How to find the best Mohs surgeon in Miami
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating certain types of skin cancer, especially in areas where preserving healthy tissue is vital for cosmetic or functional reasons. The success of the procedure depends not only on the complete removal of cancerous tissue but also on the skill of the surgeon performing the reconstruction. In Miami, where skin cancer is prevalent due to year-round sun exposure, many experienced Mohs surgeons are available. To find the best one for your needs, follow a structured approach that begins with trusted referrals, followed by independent research and credential verification.
Start with personal and professional referrals
One of the most effective ways to begin your search is by asking for referrals from trusted sources. Family, friends, or colleagues who have undergone Mohs surgery can provide valuable insight into their experience—what the process was like, how satisfied they were with their cosmetic outcome, and whether they felt supported throughout the treatment. Their recommendations can help you narrow your focus to surgeons who are known not only for technical skill and beautiful outcomes but also for their attentive and compassionate care.
In addition to personal referrals, consult your existing medical providers. Your primary care physician, dermatologist, or oncologist likely has a professional network that includes trusted Mohs surgeons in the Miami area. These providers often refer patients to surgeons whose outcomes they have observed directly, offering you an additional layer of reassurance regarding clinical quality.
Read online reviews
Once you have a few names, take time to read online reviews to better understand the overall patient experience with each surgeon. Review platforms such as Google, Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and RealSelf provide feedback on various aspects of care, including professionalism, bedside manner, office efficiency, cosmetic results, and postoperative support. While individual reviews can vary, consistent positive feedback across multiple platforms may suggest a strong reputation in the community.
Pay close attention to comments from patients who had surgery in cosmetically sensitive areas like the ears, nose, cheeks, or around the eyes. These reviews can help you assess the surgeon’s skill in performing delicate reconstructions with minimal scarring.
Verify credentials and specialization
After narrowing down your list, confirm each surgeon’s professional qualifications. The most important credential for a Mohs surgeon is fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery. Surgeons who have completed an approved fellowship program are members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). This distinction ensures that they have undergone an additional year of hands-on, specialized training beyond dermatology residency. You can verify a surgeon’s ACMS fellowship status by using the searchable database on the American College of Mohs Surgery website.
You should also confirm that the surgeon is board-certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to high standards of clinical competence, ethics, and continuing education.
Understand the surgeon’s role in reconstruction
Unlike general dermatologists or skin cancer surgeons without formal Mohs training, ACMS fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are specifically trained to perform reconstructions immediately following tumor removal. These reconstructions are not outsourced; they are an integral part of the Mohs procedure. Depending on the size, location, and depth of the cancer, reconstruction may involve techniques such as layered closures, skin grafts, or local tissue flaps. These are performed during the same visit to ensure optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Whether in an academic or private setting, your chosen surgeon should perform the procedure in an on-site, accredited surgical suite with an in-house lab to examine tissue margins. This setup is standard for Mohs surgery and ensures same-day completion of both excision and reconstruction.
Confirm insurance and scheduling
Before scheduling the procedure, confirm whether the practice accepts your insurance and clarify any out-of-pocket costs. Ask about appointment availability, postoperative care instructions, and how follow-up visits are managed.
Schedule a consultation
Meeting the surgeon in person allows you to evaluate their communication style, attentiveness, and willingness to answer your questions. During your consultation, the surgeon should explain the likely reconstruction method based on your specific diagnosis and show you photos of similar cases. A qualified Mohs surgeon will help you feel informed and confident about every step of your care. Request to see before-and-after photographs of similar cases, particularly if your cancer is located on the face. They may also be available on the surgeon’s website.
Whether in an academic or private setting, your chosen surgeon should perform the procedure in an on-site, accredited surgical suite with an in-house lab to examine tissue margins. This setup is standard for Mohs surgery and ensures same-day completion of both excision and reconstruction.
With all the information you have collected, choose the best Mohs surgeon for you.
Dr. Shagalov is a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Dr. Shagalov has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and is well-known for her excellent cosmetic outcomes and personal care. Her practice, Biscayne Dermatology, is situated in Midtown Miami, serving areas including Edgewater, Wynwood, and the Design District. Contact her office to schedule a consultation to learn more about her expertise.
