Skin Cancer Surgery & Mohs Surgery in Sandy Springs

When Skin Cancer Requires Surgical Precision

Hearing the word “cancer” is unsettling. When surgery is recommended — especially on the face — questions naturally follow. Will it be painful? Will it leave a scar? Is it truly the best option?

At Springs Dermatology MD in Sandy Springs, Mohs surgery and surgical skin cancer care are performed by Dr. Shereen Timani, a triple board-certified dermatologist in Dermatology, Dermatopathology, and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. This integrated expertise allows biopsy, microscopic evaluation, and surgical removal to be coordinated within the same practice — with precision, continuity, and careful attention to both cure and cosmetic outcome.

Triple Board-Certified Expertise in Skin Cancer Surgery

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is an advanced surgical technique used primarily for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas.

During Mohs surgery:

• Thin layers of tissue are removed

• Each layer is examined under a microscope immediately

• Cancer cells are mapped and removed precisely

• Healthy tissue is preserved

This staged technique offers the highest cure rates while minimizing unnecessary removal of healthy skin.

Mohs surgery is part of our comprehensive Surgical Dermatology services in Sandy Springs, where advanced skin surgery is performed with precision and continuity of care.

Why Mohs Offers the Highest Cure Rate

Mohs surgery allows 100% margin evaluation in real time.

Because Dr. Timani is board-certified in Dermatopathology, she personally interprets tissue under the microscope. This integrated approach reduces diagnostic delays and ensures surgical decisions are guided by direct pathological review.

For many skin cancers, Mohs offers:

• Cure rates up to 99% for primary BCC and SCC

• Lower recurrence risk

• Maximal preservation of healthy tissue

• Optimal cosmetic outcomes

Comprehensive Surgical Skin Cancer Care

While Mohs is the gold standard for many cases, treatment is always individualized.

Depending on tumor type, size, and location, surgical care may include:

• Mohs surgery

• Standard surgical excision

• Coordination for advanced oncologic care when appropriate

If a lesion is better managed non-surgically, we guide patients toward:

• Topical therapies (for select early-stage lesions)

• Cryotherapy

• Referral for systemic therapy or radiation when indicated

Surgical judgment matters, and not every case requires the same approach.

Reconstruction & Cosmetic Outcomes

For cancers located on the face, ears, scalp, or hands, cosmetic outcome is an important concern.

Following tumor removal, reconstruction is carefully planned to:

• Preserve natural contours

• Minimize visible scarring

• Protect function

In complex cases, we collaborate with trusted reconstructive specialists to ensure optimal healing and aesthetic results.

Who Should Be Evaluated for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs may be recommended for:

• Skin cancers on the face, nose, eyelids, lips, or ears

• Recurrent skin cancers

• Large or aggressive tumors

• Ill-defined tumor borders

• High-risk histologic subtypes

Evaluation begins with a biopsy and accurate pathology, which is performed and interpreted in-house at our practice.

Coordinated Care From Diagnosis Through Surgery

Because Dr. Timani performs biopsy, reviews pathology, and performs Mohs surgery, patients benefit from:

• Direct physician continuity

• Clear explanation of findings

• Reduced delays between diagnosis and treatment

• A streamlined surgical plan

Few dermatology practices offer this level of integrated care.

Schedule Your Surgical Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, or have a lesion requiring surgical evaluation,  our Sandy Springs office provides coordinated, expert care.

Call (470) 769-9400 or book online to schedule your consultation.

We welcome patients throughout Metro Atlanta.

Mohs Surgery FAQs

How long does Mohs surgery take?

Mohs surgery is performed in stages. Each stage of tissue removal and microscopic examination typically takes about 45–60 minutes. Most procedures are completed within several hours, though timing varies depending on the size and depth of the cancer.

Is Mohs surgery painful?

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so patients should not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild soreness or tightness afterward is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.

What is the recovery time after Mohs surgery?

Initial healing typically occurs within 1–2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the surgical site. Complete scar maturation may take several months. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing.

What is the cure rate of Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery offers cure rates of up to 99% for primary basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, making it the most effective treatment option for many high-risk skin cancers.

Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?

Any surgical procedure can leave a scar. However, Mohs surgery is designed to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, which helps minimize scarring. Reconstruction is carefully planned to optimize cosmetic outcomes.

What happens on the day of surgery?

You will arrive at our office, and the area will be numbed. The visible cancer is removed first, followed by staged microscopic evaluation. You will wait comfortably between stages while tissue is examined. Once margins are clear, reconstruction is performed.

Is Mohs surgery used for melanoma?

In select cases, specialized Mohs techniques may be used for certain early melanomas. Treatment decisions depend on tumor type, depth, and location. Evaluation begins with accurate biopsy and pathology review.

How soon after biopsy is Mohs performed?

Timing depends on the pathology results and scheduling availability, but treatment is generally performed promptly once a diagnosis is confirmed.