Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery and expert eyelid reconstruction ensure complete skin cancer removal while preserving eye function and appearance. Dr. Connor specializes in restoring delicate eyelid anatomy after Mohs procedures in South Florida.

Understanding Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery

Skin cancer is one of the most common and treatable forms of cancer when caught early. Mohs surgery offers a precise, effective way to remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. When skin cancer occurs near the eyelid, reconstruction by a skilled oculoplastic surgeon ensures not only cosmetic results but also functional protection of the eye.

Being diagnosed with a skin cancer on or near the eyelid can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, this is a common condition, and highly effective treatment options are available. Our team works closely with Mohs surgeons to ensure both the complete removal of the cancer and a precise, aesthetically conscious reconstruction of the eyelid.

Why Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for removing certain types of skin cancer, especially in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas like the eyelids, nose, and face. It is especially effective for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The Mohs technique allows the surgeon to remove cancerous tissue layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure.

This method ensures:

Complete cancer removal
Maximum preservation of healthy tissue
The highest possible cure rate—up to 97–99.8% for many skin cancers

Dr. Connor with female patient and they are both smiling

Who Can Benefit From Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is recommended for:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Skin cancers in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas
Recurrent skin cancers

It is not typically used for melanoma but may be considered in select cases. Your dermatologist will determine whether Mohs is appropriate based on your diagnosis.

Due to Mohs’ high cure rate, anyone showing early signs of skin cancer can benefit from this procedure. Only one surgeon is necessary for the Mohs surgery portion of cancer removal, taking the potential of pathologist-to-surgeon miscommunication out of the equation and reducing the risk of skin cancer recurrence.

Mohs defects around the eye require meticulous reconstruction, with careful attention to the function and aesthetics of the eyelids. Dr. Connor has extensive training and experience in closing Mohs defects and will alleviate your anxiety by discussing a formal plan for your reconstruction with you.

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How Mohs Surgery Works

After the Mohs surgeon removes the skin cancer, Dr. Connor will perform the reconstruction to restore both appearance and function.

His experience in delicate eyelid anatomy allows him to tailor the reconstruction based on:

Size and location of the defect
Involvement of the eyelid margin, tear duct, or surrounding tissue

Reconstruction techniques may include:

Direct closure with fine sutures
Local tissue flaps using skin from adjacent areas
Skin grafts, when necessary, using donor skin from another part of the body

Dr. Connor is trusted by Mohs surgeons throughout South Florida for these procedures and works closely with them to coordinate care, often performing reconstruction on the same day or within 24 hours of the Mohs procedure.

How Can Mohs Surgery Help?

Mohs surgery has been shown to have a cure rate of 97-99.8% for most basic skin cancers. However, this method is not suitable for all skin cancers. What makes this method unique is that it allows for a full examination of both the treatment area and the extracted tissue. Using this micrographic cutting technique exclusive to Mohs, your doctor can accurately determine the potential for the cancer to spread and recommend long-term treatment.

Expectations During the Procedure

Skin cancer surgery is conducted only after a thorough consultation and assessment of the issue’s particulars. During the Mohs procedure, we will perform a surgical removal of the cancerous tissue and map it. Mapping the tissue involves freezing, cutting, and staining it to determine cancer severity. After the piece has been removed, possible tissue reconstruction may be done to reduce signs of scarring. The procedure is done under local anesthetic to minimize any pain and discomfort caused.

Recovery After Mohs Surgery

Depending on the size of your treatment area, recovery from Mohs surgery may take 4-6 weeks. This length of time is necessary for your wound to heal completely. Though possible, infection, bleeding, and pain are uncommon. This surgical procedure uses special sutures to minimize scarring and improve natural healing.

Recovery depends on the extent of reconstruction, but most patients experience:

Mild swelling or bruising around the eye for several days
Use of antibiotic ointment during healing
Suture removal after 5–10 days
Follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and cosmetic result

Patient Reviews

“I am super impressed with this practice. Dr. Connor is extremely talented. I made an appointment thinking that I needed surgery. A less professional and ethical Doctor could have easily scheduled a costly procedure. Dr. Connor was able to take...”

—Karen P.

“Being a patient of Dr Connor’s and his staff could not have gone more smoothly or been more professional. It was, and I don’t use this phrase lightly, perfect from start to finish. Dr Connor corrected a lower eyelid which...”

—Robert M.

“They made the process easy from start to finish with their friendly staff, informative literature, affordable payment plan and post surgery follow up. The results were amazing.”

—Jerome S.

“I did my research, read reviews and asked for recommendations before deciding on Dr. Connor. I could not be more pleased with the results and my experience from the second I walked into his office, to where I am today.

—Pat D.

“I cannot say enough amazing things about this office! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the sweetest and most professional staff you’ll ever meet. Their attention to detail, kindness, and efficiency set the gold standard for how...”

—Jason W.

“2018, Dr Michael Connor was highly recommended by my dermatologist to remove a xanthelasma palpebrarum on my eyelid. I didn’t know what to expect but Dr Connor explained the condition, cause, and procedure to remove it. He had time in...”

—Vickie D.

“Fantastic doctor and staff! Everyone is so friendly and makes the patient feel so comfortable and valued. Dr. Connor has such a great bedside manner! He is highly skilled and really spends the time pre and post op answering questions and...”

—Nicole F.

“I had the eyelid lift surgery in the office. It was virtually painless. The results were fabulous. Dr Connor and his staff are absolutely the best. If I could give them 10 stars I would.”

—Eva E.

“Dr Connor is terrific. He solved a persistent clogged oil duct problem painlessly. Staff is lovely as well. Very glad my optometrist recommended this excellent doctor.”

—Trish B.

