Mohs Surgery Overview in Sarasota & Venice, FL

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating skin cancer, where layers of skin are removed one at a time and then evaluated under a microscope until the cancer is completely gone.

Greco Dermatology is very well-versed in Mohs surgery in Sarasota & Venice, FL.

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Earning the name from its pioneer, Dr. Frederic Mohs, the Mohs microscopic surgery procedure involves surgically removing the skin cancer we can clinically see but then microscopically examining it to ensure no residual tumor remains.

That process repeats itself until the skin cancer is removed. Because of how we process it, we can evaluate 100% of the surface and leave the slightest possible defect, leading to the smallest possible scarring. Mohs surgery spares as much healthy tissue as possible & yields success rates up to 99%, the highest potential for most skin cancers.

Who is Mohs Surgery For?

Candidates for Mohs surgery in Sarasota & Venice, FL, include patients who have skin cancer in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas such as the face, scalp, neck, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands and feet. Other indications for Mohs surgery may include:

Large lesions
Recurrent tumors
Aggressive findings on histopathology
Immunocompromised patients
Organ transplant recipients
Deeply invasive tumors

Patients can expect to see results immediately from removing the skin cancer and within 1-2 weeks of healing time. The best part of the Mohs procedure is that it offers the highest cure rate, minimal downtime, and the smallest possible scar — which is most often imperceptible.

Older woman and younger woman sitting and hugging

Forming a Partnership

Our approach addresses the external, internal, and environmental struggles that all play a part in the process. This is why Joseph F. Greco, M.D., and his team at Greco Dermatology in Sarasota are with you every step of the way, from the moment you contact us to your very last follow-up. You can be confident that fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Greco will detect the issue and expertly perform your surgery. You won’t need to go anywhere else. We want you to feel that you’ve formed a partnership with us.

“I wanted to specialize specifically in Mohs surgery because of the nature of the procedure. The patient can remain comfortably in the room for the entirety of the procedure while I can serve in all phases of it: the skin cancer surgeon to remove the skin cancer, the dermatopathologist to make sure those margins are clear, and the reconstructive surgeon to repair the area. All of these phases are done on that same day. The patient can go home that day, free of the cancer, with the wound closed and a long-term plan in place. Personally, I love getting to know the patients and developing long-term relationships with them. Skin cancer patients are followed regularly and may have numerous lesions that develop and require attention over many years. This ongoing relationship allows us to develop an extended family of patients, as we spend a good amount of time together.”

Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Joseph Greco

Finding the Right Surgeon for Your Mohs Micrographic Surgery

When you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, it can be scary and overwhelming. We understand that you want a trusted and experienced doctor who has devoted their career to focus on the field of skin cancer treatment and reconstruction. You want an expert with unparalleled surgical experience. And finally, you want a physician who will listen to you and deliver extra effort in their care. This is Dr. Joseph F. Greco, a top Mohs surgeon in Sarasota & Venice, FL, and beyond.

Mohs Surgery: The Most Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer

Why is Dr. Joseph Greco a Top Mohs Surgeon in Sarasota & Venice, FL?

15-year history as a Mohs surgeon at UCLA, one of the premier hospital systems in the nation; also served as Director of UCLA Santa Monica Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery for 12 years
Double board-certified by The American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery
Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon (micrographic), reconstructive surgery, cutaneous oncology, and laser surgery at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA with an intense focus on microsurgical reconstructive techniques and utilizing advanced reconstructive and suturing techniques
Served as Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
A member of The American College of Mohs Surgery: the premier organization of fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeons specializing in Mohs surgery in Sarasota

One of the first dermatologic surgeons to pass The American Board of Dermatology subspecialty exam to be certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery 2021
One of a select number of double board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeons in the country
Appeared as a faculty presenter at numerous national conferences and workshops on surgical anatomy, advanced surgical reconstructive techniques, cutaneous oncology, and new laser and light source technologies
Author of an extensive list of book chapters, publications, and national lectures in the field of surgical anatomy, Mohs micrographic surgery, reconstructive surgery, cutaneous oncology, laser surgery, and the surgical anatomy of the head and neck
A 17-year history of skin cancer focus, which has allowed him to perform over 20,000 Mohs and surgical excision procedures
Participated in the training of 15 Mohs micrographic surgery fellows
Recognized annually by peers as a SuperDoctor® in Southern California (2016-2022) as well as a TopDoctor® in Los Angeles in 2018

