Excellence in Skin Cancer Treatment

Excellence in Skin Cancer Treatment

Since 2010, the Mohs surgeons at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology have proudly treated more than 40,000 skin cancers cases with Mohs surgery. Dr. Zac Carter and Dr. David Adams, both fellowship-trained and double board-certified Mohs surgeons, provide top-tier care for patients facing skin cancer diagnoses. Dr. Carter offers insight into Mohs surgery, the revolutionary technique that has made Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology a trusted name in skin cancer treatment.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, or micrographic dermatologic surgery, is the most effective treatment for common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, this technique offers a 360-degree view of the tumor, allowing surgeons to remove 100% of cancerous cells during the procedure. “Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any of the removal options for skin cancers,” explains Dr. Carter. “It preserves the maximum amount of normal skin while effectively removing the tumor, resulting in the smallest possible wound. This results in fast recoveries and the smallest chance of the tumor recurring.” These facts have solidified Mohs surgery as the gold standard treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers.

The Mohs Procedure

Performed in a specialized clinic setting, Mohs surgery is less invasive than conventional surgery and is routinely performed under the safety of local anesthesia. “On the day of surgery, you come to the clinic and are brought back to our surgical rooms. I will begin the numbing process and remove the first stage of the tumor,” Dr. Carter describes. The removed tissue is then analyzed in the on-site laboratory, where Dr. Carter ensures that complete tumor removal had been accomplished at the microscopic level before closing the wound.  The Mohs procedure conserves healthy tissue which minimizes surgical defects and optimizes both cosmetic and functional outcomes.  Mohs surgery is especially ideal for treating skin cancers in special areas like the head and neck.

Why Fellowship Training Matters

After completing a residency in dermatology, all fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have spent an extra year of intensive training to acquire special expertise the surgical procedure, pathology, reconstruction, cutaneous oncology, lab management, and multidisciplinary care. This includes working closely with other specialists like facial plastic surgeons to master advanced techniques. Starting in 2026, successful completion of fellowship training will be mandatory to achieve board certification in micrographic dermatologic surgery. This ensures that fellowship-trained surgeons like Dr. Carter offer the highest level of expertise and care, particularly in delicate areas such as the face. The Mohs surgeons at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology uniquely bring leading qualifications and skills to every patient.

The Distinctive Difference

Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology is a comprehensive team of professionals, including dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, a plastic surgeon, and physician assistants that are dedicated in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to each patient. “We strive to have a welcoming, happy environment where you can feel comfortable that we are treating you individually as we would treat our own family members,” says Dr. Carter. This patient-centered approach is key to their philosophy, ensuring each patient receives personalized care.

Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology: A Legacy of Trust

With an impressive cure rate and a compassionate team, Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology is dedicated to helping patients beat skin cancer while preserving quality of life. Their exceptional outcomes make them a top choice for those seeking advanced, expert care.