Skin Cancer Surgery in
Marietta & East Cobb
Board-certified surgical dermatology care for the complete removal of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – with expert reconstruction to optimize both safety and cosmetic outcomes.
What Is Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin cancer surgery is the definitive treatment for biopsy-confirmed skin cancers – including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The goal is complete removal of all cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and achieving the best cosmetic and functional outcome.
Unlike topical treatments or cryotherapy that destroy tissue without margin verification, surgical excision provides a tissue specimen that can be examined microscopically to confirm the cancer has been completely removed. This margin analysis is the most reliable way to ensure cure.
At DESSNA, skin cancer surgery is performed by board-certified dermatologists and a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon. We select the surgical approach based on the cancer type, size, location, and your individual risk factors – ensuring the highest cure rate with the best possible cosmetic result.
Surgical approaches we offer
Standard Surgical Excision
Complete removal of the skin cancer with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. The specimen is sent to pathology for margin analysis to confirm the cancer has been fully removed. The gold standard for most confirmed skin cancers.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Layer-by-layer removal with real-time microscopic margin analysis, achieving cure rates up to 99%. Ideal for skin cancers on the face, ears, nose, and other cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas where tissue preservation is critical.
Wide Local Excision
Removal of the cancer with wider margins, typically used for melanoma and certain aggressive squamous cell carcinomas. Margin width is determined by tumor thickness and pathology findings to ensure complete clearance.
Surgical Reconstruction
After cancer removal, the surgical defect is repaired using the technique that provides the best functional and cosmetic outcome – including direct closure, local flaps, skin grafts, or healing by secondary intention.
Why Skin Cancer Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery is the most effective treatment for confirmed skin cancer because it provides complete removal with pathological verification. The specific approach depends on the cancer type, location, and risk profile.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common skin cancer. Grows slowly but can cause significant local tissue destruction if untreated. Surgical excision or Mohs surgery achieves cure rates above 95 – 99% depending on the technique and tumor characteristics.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common skin cancer with potential to metastasize if left untreated. Aggressive or high-risk SCCs require surgical excision with adequate margins or Mohs surgery to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence.
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer. Surgical excision with appropriate margins based on tumor thickness (Breslow depth) is the primary treatment. Early-stage melanoma has a 5-year survival rate above 99% when completely excised.
High-Risk Locations
Skin cancers on the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, scalp, hands, and genitals require specialized surgical techniques that balance complete cancer removal with preservation of appearance and function.
How We Perform Skin Cancer Surgery at DESSNA
We combine surgical precision with compassionate care – removing every cancer cell while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue and delivering the best possible cosmetic result.
Pre-Surgical Planning
Your dermatologist reviews your biopsy pathology, examines the cancer site, and determines the most appropriate surgical approach. We assess tumor size, depth, location, and subtype to plan the excision margins, anticipate reconstruction needs, and set clear expectations for the procedure and recovery.
Precise Surgical Removal
Under local anesthesia, we perform the excision using the technique best suited to your cancer – whether standard excision with margins, Mohs micrographic surgery with real-time margin analysis, or wide local excision for melanoma. Every step prioritizes complete cancer removal while preserving maximum healthy tissue.
Reconstruction & Follow-Up
After cancer removal, the surgical defect is repaired using the technique that provides the best functional and cosmetic outcome. We provide detailed wound care instructions, schedule follow-up to monitor healing and review pathology results, and establish a long-term surveillance plan to monitor for recurrence or new cancers.
Skin Cancer Surgery Options at Our Marietta Practice
Every skin cancer surgery at DESSNA includes both complete cancer removal and expert reconstruction. The technique is selected based on cancer type, location, size, and your individual risk factors.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Layer-by-layer removal with 100% real-time margin analysis. Achieves cure rates up to 99% for primary BCC and 97% for primary SCC while preserving maximum healthy tissue. Ideal for cancers on the face, ears, nose, and other cosmetically sensitive areas.
Standard Surgical Excision
Complete removal of the cancer with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The specimen is sent to pathology for margin analysis. Performed under local anesthesia in our Marietta office with reconstruction at the same visit.
Wide Local Excision
Removal with wider margins calibrated to tumor thickness and pathology findings. Used for melanoma and high-risk squamous cell carcinomas where broader clearance is needed to ensure complete removal and reduce metastatic risk.
Advanced Flap Reconstruction
Local tissue rearrangement using advancement, rotation, or transposition flaps to close surgical defects with optimal cosmetic outcomes. Our fellowship-trained surgeon has extensive experience in facial reconstruction techniques.
Skin Grafting
Full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafts from donor sites to repair larger surgical defects. Carefully matched for color, texture, and thickness to achieve the most natural-looking result.
Post-Surgical Surveillance
Regular follow-up examinations monitor the surgical site for recurrence and screen for new skin cancers. We build a comprehensive sun protection and skin surveillance plan to reduce future risk and catch any new concerns early.
Mohs vs. Standard Excision: Understanding the Difference
Both approaches remove skin cancer, but the method of margin analysis is fundamentally different:
Every edge examined in real time
Bread-loaf sections miss tissue between slices
Only re-excise where cancer remains
Removes extra healthy tissue as safety buffer
Highest cure rate for primary BCC
Choosing the Right Surgical Approach
Location Drives the Decision
Skin cancers on the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, and scalp require Mohs surgery because even millimeters of unnecessary tissue removal can affect appearance and function. For cancers on the trunk and extremities, standard excision often provides excellent cure rates with a simpler procedure.
Cancer Type & Aggressiveness Matter
Aggressive subtypes (morpheaform BCC, poorly differentiated SCC) and recurrent cancers have higher recurrence risk and benefit from Mohs surgery's complete margin control. Melanoma requires wide local excision with margins calibrated to tumor thickness. Your dermatologist's expertise in selecting the right procedure is the most important factor in your outcome.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, a consultation with our surgical team ensures you receive the treatment approach with the highest cure rate and the best cosmetic outcome for your specific situation.
What Our Patients Say
“Doctor Edward Chen is the BEST! He's very professional, very caring, he will always give you his honest advice. He helped my son who had acne issues – his skin now looks great like never before.”
“Dr. Candace Green has a very warm bedside manner and makes you feel very comfortable! Great office, staff, and overall experience.”
“The office is well run and Dr. Green is thorough.”
Skin Cancer Surgery FAQs
Answers to the questions our Marietta and East Cobb patients ask most about skin cancer surgery.
No. Skin cancer surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel a brief pinch from the numbing injection, but the surgery itself is painless. Most patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Diagnosed With Skin Cancer in Marietta or East Cobb?
Your first step is a consultation with our surgical team. We will review your biopsy results, evaluate the cancer site, and determine the most effective surgical approach for your specific case – with a clear plan for both removal and reconstruction.
Our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon achieves up to 99% cure rates while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
Related Conditions & Services
Explore other surgical dermatology services we offer at our Marietta practice