This 39 year-old woman was referred by her doctor in Simi Valley for treatment of a skin cancer on the right temple. Mohs micrographic surgery was a good alternative for treatment of this basal cell carcinoma due to its poorly defined clinical margins, location in an area important for tissue preservation and at higher risk of recurrence, and due to the proximity of the temporal branch of the facial nerve (responsible for raising the eyebrow on this side).

Her skin cancer was cleared in a two-stage procedure, and the surgical defect measured 1.7 x 1.6 cm. The surgical defect was reconstructed using an advancement flap, which recruited tissue from the posterior temple. The final cosmetic result was excellent, and there was no injury to the temporal branch of the facial nerve.