the patient to schedule and keeps the referring provider informed.
Mohs Surgery Referral Form
A fillable PDF you can complete on screen, then fax with the records above.
Do not send completed referral forms, pathology reports, photos, or patient records by unsecured email. Please use fax, Klara, or another secure method.
Klara
Use the Klara secure messaging tool on this website to send the biopsy-site photo or coordinate a referral securely.
More referral options
See all the ways to connect with our team and refer a patient.
View full referral options