Mohs Surgery
Mohs Surgery at WellAve
Meet Our Mohs Surgeons
Our Mohs Surgery team is led by Dr. Allen Harrington, M.D., FAAD, FACMS and Dr. Kara Hoverson, M.D., FAAD, FACMS.
Dr. Harrington, our medical director, is one of the most experienced skin cancer surgeons on the East coast, with over 30 years of experience. After graduating from Harvard University and Dartmouth Medical School, he completed his dermatology residency at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Tuft’s New England Medical Center. Dr Harrington was the former director of cutaneous surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and associate professor at Johns Hopkins. He has published several articles and textbook chapters on skin cancer and continues to actively research and lecture to advance the field of cutaneous surgery.
Dr. Hoverson is board certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. She graduated magna cum laude from North Dakota State University with a BS in microbiology and continued her graduate education in virology. She graduated at the top of her class from the Chicago Medical School. She then completed her intern year at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii followed by dermatology residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She spent a year working as general dermatologist at WRNMMC where she was selected for fellowship training. She did a combined American College of Mohs surgery (ACMS) and American society for dermatologic surgery (ASDS) fellowship at Skincare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, MA training under Dr. Thomas Rohrer.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs or Microscopically Controlled Surgery was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in the 1940s as a more precise way to remove skin cancers. The basic principle behind the Mohs' technique is to remove the entire skin cancer without taking any more normal skin than is absolutely necessary. A smaller initial margin as compared to an excision is taken, and additional layers are removed in areas that are positive as needed. Mohs surgery requires highly-trained personnel and is reserved for challenging and delicate skin cancers.
What to Expect When Having Mohs Surgery:
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure. You will receive detailed instructions for preparation and follow up if you are scheduled for this type of surgery. Although the average length for Mohs surgery is approximately 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, you should plan on spending significantly longer. Bring a book, tablet, or other items to keep you entertained, as there are waits of an hour or more while each layer is being examined. The length of surgery will depend on the size and location of the cancer. Generally, it’s best to have a ride home, so have one available.
Why WellAve?
In addition to our highly-trained physicians, WellAve is equipped with a state-of-the-art Mohs Surgery Facility in Frederick. It is complete with an onsite laboratory equipped with the Advantik QS12 Cryostat, the most advanced Cryostat available, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, in the pathological processing of skin cancer.
You can expect a seamless experience at both the Annapolis office and the Frederick Surgery Center. WellAve accepts most insurances and accepts outside dermatology referrals to the center. The Frederick facility boasts new surgery suites, multiple exam rooms and an environment designed to prioritize patient comfort and well-being.
"We are committed to delivering top-notch care to our community, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality treatment close to home. With the opening of the WellAve Mohs Surgery Center, patients no longer need to travel far to receive the highest cure rates achieved with the Mohs surgical technique."
~ Dr. Harrington
WellAve provides Mohs surgery in both the Frederick and Annapolis locations.
