NEWS
Aftercare provided by Registered Nurses when needed Dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Advanced Fellowship-Trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Over 21 Years at Pacific Hills Surgery Center Exclusive Allergan Provider 100% Authentic Products Most Advanced Laser Hair Removal Technology Thousands of Referrals Upon Request   Aftercare provided by Registered Nurses when needed Dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Advanced Fellowship-Trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Over 21 Years at Pacific Hills Surgery Center Exclusive Allergan Provider 100% Authentic Products Most Advanced Laser Hair Removal Technology Thousands of Referrals Upon Request
Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery
Home  ›  Surgical Procedures  ›  Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Skin Cancer Removal & Facial Reconstruction

Can my skin cancer be removed without scarring my face? Dr. Robinson's specialized Mohs technique offers the highest cure rates with maximum preservation of healthy tissue.

Mohs reconstructive surgery — Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery
When to Consider Mohs Surgery

Can My Skin Cancer Be Removed Without Scarring My Face?

Our balmy climate lets Southern Californians enjoy outdoor activities year-round — but spending too much time in the sun also increases your risk of developing skin cancer, especially on areas most often exposed to the sun's damaging rays.

Dr. Ernest B. Robinson is a Board Certified Specialist in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with more than 20 years of experience performing individualized cosmetic and corrective procedures for patients from Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Hills and Santa Ana and beyond.

If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer on your face, neck, chest or shoulders, please contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Aliso Viejo to request an immediate consultation and determine whether Mohs reconstructive surgery is the recommended treatment.

The Mohs Advantage

Why Choose Mohs Surgery

Up to 99% Cure Rate

Documented cure rates of up to 99% for basal cell carcinoma — the highest of any skin cancer procedure.

Maximum Tissue Preserved

The technique minimizes the surgical wound, preserving the most healthy tissue and significantly reducing scarring.

Microscopic Precision

Each layer of removed tissue is examined under a microscope in real time, ensuring no cancerous cells remain.

Specialized Expertise

Dr. Robinson's dual training in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery makes him uniquely qualified for Mohs facial reconstruction.

Mohs Surgery Is Recommended For

Skin cancers on the face, nose, lips and around the eyes

Cancers near the ears, eyelids and other cosmetically significant areas

Recurrent skin cancers and those with high likelihood of recurrence

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma on the face

Cases requiring maximum preservation of healthy surrounding tissue

Lesions affecting areas of cosmetic significance — chest, neck, shoulders

01Consultation

Communicating Your Goals for This Procedure

Dr. Robinson has extensive experience performing Mohs micrographic surgery — also called MMS and chemosurgery. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this microscopic technique remains the most precise method for removing certain skin cancers on the face, neck, chest or shoulders, as well as recurrent cancers and those with the greatest likelihood of recurrence — offering the lowest recurrence rate and maximum preservation of healthy tissue of any procedure available.

99%

Documented Cure Rate for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, with documented cure rates of up to 99% — the highest available.

During your consultation, Dr. Robinson will discuss the many factors involved in successfully removing and repairing cancerous growths — including size, depth, location, probable cure rate, and realistic expectations for cosmetic repair — and show you before-and-after photos of similar procedures he has performed.

  • Complete medical history review and skin cancer examination
  • Discussion of size, depth, location, and probable cure rate
  • Detailed explanation of the Mohs removal and repair process
  • Realistic expectations for the cosmetic outcome of reconstruction
  • Review of before-and-after photos of similar procedures
  • Determination of the most appropriate repair technique (flap or graft)
  • Pre-operative medication to enhance healing and reduce infection
02Surgical Technique

Surgical Techniques to Achieve Your Desired Outcome

Mohs surgery is the preferred treatment for skin cancers on the face, nose, lips and chest, keeping the amount of healthy tissue removed to a minimum without compromising complete removal of cancerous cells. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours and is usually performed in-office.

1

Pre-Operative Preparation

Dr. Robinson prescribes medication before and during treatment to enhance healing and minimize the chance of infection. Local anesthesia is used for the procedure.

2

Removal of the Cancerous Growth

The visible growth is removed in one piece — carefully excising the cancerous tissue along with a thin margin of surrounding skin to capture any unseen cells that may have spread.

3

Real-Time Microscopic Examination

The removed tissue is immediately examined under a microscope to ensure no abnormal cells remain at the edges. If cancer is detected at the margins, another thin layer is removed only where cancer remains and re-examined — repeated until all margins are completely clear.

4

Reconstruction with Flaps or Grafts

Once all margins are confirmed cancer-free, Dr. Robinson uses flaps or grafts — depending on the repair required — to reconstruct the area and restore its natural appearance with imperceptible scars.

5

Wound Care Instructions

Before you leave, you receive specific instructions for caring for your wound to ensure rapid healing and the best possible cosmetic outcome. Most patients have minimal discomfort, easily managed with mild medication.

03Recovery

Recuperating After Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Before leaving the office, you'll be given specific instructions for caring for your wound to ensure rapid healing and the best cosmetic outcome. Most patients experience little post-surgical pain, easily treated with mild medication. Dr. Robinson removes your stitches about a week after surgery; you can return to work within a few days, though depending on the extent and location you may wish to take a little more time.

Follow Wound CareSpecific home-care instructions promote optimal healing and minimize infection risk.
Mild Pain MedicationMinimal discomfort, easily managed with over-the-counter or prescribed relief.
Stitches at 1 WeekDr. Robinson removes sutures about one week after surgery at a follow-up.
Sun ProtectionProtecting the healing area from sun is essential for scar fading.
Day of Surgery

Performed under local anesthesia, usually in-office. Wound care instructions provided before discharge. Most patients have little to no pain afterward.

Day 2–3

Most patients feel comfortable enough to resume light daily activities within a few days.

Week 1

Stitches removed at a follow-up appointment. Most patients are cleared to return to work, with healing progressing well.

Weeks to Months

The reconstructed area continues to heal and the scar gradually fades — meticulous closure techniques result in imperceptible scarring over time.

04Results

Expected Results from This Procedure

The chief purpose of skin cancer reconstructive surgery is to effectively and safely repair the surgical wound, re-establishing the natural form and function of your delicate facial areas. Dr. Robinson's specialized Mohs training has made him one of Orange County's most sought-after surgeons for reconstructive surgery — especially among patients with larger defects and lesions affecting areas of cosmetic significance such as the eyelids, lips, ears, chest and nose. He's earned a reputation for meticulous skin closure techniques that create imperceptible scars and optimal outcomes.

  • Complete removal of cancerous tissue confirmed by real-time microscopic analysis
  • Maximum preservation of healthy surrounding tissue — minimizing scarring
  • Natural form and function of delicate facial areas restored
  • Meticulous reconstruction using flaps or grafts for the best cosmetic result
  • Imperceptible scars through Dr. Robinson's refined closure techniques
  • Care from one of Orange County's most sought-after facial reconstruction surgeons
Up to 99%
Cure rate for basal cell carcinoma — the highest available
30 min–2 hrs
Typical procedure duration, usually performed in-office
Few Days
Return to normal activities after the procedure

Have You Been Diagnosed with Skin Cancer?

Contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Aliso Viejo immediately to request a consultation with Dr. Robinson.

This website does not contain medical advice and the use of this website does not create a physician/patient relationship between you and Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery. The photographs of models displayed on this website are for decorative purposes only. See before & after photos for possible results.