Why FACMS-Certified Mohs Surgeon Matters
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and your physician has recommended Mohs surgery, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right surgeon. You may notice that some specialists list “FACMS” after their name—but what does that mean, and why should it influence your choice?
At Skin Cancer Center of Connecticut, Mohs surgery is performed by fellowship-trained specialist Dr. Andrew Herbst, MD, FACMS. His advanced training and experience help ensure patients receive precise, effective treatment with a focus on both cure and cosmetic outcomes.
Understanding Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is performed in stages, removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope during the procedure.
This step-by-step process continues until all cancer cells have been removed.
Key benefits of Mohs surgery include:
- Exceptionally high cure rates
- Preservation of healthy surrounding tissue
- Reduced scarring compared to traditional excision
Because Mohs surgery combines surgical precision with immediate microscopic evaluation, it requires a high level of expertise and training.
What Does FACMS Certification Mean?
FACMS stands for Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. This designation indicates that a physician has completed a rigorous fellowship specifically focused on Mohs surgery after dermatology residency.
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited Mohs surgery fellowship and ACGME board certification
- Advanced surgical and pathology training
- Experience managing complex skin cancer cases
Physicians with this credential have specialized expertise in both cancer removal and reconstruction.
Why Experience and Training Make a Difference
Precision in Cancer Removal
Mohs surgery requires careful mapping and microscopic analysis to ensure complete removal of cancer while preserving healthy tissue.
Reduced Risk of Recurrence
The detailed evaluation performed during Mohs surgery helps reduce the likelihood that cancer cells are left behind.
Attention to Cosmetic Outcomes
Many skin cancers develop on visible areas such as the face. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are skilled in techniques that help maintain both appearance and function.
High Standards of Care
FACMS-certified surgeons meet rigorous training standards and stay current with best practices in skin cancer treatment.
Skin Cancer Care in Connecticut You Can Trust
Patients across Connecticut trust Skin Cancer Center of Connecticut for expert diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. The practice focuses on early detection, advanced surgical care, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient.
If you’ve been advised to undergo Mohs surgery, choosing a fellowship-trained specialist like Dr. Herbst can make a meaningful difference in your results.
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Mohs Surgeon
- Have you completed a Mohs surgery fellowship?
- Are you FACMS-certified?
- How often do you perform Mohs surgery?
- What should I expect for recovery and healing?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mohs surgery the best treatment for skin cancer?
Mohs surgery offers some of the highest cure rates for certain types of skin cancer, particularly in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas.
Does FACMS certification matter?
Yes. It indicates advanced fellowship training and specialized expertise in Mohs surgery.
What is recovery like?
Recovery depends on the size and location of the treated area, but most patients heal well and resume normal activities quickly.
Will there be a scar?
All surgeries may result in a scar, but Mohs surgery minimizes tissue removal and focuses on optimal cosmetic outcomes.
The Takeaway
Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for many skin cancers, but outcomes depend heavily on the expertise of the surgeon. Choosing an FACMS-certified physician ensures a higher level of training in both cancer removal and reconstruction.
At Skin Cancer Center of Connecticut, patients receive expert care from fellowship-trained specialists dedicated to achieving the best possible results.