American Society of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

The incidence of cutaneous carcinoma (skin cancer) is on the rise. Many dermatologists promote a technique of excision known as Mohs surgery. This technique reportedly excises the least amount of tissue to create a smaller scar. However, that is only part of the story. The closure of the defect is what ultimately determines the scar – not the size of the defect! If a dermatologist closes this defect, even if he or she uses “plastic surgery” – it is not the same as if a Plastic Surgeon closes the scar! Explore this website to learn more…	Dermatologists are not Plastic Surgeons Mohs surgeons are not trained as true surgeons as defined by the American College of Surgeons Many patients can have improved scars if they seek the help of a Plastic Surgeon
	Dermatologists sometimes quote older studies that say the recurrence of skin cancers is less when using the Mohs technique of excision. However, newer studies show this is no longer accurate. When a Plastic Surgeon cuts out a skin cancer using "frozen sections" - the recurrence rate is the same as the Mohs technique. The advantage however is that a Plastic Surgeon is available to close the defect and therefore maximize the final cosmetic result.