294 Charlestown Rd, Charlestown
reception@frontierdermatology.com.au
Fax: (02) 4088 8086
(02) 4022 8739
Surgical Dermatology

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer, confirming the removal of the cancer at the time of the procedure, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Dr Thomas Barrett is one of two accredited practitioners providing Mohs Micrographic Surgery in the Newcastle region. Pre-Mohs surgery consultations are held at Frontier and Mohs surgeries are performed at Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown.

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs surgery removes skin cancer in stages. Using local anaesthetic, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, maps it, and examines 100% of the surgical margin under a microscope while you wait. If cancer cells remain at any edge, another layer is taken from that precise area only. This process repeats until all margins are clear.

Because each layer is mapped and examined in real time, Mohs achieves the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment while removing the least amount of healthy skin.

When Mohs Surgery May Be Recommended

Your GP or dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery when a skin cancer is:

  • Located on the face, ears, nose, lips, eyelids, hands, feet or genitals
  • Large, aggressive or has unclear borders
  • Recurring after previous treatment
  • A high-risk subtype (certain basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas)

Mohs surgery is used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and other selected skin cancers where margin control is critical.

What to Expect

01
Before the procedure
Dr Barrett will assess the skin cancer during a consultation at Frontier Dermatology. If Mohs surgery is required, he will coordiante a surgical date and provide all necessary documentation to facilitate a procedure at Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown (RSCC). Their team will make contact the day before the procedure.
02
On the day of the procedure @ RSCC
Plan for a full day. Each stage of tissue removal and microscopic examination takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Most cancers are cleared in 1–3 stages. You'll be awake and comfortable throughout with the use of local anaesthetic. Bring something to read between stages.
03
Wound closure
Once all margins are clear, the wound is repaired. Depending on the size and location, this may involve direct closure with stitches, a local skin flap, or a skin graft. Dr Barrett will discuss the reconstruction plan before the procedure.
04
Recovery
Dr Barrett will provide detailed wound care instructions to support your recovery at home. A follow-up appointment is arranged to check healing and removal of stitches. Dr Barrett will advise on an ongoing skin surveillance plan.

Your Mohs Surgery Specialist

Dr Thomas Barrett

B.Econ B.Med FACD · Medical Registration No. MED0001868799

Referral note: Dr Barrett's books closed, March 2026. He continues to accept referrals for Mohs surgery.  

All referrals for consideration for Mohs surgery must include details of biopsy, photographs, histopathology reports, and confirmation of private health coverage.
Dr Barrett is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and is qualified in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. He completed his dermatology training across multiple tertiary hospitals in NSW and has published research in domestic and international dermatology journals. Dr Barrett maintains public hospital commitments as a Visiting Medical Officer at John Hunter Hospital.
Consults at Frontier on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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Pre-Mohs surgery consultations are held at Frontier Dermatology.
Mohs surgery procedures are performed at Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown.
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Book a consultation

Mohs surgery requires a referral from your GP or specialist.
Once obtained, contact us to arrange a pre-Mohs surgery
consultation with Dr Barrett.

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294 Charlestown Road
Charlestown NSW 2290
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