“From the first phone call through the last check up this entire office is kind and professional. Dr. Connor has a wonderful personality and answers any questions and runs a lovely staff. Best of all...I can see better with the...”

—Claudine M.

“Dr. Connor does the best Botox injections! 12 weeks after last injections, there are still no wrinkles! Amazing. He just did around my eyes, which have a lot of - close to the surface veins, and didn't hit a one!!...”

—Carol C.

“They made the process easy from start to finish with their friendly staff, informative literature, affordable payment plan and post surgery follow up. The results were amazing.”

—Jerome S.

“I can not thank Dr Connor and his wonderful team enough for the care I received! Recently I had a basal cell below my right eye lid. The basal cell required the Mohs surgery first done by a dermatologist and...”

—Kelly K.

“We sought out a plastic surgeon when my husband began to have difficulty seeing because of excess drooping of his eyelids. After our consultation with Dr. Connor, we decided to repair both his upper and lower lids. We chose the...”

—Joan M.

“Dr Connor is terrific. He solved a persistent clogged oil duct problem painlessly. Staff is lovely as well. Very glad my optometrist recommended this excellent doctor.”

—Trish B.

“I was most comfortable with my first consultation with Dr. Conner explaining his procedure to correct and improve my upper and lower eyelids. From the moment I decided to have the surgery to my first appointment post surgery, I cannot...”

—Nancy F.

“Dr. Connor did an excellent job with my upper blepharoplasty. I came to him for revision surgery after another completely incompetent doctor had ruined my face. Dr. Connor is the go-to leading plastic surgeon for revision surgeries. I wish I...”

—Jon S.

“I chose Dr. Conner because he was very highly recommended by several medical professionals. They were not wrong. He is highly competent and very personable. He took the time to fully engage in discussion of the process and procedure. He...”

—Gerald B.

“Dr. Connor is an expert surgeon in oculoplastics and I knew I was in competent, capable hands from my first visit. Dr. Connor has a kind, thoughtful demeanor and was extremely responsive to my concerns. This was my first plastic...”

—Debra C.

“I had an upper blepharoplasty and lower skin pinch by Dr Conner. Both surgeries came out great. I would never go anywhere else. I am so pleased.”

—Patricia

“My experience from beginning to end was flawless. The Staff were kind and always concerned for my comfort. I went to sleep and woke up with no pain or worries. They checked on me through the recovery period with answers...”

—Sabrina R.

“Had a mini brow lift! Best thing I’ve done. Very little pain once compression bandage came off. Everyone terrific and communicated a lot! Highly recommend Dr Connor and staff”

—Trish A.

“I had an upper blepharoplasty in January and I'm thrilled with the results. Dr. Connor is talented and kind. The before and after photos were taken a month apart. Everyone in his practice is fantastic. Highly recommend.”

—Jaime G.

“From the first appointment through the final post op visit my expectations were exceeded.Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr Connor is a gifted surgeon and I was amazed to get a post op call at home from Dr. Connor with...”

—Mark E.

“The office is beautiful and the staff warm, welcoming and efficient. Dr. Connor is a very skilled Oculoplastic surgeon with a warm and calming personality. I very pleased with my lower lid blepharoplasty and recommend this practice highly.”

—Carolyn K.

“Amazing! Dr. Connor is extremely knowledgeable and truly an expert in his field. I am so thankful I chose Dr. Connor for my upper eyelid surgery and under eye laser procedure. During my visits and surgery I found the entire...”

—Stephanie F.

“I cannot praise the medical team enough; they are simply amazing! Dr. Connor epitomizes positivity, professionalism, and approachability, backed by unparalleled medical expertise and surgical finesse. Spending time with him and his compassionate team was genuinely enjoyable. And the results?...”

—Dave M.

“I can’t say enough amazing things about this practice! From the staff that welcomes you, to Kim and Lindsey who schedule and walk you through your procedure, and finally to Dr. Connor, Erin, and Melanie, top notch. My upper lids...”

—Dory-Anne B.

“The office staff and Dr. Connor are so kind and professional. I had amazing results after my upper eyelid bleph. I can wear my contacts again because the loose skin isn't dragging the lens with each blink. I look 12...”

—Tori V.

“I am 71 and my eyes had drooped so much that I basically had two narrow slits to try to see through. I had stopped reading magazines such as New York and Vanity Fair because the squinting was too difficult...”

—Andy K.

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How Much Does Mohs Reconstruction Cost?

An average cost for Mohs reconstruction surgery ranges from $2,500-8,000 depending on the treatment area size and the amount of tissue that must be removed. Treating skin cancer may be an ongoing process and may require subsequent visits with your doctor. Therefore a consultation with Dr. Michael Connor will be needed to get a thorough cost assessment. Dr. Connor can provide a cost estimate during an in-person consultation at our Palm Beach Gardens practice.

Does Insurance cover it?

Our office is a self-pay practice and does not file insurance claims on behalf of patients. However, we are happy to provide the necessary documentation, including procedure and diagnosis codes, that you can submit to your insurance provider. Reimbursement will depend on your specific plan and out-of-network benefits. We recommend contacting your insurer ahead of time for more information.

“If there were more stars to give, I’d give them! ”

"This office, the staff, and the Doctor himself are well above 5 stars. If you could have seen my eye after an in-depth Mohs surgery, and you looked at my eye now after Dr. Connor’s work, you would be in complete AWE!! Dr. Connor is so skilled, professional, and puts you in complete calmness! His staff is the best I’ve ever been with. So I’m going with 10 stars!!”

– Terri N.

Mohs Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Michael Connor, MD, has been serving the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, community for many years. His breadth of surgical expertise makes him exceptionally qualified to remove lesions. For more information on what Mohs surgery can do for you, we invite you to contact Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants today by calling (561) 845-6500 or filling out the form below.

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