5-Star Google review
Gary W.
"I have undergone three surgeries with Dr. Downing to remove skin cancer, all of which were remarkably comfortable and painless. Dr. Downing’s excellent communication skills and warm sense of humor truly put us at ease. We are grateful for the outstanding service and highly recommend this practice.”
verified Healthgrades® review
Rodney R.
“Dr. MacFarlane professionally addressed a squamous cell carcinoma issue using a Mohs Surgery procedure. I could not be more pleased with the exceptional physician and her entire supporting staff. Your talent and inspiring gift is exemplary!"”
What Our Patients Are Saying
Schedule a consultation to discover why Greater Houston patients trust Dr. MacFarlane and Dr. Downing for Mohs surgery at our Magnolia, Texas, location.
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Meet Dr. Christopher Downing and Dr. Deborah MacFarlane, double board-certified Mohs surgeons serving Houston-area patients—with Mohs surgery available at our Magnolia office.
Precise Skin Cancer Removal With Mohs Surgery in the Houston Area
What Is Mohs Surgery?
If you've been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, especially in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas, Mohs micrographic surgery meticulously removes the cancerous tissue. During the procedure, Dr. Downing and Dr. MacFarlane remove the visible part of the cancer and then examine the tissue using a microscope. They repeat the process until only visibly healthy skin remains.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
The Importance of Skin Cancer Screenings
Getting regular screenings can detect skin cancer early and potentially avoid the need for Mohs surgery. Our board-certified dermatologists use a dermatoscope to closely examine suspicious moles or lesions by illuminating and magnifying them. We use the examination results to track any changes over time.
Why Houston-Area Patients Choose Our Mohs Surgeons
Mohs Surgery FAQ
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Does Mohs surgery result in a scar?
What types of skin cancer are treated with Mohs surgery?
A: While predicting the precise duration of each Mohs procedure is impossible, the entire process usually lasts several hours. After consulting with Dr. Downing or Dr. MacFarlane, you should have a better idea of what to expect during your treatment.
A: Yes, a scar forms anytime the skin is cut. All skin cancer removal procedures create scars, but Mohs surgery minimizes them by limiting the removal of healthy tissue. The appearance of the scar often improves with time.
A: Mohs surgery removes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, in addition to early-stage melanoma. It can also be used to treat several other less common forms of skin cancer.
MODEL
MODELS
© Houston Dermatology Specialists. All rights reserved.
Houston Dermatology Specialists
13114 FM 1960 Rd W, Suite 119
Houston, TX 77065
Phone: (713) 487-8233
Fax: (713) 583-9004
PRACTICE HOURS
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m
Dr. Christopher Downing and Dr. Deborah MacFarlane are double board-certified dermatologists and Mohs micrographic surgeons. At Houston Dermatology Specialists, they offer skin cancer services, such as screenings and Mohs micrographic surgery. Houston Dermatology Specialists has offices in Houston and Magnolia, Texas, and welcomes people from Cypress, Willowbrook, Jersey Village, Copperfield, Katy, Northwest Houston, Sugarland, Hockley, Waller, Hempstead, Brenham, and throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Houston Dermatology Specialists
6875 FM 1488, Suite 1500
Magnolia, TX 77354
Phone: (281) 677-3091
Fax: (281) 767-9538
PRACTICE HOURS
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m
Houston Office
Magnolia Office
- Highest cure rate: Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for first-time skin cancer diagnoses.
- Preserves healthy tissue: By removing cells in stages, Mohs surgery lowers the likelihood of unnecessarily removing healthy cells and minimizes scarring.
- Effective for sensitive areas: The technique is ideal for removing skin cancer from the face, ears, nose, and genitals.
- Outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic: Dr. Downing and Dr. MacFarlane keep you comfortable during treatment by performing Mohs surgery in-office and numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic.
Introducing Dr. Deborah MacFarlane
Dr. Deborah MacFarlane spent decades at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the country's leading cancer institutions, directing its Mohs Unit and training the next generation of Mohs surgeons. Now she brings that depth of expertise to Houston Dermatology Specialists, where she and Dr. Downing offer patients access to some of the most experienced Mohs care in the Houston area.
Getting regular screenings can detect skin cancer early and potentially avoid the need for Mohs surgery. Our board-certified dermatologists use a dermatoscope to closely examine suspicious moles or lesions by illuminating and magnifying them. We use the examination results to track any changes over time.
Dr. Deborah MacFarlane
- Double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery
- 30+ years of Mohs surgery experience
- Former Director, Mohs Unit, MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Editor and author of a skin cancer management textbook
- National and international lecturer
Dr. Christopher Downing
Fellowship-trained and double board-certified, Dr. Christopher Downing has built a reputation for precise skin cancer removal and outstanding patient care. He completed his Mohs surgery fellowship at Florida State University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Double board-certified: dermatology and micrographic dermatological surgery
- Fellowship-trained, Florida State University
- Residency training at UT Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Author of peer-reviewed research in JAMA and JAAD
- Active member, American College of Mohs Surgery