What to Expect During Your Mohs Surgery Consultation

Before your Mohs surgery in Sarasota & Venice, FL, you will meet with fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Greco to discuss your treatment and to establish a trusted and confident relationship, which is very important. Dr. Greco will ensure you comprehensively understand your skin cancer diagnosis during this first meeting.

He will also review your treatment options, including risks, benefits, and alternatives. He will explain in detail the Mohs micrographic surgery procedure, appropriate indications for the surgery, and reconstruction options once the skin cancer is removed. He will also go over available techniques to help achieve imperceptible scarring.

Together with you, he will review all preparations needed for Mohs surgery, post-
operative instructions, and potential post-surgical issues. Through skin cancer education strategies, he will talk to you about short- and long-term management plans to minimize the risks of future skin cancers and SkinIQ.

Preparing for Mohs Surgery

Continue your regular medications as prescribed. If taking any blood thinners such as Plavix or Coumadin (warfarin), consult with your prescribing physician. We normally do not stop them for surgery.
If you&rsquo taking aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, or other herbal supplements, please stop them ten days prior to Mohs surgery unless another physician has advised otherwise.
Please tell us if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted device. Also, let us know if you have an artificial joint or heart valve, have ever had rheumatic fever or a heart murmur, and/or if you take prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery or dental cleaning.
For Mohs micrographic surgery, expect to stay with us for 2-4 hours. We offer music and flat-screen TVs for streaming as you wait, and you can also bring reading material, your iPad, snacks, etc. You’re welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend, but please keep in mind that space in the room is limited, and the person you bring will have to remain in the waiting room during the active portions of the procedure.

Shower before your appointment, but please don't use cosmetics, lotion, makeup, or perfume.
Wear something comfortable, particularly around the area where the skin cancer is. We will need access to this area. We recommend dressing in layers, as some rooms may be cold.
Unless the area being treated is near the eye, you should be able to drive home after the procedure. However, it's always a good idea to have someone on standby to pick you up in case you don't feel well enough to drive home.
If we see you as a consult prior to the day of surgery, make sure to fill any prescriptions and obtain supplies well ahead of time in order to reduce stress the day of surgery.
Get a good night's rest and eat a hearty breakfast, making sure to take your medications as usual.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early.

The Importance of Being a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon

When you choose to work with Greco Dermatology, you can feel confident and assured you’re in the excellent hands of a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon in Sarasota & Venice, FL.

In addition to being a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon himself, Joseph F. Greco, M.D. also trained other fellows at UCLA in Mohs surgery. A fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon must undergo:

A competitive application, review, and selection process to be chosen for training
Extensive, hands-on direction and education from highly qualified trainers who are themselves, skilled practitioners of the Mohs procedure,
1-2 years of additional training after residency
Exposure to rare tumor pathology, difficult tumor locations, and complex wound reconstruction
A minimum of 650 cases during training

Dr. Joseph Greco: A Top Mohs Surgeon Serving Sarasota and Beyond

Not only is Mohs micrographic surgery one of our primary services at Greco Dermatology, but you can also be completely assured that you’re in excellent hands with Dr. Joseph Greco. As a top Mohs surgeon known for his Mohs work at UCLA — one of the premier hospital systems in the nation — he has been in the realm of skin cancer for 17 years and has the experience and recognition needed to give you complete confidence in your treatment.

Greco Dermatology is a premier Mohs center in Sarasota and surrounding areas with cutting-edge therapies and a double board-certified Mohs surgeon and skin cancer specialist at the helm. If you’re in the Sarasota or surrounding areaa and want to work with a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with unique and extensive experience in the field, we welcome you to schedule your consultation with us today.