Mohs Surgery in Alaska
Performed by Dr. Andrew Dorizas at our Anchorage, Wasilla and Juneau clinics.
Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time and checks 100% of each layer's edges under the microscope while you wait. Because each layer is mapped, more tissue is removed only where cancer remains, so as much healthy skin as possible is preserved. That matters most on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands and other sensitive areas. For many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs offers the highest cure rate of any treatment.
At Advanced Dermatology of Alaska, Mohs surgery is performed by Dr. Andrew Dorizas, who is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in both Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. He operates at all three of our clinics, so most patients can have surgery close to home instead of traveling out of state.
Where we perform Mohs surgery
Anchorage
1100 E Dimond Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99515Mohs surgery on site.
Mohs surgery in AnchorageWasilla
3066 E Meridian Park Loop
Wasilla, AK 99654Mohs surgery and GentleCure on site.
Mohs surgery in WasillaJuneau
Inside Bartlett Regional Hospital Specialty Clinics
3268 Hospital Drive
Juneau, AK 99801Mohs surgery on scheduled clinic dates each month.
Mohs surgery in Juneau
Surgery dates are usually available within the same month at all three clinics. Call (907) 267-5890 for the next available date at the clinic that suits you.
When Mohs surgery is recommended
Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs when a skin cancer:
- is on the face, ears, nose, lips, eyelids, scalp, neck, hands, feet or genitals
- is large, growing quickly, or has edges that are hard to see
- has come back after earlier treatment
- shows an aggressive subtype on the pathology report
- occurs in someone with a weakened immune system
Mohs is used most often for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and sometimes for melanoma in situ and less common skin cancers. Not every skin cancer needs Mohs. Depending on the diagnosis, a standard excision, GentleCure, a prescription cream or another treatment may be the better fit. Dr. Dorizas reviews your pathology and explains your options before you decide.
Already have a biopsy? How scheduling works
Contact us.
Call (907) 267-5890, or ask the office that did your biopsy to fax a referral to 1-844-670-3889. You do not need a referral from us to request a consultation, but some insurance plans require one for coverage.
Send your records.
We need your pathology (biopsy) report. If you have a photo of the biopsy site, send it or bring it, because healed biopsy sites can be hard to find.
Choose a clinic and date.
Our team checks your insurance benefits and schedules surgery in Anchorage, Wasilla or Juneau.
Prepare.
Before surgery we explain how to prepare. Keep taking your usual prescription medicines, including blood thinners, unless your prescribing doctor or Dr. Dorizas tells you otherwise.
What happens on surgery day
Numbing.
Mohs is done under local anesthesia. You stay awake and comfortable, and no general anesthesia is needed.
First layer.
Dr. Dorizas removes the visible cancer with a thin rim of tissue and maps it. A temporary bandage goes on while you wait.
Microscope check.
The tissue is processed in our in-office lab and 100% of the edges are examined. Each check usually takes about an hour.
More layers only if needed.
If cancer remains at an edge, only that spot is removed. This repeats until the edges are clear. Most patients need one to three layers.
Repair.
Once the area is clear, the wound is repaired, usually the same day. Options range from simple stitches to a flap or graft, chosen for the best healing and appearance.
Plan to spend most of the day with us. Eat a normal breakfast, wear comfortable clothing and bring something to read.
Recovery
- Mild soreness, swelling or bruising for a few days is common. Acetaminophen is usually enough for discomfort.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for one to two weeks, or as instructed.
- Stitches, if used, are usually removed in one to two weeks. Scars keep fading for up to a year.
- Call us at (907) 267-5890 for increasing redness, drainage or fever. For bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm, steady pressure, call us (after hours, follow the instructions you received at your visit) or go to the nearest emergency department.
Mohs surgery or GentleCure?
Some basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can also be treated with GentleCure, a non-surgical image-guided superficial radiation therapy offered at our Wasilla clinic. Mohs removes the cancer and confirms clear margins in one visit. GentleCure avoids cutting but is given as a series of short sessions over several weeks. The right choice depends on the type, size, depth and location of the cancer, your health and your preferences.
Insurance
Mohs surgery for a medically appropriate skin cancer is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Copays, deductibles and authorization rules depend on your plan, so our team checks your benefits before your surgery date.
Your Mohs surgeon
Dr. Andrew S. Dorizas, MD, FAAD
- Board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Dermatology residency at the University of Miami, where he served as chief resident
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery
For referring offices
We welcome referrals for biopsy-proven skin cancer at all three clinics and prioritize them for scheduling. Fax the Mohs Surgery Referral Form, pathology report, biopsy-site photo and insurance information to 1-844-670-3889, or send them securely through Klara. For urgent cases, call (907) 267-5890.
Download the Mohs Surgery Referral Form (PDF) All referral options
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mohs surgery performed in Alaska?
At Advanced Dermatology of Alaska, Mohs surgery is performed at our Anchorage, Wasilla and Juneau clinics. Juneau surgery is scheduled on clinic dates each month.
Who performs Mohs surgery at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska?
Dr. Andrew Dorizas, who is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery.
How soon can I have Mohs surgery?
Surgery dates are usually available within the same month at all three clinics. Timing depends on your diagnosis, records and insurance requirements. Call (907) 267-5890 for the next available date.
Do I need a referral?
No, our practice does not require one. If your skin cancer has already been biopsied, you can call to request a consultation. Some insurance plans require a referral or prior authorization, and our team will tell you if yours does.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Most procedures take two to five hours from check-in to bandage, mostly spent waiting while the tissue is checked. Plan to spend most of the day with us.
Is Mohs surgery painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Soreness afterward is usually mild.
Will I have a scar?
Any skin surgery leaves a scar. Mohs removes as little healthy tissue as possible, and the repair is planned for the best appearance. Most scars fade substantially over 6 to 12 months.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Mohs surgery for a medically appropriate skin cancer is covered by most plans, including Medicare. We check your benefits before surgery.
I live outside Anchorage, Wasilla and Juneau. Can I still have surgery with you?
Yes. Patients come to us from across Alaska. Call before you book travel so we can confirm your surgery date and the records we need. Patients arrange their own travel and lodging.
Medical disclaimer
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Talk with a Mohs surgeon in Alaska
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or told you may need Mohs surgery, call (907) 267-5890 or request a consultation online.