Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology

Precision and care guide every step of the Mohs surgery process at our practice. Our board-certified surgeon works to remove skin cancer completely while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. From your initial consultation through your last follow-up visit, we walk alongside you with clear communication and steady support.

welcome to

Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology

Thank you for choosing the Mohs Center at Richmond Dermatology for your care. Our practice is built around thorough, attentive treatment, and we want you to feel informed and at ease at every point in your visit. The training and skills our team brings to each procedure are something we take real pride in. Questions or feedback are always welcome. Reaching out to our office is easy, and we are glad to help however we can.

Our providers bring focused, specialized training to every Mohs surgery procedure, so patients can feel confident in the care they receive.

Our practice treats a variety of skin conditions, including cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, as well as benign growths like moles, lipomas, and cysts.

Mohs Center at Richmond Dermatology
WHAT TO EXPECT
OPTIMIZE YOUR WELL-BEING THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS
DAY OF SURGERY
  • Please bring a valid photo ID along with your current insurance card, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to handle any paperwork.
  • Choose clothing that is comfortable and gives easy access to the area being treated.
  • A member of our staff will escort you to the procedure room, explain what will happen, and numb the affected skin.
  • With the area numb, your surgeon removes the visible cancer along with a thin margin of tissue around it.
  • That tissue is then mapped out, prepared, and studied under a microscope while you relax in our recovery area.
  • Should any cancer cells still be present, the surgeon takes another layer from that exact spot and continues the process until the margins come back clear.
  • Many procedures require between one and three layers total. Each layer takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to remove, though examining the tissue afterward can take 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Once your surgeon has confirmed the cancer is gone, you will talk together about the right way to close the wound, whether that means stitches, a skin graft, or letting it heal on its own.
  • Before you leave, you will get written instructions covering wound cleaning, dressing changes, and warning signs to watch for.
  • Some swelling, redness, or soreness around the area in the days after surgery is expected.
  • Hold off on strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sun exposure on the area until it has healed.
  • Many patients are back to their usual routine within a day or two, though this depends on the wound’s size and location.
  • Should you notice worsening pain, a fever, or unusual drainage, call our office as soon as possible.
  • A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within one to two weeks so we can check your healing and remove stitches if needed.
  • During that visit, your surgeon checks the site and addresses any questions you have about scarring or changes in sensation.
  • Based on your diagnosis and history, we may also set up a plan for ongoing skin checks to watch for any new or returning spots.
  • We will go over sun safety habits and other ways to help lower your risk moving forward.
  • If a new or changing spot shows up before your next scheduled visit, do not wait. Give our office a call so we can take a look sooner.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Mohs Center at Richmond Dermatology
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions before a procedure are completely normal. Below are answers to what we hear most often.

What types of skin cancer are treated with Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It may also be considered for select other skin cancers depending on the diagnosis, location, and provider recommendation.

Mohs surgery is often completed in a single visit, but the length of the procedure can vary depending on how many layers of tissue need to be removed and examined.

Mohs surgery typically involves removing and examining tissue during the same appointment. Staged excision involves removing tissue in planned steps, with evaluation between stages when needed. The best approach depends on the specific characteristics of the skin cancer.

The recovery time depends on the size and location of the treated area, as well as the type of repair performed. You will receive clear aftercare instructions based on your specific treatment. Following these instructions closely can help support proper healing.

FUTURE PREVENTION

Limiting your exposure to ultraviolet   (UV) radiation, whether from sunlight or tanning beds, is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. UV exposure damages skin cell DNA over time and wears down your skin’s natural defenses, creating conditions where cancer can take hold.

How to protect yourself:
Mohs Center at Richmond Dermatology
Meet the Team

Lesley Farris, RN, BSN, MHA

As Clinical Manager and Facility Director, Lesley brings more than 18 years of healthcare management experience to Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology. Her responsibilities span daily operations, care quality, and regulatory compliance, and she works hand in hand with the team to maintain a supportive and inclusive workplace. She holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and stays focused on both her own growth and on ensuring patients receive careful, complete attention. 

Repeat visits let our staff build familiarity with patients, so appointments feel less like a routine stop and more like checking in with people who know you. Away from the office, the team likes to spend time together, whether that is a group outing or a quick chat between appointments. A team that enjoys each other’s company tends to bring that same energy into patient care.

Behind every patient visit is a group of medical assistants, front desk staff, and a scheduling coordinator working together on your behalf. Their efforts shape your experience from that first phone call all the way through your last follow-up.

Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology

CAREERS at Richmond Dermatology

We are continually on the lookout for capable medical professionals to add to our team. Joining Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology means access to real opportunities for growth, backed by the support and resources to help you get there.

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Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology

Delivering skilled, compassionate skin cancer care to patients across the Richmond area.