Precise skin cancer treatment with care at every step
A skin cancer diagnosis can bring questions and uncertainty. At Davie Dermatology, Dr. Frank “Tony” Lacy provides Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Our onsite laboratory allows Dr. Lacy to examine the removed tissue during your visit and determine whether additional treatment is needed before planning your repair.
Have a skin cancer diagnosis and referral? Call 336-940-2407 and ask for Mohs scheduling.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer in carefully mapped stages. After each stage, the removed tissue is examined under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, another thin layer is removed from the affected area.
This process continues until the examined margins, meaning the outer edges and underside of the removed tissue, are clear of cancer.
Why might Mohs be recommended?
Mohs is often used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, particularly when preserving healthy tissue matters or the cancer has a higher risk of returning.
Its benefits include:
- A high cure rate. Mohs surgery offers cure rates of up to 99% for new skin cancers and up to 95% for skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment. Source: American College of Mohs Surgery (opens in a new tab).
- Careful margin examination. Tissue is checked during the procedure to guide further removal.
- Preservation of healthy skin. Additional tissue is removed only where cancer remains.
Your provider will help determine whether Mohs is appropriate for your diagnosis.
What happens on surgery day?
- The area is numbed. Local anesthesia helps keep you comfortable while you remain awake.
- The visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue are removed.
- The tissue is examined in our onsite laboratory. You wait with a bandage in place while the tissue is processed and checked.
- Additional stages are performed if needed.
- Your repair is planned. Once the margins are clear, Dr. Lacy discusses the best way for the area to heal.
Treatment and repair are typically completed during the same visit. Because the number of stages varies, plan to keep the full day available.
Healing after Mohs surgery
Your repair depends on the size and location of the wound. Options may include stitches, a skin flap, a skin graft, or allowing the area to heal naturally.
Mohs surgery does leave a scar. Our priority is to remove the cancer while preserving healthy tissue and choosing an appropriate repair. It is normal for the area to look different during early healing, and scars can continue to soften and fade for a year or longer. The final appearance varies with the size and location of the wound, the repair, and how your skin heals. The goal is the best possible healing and cosmetic result, but a scar-free result cannot be guaranteed. During your consultation, your care team will discuss what to expect and explain wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up instructions.
Meet your Mohs surgeon
Dr. Frank “Tony” Lacy, MD
Dr. Lacy is fellowship trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic oncology, and reconstructive surgery. His practice focuses on diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
Our Mohs Surgeon: Dr. Lacy
Frank “Tony” Lacy, MD is a proud native of the state of West Virginia. Dr. Lacy is fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Dermatologic Oncology, and Reconstructive Surgery and double board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and American College of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Lacy has completed over 3,000 Mohs cases. He completed his Bachelor’s in Honors Biology at West Virginia University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and as a member of Mountain honorary. After undergraduate, Tony enrolled at West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his medical degree in 2018. While in medical school, Dr. Lacy was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha as a 3rd year medical student and was voted by his peers into the Gold Humanism Honors Society while graduating at the top of his class.
After completion of his internship at West Virginia University Hospital, Dr. Lacy relocated to Chapel Hill, NC, to pursue his residency training in dermatology at the University of North Carolina. He had the honor of serving as Chief Resident during his final year of training. Following residency, Dr. Lacy completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at Zitelli & Brodland Skin Cancer Center, regarded by many as the top fellowship training program in the country. During his rigorous fellowship year, Dr. Lacy received extensive hands-on training in Mohs Micrographic surgery and complex surgical reconstruction from Dr. John A. Zitelli and Dr. David G. Brodland, both former presidents of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Within the field of Mohs surgery and dermatologic oncology, Dr. Lacy has published numerous articles related to the diagnosis and management of skin cancers and has presented at local, regional and national meetings. His clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of skin cancers.
In his time outside of medicine, Dr. Lacy enjoys playing golf (with adequate sun protection, of course), basketball, traveling and spending time with his friends and family.
Patient testimonials5 testimonials
"I appreciate the courtesy, the professional behavior of all the staff, the expedience and the confidence of Dr. Lacy and his medical team and the care expressed during my treatment and recovery."
"Dr. Lacy is awesome!! Very nice and polite. He explained the procedure and everything he was doing. I felt very comfortable with them. I know I will see them again."
"Dr. Lacy removed a squamous from the crown of my head. The Doctor and assistant were extremely patient and really capable. I would certainly not hesitate to have them operate any other time I need such an operation."
"Dr. Lacy and his staff were very informative and kind. Thank you for making it such a great experience!"
"Very professional in every respect. Dr. Lacy called to follow up and ask how I was feeling. Very much appreciated."
Schedule the care you need
Call our office at 336-940-2407Learn more: American Academy of Dermatology · American College of Mohs Surgery