Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early—and Mohs surgery offers one of the most effective solutions available today. At Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Singapore, we specialise in Mohs micrographic surgery, a precision-based technique designed to remove skin cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
Whether you're dealing with a recurrent tumour or one located in a cosmetically sensitive area, Mohs surgery may be the best approach for both treatment and aesthetic outcomes.
Mohs surgery that is also called is also called mohs micrographic surgery its a highly detailed method used to treat skin cancers such as Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) or squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). What sets it apart is how it combines surgical excision with immediate microscopic analysis. The procedure involves the stepwise removal of visible cancerous tissue, with each layer checked under a microscope.
The process is continued until there are no cancerous cells left, thus offering the best chance of complete removal with maximum preservation of healthy skin.
This technique offers several advantages, making it the gold standard for treating certain skin cancers:
Mohs micrographic surgery is particularly effective in the following cases:
If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, our team will assess your skin and advise the most appropriate treatment option.
Mohs surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and usually completed in stages in a single outpatient visit. Here’s how it works:
You will have a dedicated room where you can rest while waiting for the skin tissue to be processed. A dressing will be put in place while we wait for the results, which will typically take between 1 to 2 hours. Most patients remain comfortable throughout, and you’ll receive thorough aftercare instructions before leaving.
At Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, we often recommend Mohs surgery because of its unique combination of precision, safety, and cosmetic benefit. Here's why it's a top choice:
Finding a qualified clinic for Mohs surgery in Singapore is critical to your care and outcome. This procedure should be carried out by a dermatologist who has received subspecialty training in Mohs surgery, as the surgeon is involved in both surgical removal of skin cancer as well as examination of the surgical margins under the microscope.
Prior to joining private practice, Dr Evelyn completed a year’s fellowship in London, where she trained under the tutelage of many established Mohs surgeons and at a high-volume centre for Mohs surgery (St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London). She was also an integral member of the dermatosurgery team at Changi General Hospital.
As a female surgeon who is also trained to perform aesthetic procedures, Dr Evelyn firmly believes in effectively removing skin cancer while maximally preserving tissue, as well as utilizing meticulous and advanced techniques to deliver optimal cosmetic outcomes. Dr Evelyn is also an elected member of the American College of Mohs Surgery and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
With cutting-edge facilities and a patient-first approach, we ensure a seamless, safe, and well-informed treatment experience. We are also equipped as a MOH-accredited facility to perform e-filing for Mohs surgery to assist in your insurance claims.
From the initial assessment to wound healing and follow-up, we prioritise your comfort, cosmetic concerns, and long-term skin health.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure. You may experience some bruising or swelling, which typically subsides within a few days. Some oral painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the number of stages of Mohs surgery and the reconstruction technique utilized.
Proper wound care is essential—we’ll provide detailed instructions and schedule a follow-up if needed to ensure everything is healing well. Post-operatively, you will have to avoid heavy exercises and avoid swimming for at least 2 weeks.
Stitches are usually removed in 1 to 2 weeks while dressing changes can be performed in clinic or done at home depending on the complexity of the surgery.
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer—or if you’ve noticed a lesion that looks suspicious—don’t delay. Early detection and precise treatment can make all the difference.
Schedule a consultation with our dermatologist to find out whether Mohs micrographic surgery is suitable for your condition. At Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, your skin health is important to us.
Traditional excision involves removing the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue. In contrast, Mohs micrographic surgery examines each layer of tissue in real time, ensuring cancer cells are removed before the wound is closed. This leads to higher cure rates and better cosmetic outcomes, especially for cancers in sensitive or visible areas.
The decision to treat with Mohs surgery or traditional skin cancer removal i.e wide local excision is personal and guided by many factors such as the type and location of skin cancer as well as the age and mobility of the patient. A consult with your dermatologist is important to establish the best treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. You can check the difference between Mohs surgery and wide local excision in table:
| Mohs Micrographic Surgery | Wide Local Excision |
| Preferred for non-melanoma skin cancers like BCC and SCC, with good cure rates compared to wide local excision | Typically chosen for tumours with irregular growth patterns such as melanoma or extramammary Paget's disease |
| More thorough examination of both peripheral and deep surgical margins for comprehensive cancer removal | Less thorough examination of peripheral and deep margins due to “bread-loafing” technique |
| Allows for maximal preservation of healthy tissue during tumour removal | Less tissue-sparing than Mohs Micrographic Surgery |
| Entire process, from tumour removal to microscopic examination and reconstruction, is completed on the same day | Delay between surgical excision and histology results, with the possibility of additional procedures if margins are found to be positive for cancer |
| Takes longer to complete and is done in stages | Quick to perform and in one sitting |
| Requires specialised skills and more tedious | Less tedious |
| More expensive | Less costly |
Mohs surgery is most commonly used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly when the tumours are:
Yes, Mohs surgery is offered at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Singapore. Our team is experienced in performing this technique with precision, offering patients access to advanced, evidence-based skin cancer treatment close to home.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so patients typically feel little to no discomfort during the surgery. There may be some pain, swelling and bruising post-op, but this is usually mild and can be managed with oral painkillers and minimizing physical activity and alcohol consumption post surgery.
The duration can vary depending on the size and complexity of the tumour. On average, Mohs surgery begins at 9am in the morning and ends around 2 to 3pm in the afternoon. The surgery is done in stages. Hence, there will be a waiting time of 1 to 2 hours while waiting for the tissue to be processed. Since the tissue is examined immediately on-site, patients will remain at the clinic throughout the entire process.
Recovery usually involves keeping the surgical site clean and protected. Our clinic provides detailed post-operative care instructions and will schedule follow-up visits and phone calls to monitor post-op progress. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, although strenuous activities may be temporarily limited temporarily.
As with any skin surgery, scarring is possible. However, one of the advantages of Mohs surgery is that it is tissue-preserving, which can result in a smaller scar. Surgical scars can then be managed with scar gels, tapes and dressings, laser treatments (pulsed dye laser, fractional carbon dioxide laser, picosure pro, microneedling radiofrequency) or intralesional steroid or botulinum toxin injections.
