Skin Cancer Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The gold standard for skin cancer removal — with a 99% cure rate for primary basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Rotter has performed over 45,000 Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, making him among the most experienced Mohs surgeons in South Florida.

Call (561) 561-SKIN (7546) Request a Consultation

About Mohs Surgery

The Most Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise and effective treatment available for the most common types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs, the technique involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examining them under a microscope in real time until only cancer-free tissue remains.

Unlike traditional excision, which removes a margin of tissue and sends it to a lab, Mohs surgery offers immediate, complete margin control — meaning Dr. Rotter can confirm on the spot that all cancer cells have been removed before closing the wound. This precision achieves the highest cure rates while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue.

With over 45,000 Mohs surgeries and reconstructions performed over a 30+ year career, Dr. Rotter brings an extraordinary level of skill and experience to every procedure at Exclusive Dermatology in West Palm Beach, FL.

Dr. Rotter performing Mohs surgery — Exclusive Dermatology

Dr. Steven Rotter

45,000+ Mohs Surgeries Performed

Benefits

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

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Highest Cure Rate

Up to 99% cure rate for primary basal cell carcinoma — the highest of any skin cancer treatment available.

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Real-Time Margin Control

Dr. Rotter examines 100% of the surgical margin while you wait — no waiting days for lab results.

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Tissue Preservation

Removes only cancerous tissue, preserving the maximum amount of healthy skin — critical for the face, nose, ears, and hands.

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Same-Day Reconstruction

Complex wound repair and reconstruction performed the same day, in the same visit, by the same expert surgeon.

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Outpatient Procedure

Performed under local anesthesia in our West Palm Beach office — no hospital stay required.

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Ideal for High-Risk Sites

The preferred treatment for skin cancers on the face, scalp, neck, hands, feet, and genitalia.

The Procedure

What to Expect During Mohs Surgery

Local Anesthesia

The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. You'll remain fully awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Layer Removal

Dr. Rotter removes a thin layer of visible cancer along with a thin margin of surrounding tissue.

Microscopic Examination

The tissue is mapped, processed, and examined under a microscope while you wait in our comfortable office.

Repeat if Needed

If cancer cells remain at any margin, only that specific area is removed — preserving healthy tissue.

Reconstruction

Once clear margins are confirmed, Dr. Rotter repairs the wound — from simple closure to complex reconstruction — in the same visit.

Who Needs Mohs?

Candidates for Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers that are:

Located on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, neck, hands, or feet
Recurrent or previously treated
Large, aggressive, or with poorly defined borders
In areas where tissue preservation is critical
Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
In patients who are immunocompromised
Associated with certain genetic conditions

Dr. Rotter's Expertise

With over 45,000 Mohs surgeries and complex reconstructions performed across a 30+ year career — including founding Virginia's first state-licensed outpatient surgical hospital for skin cancer — Dr. Rotter brings a level of experience that is exceptionally rare in South Florida.

Common Questions

Mohs Surgery FAQ

Is Mohs surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel minimal to no pain during the surgery. Some patients experience mild discomfort during the injection of the anesthesia. Post-procedure soreness is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does Mohs surgery take?

The procedure can take several hours as each layer of tissue must be processed and examined before the next stage. Plan to spend most of the day at our West Palm Beach office. Bring reading material or a device to stay comfortable between stages.

Will I have a scar?

Any surgery will leave some degree of scarring. However, Mohs surgery minimizes scarring by preserving healthy tissue, and Dr. Rotter's expertise in complex reconstruction ensures the best possible cosmetic outcome. Reconstruction techniques range from simple closure to local flaps and grafts.

What is the cure rate for Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery achieves a cure rate of up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma and up to 97% for recurrent BCC — the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment.

Does insurance cover Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery for skin cancer is generally covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team can advise you on coverage during your consultation.

Related Services

Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?

Contact Exclusive Dermatology in West Palm Beach today. Dr. Rotter and the team are here to help you look and feel your best.

Call (561) 561-SKIN (7546) Request Online

500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 205 • West Palm Beach, FL 33401 • Mon–Fri: 9am–4pm