Mohs Surgery

How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?

The surgery is performed in stages, with time for processing and analyzing each skin specimen in the laboratory between each stage. Patients should be prepared to spend the entire day in the office. The area to be treated will be numbed with a local anesthetic. We use a number of techniques to minimize pain throughout the procedure.

Following preparation, the visible cancer is removed. A thin margin of tissue is excised around the edges and beneath the cancer. Bleeding will be stopped by sealing the blood vessels. A dressing is applied, and you will be taken to the waiting room while your specimen is processed in the laboratory, which generally takes 1-2 hours.

Once examined by your physician, if cancer is found in the specimen margin, the precise location is mapped for additional excision. If additional excision is required, you will return to the operating suite; additional numbing medication will be administered to ensure your comfort. Additional diseased tissue will be removed.

The process is repeated until all the cancer is removed. Do not be discouraged if multiple stages are needed for removal. Sometimes, multiple stages are necessary in order to remove the tumor effectively while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

What is Mohs Surgery Video

What Happens After Surgery?

Once the cancer is removed, there is an open wound in the treated area. We will guide you in the repair and care of the wound to produce the best functional and cosmetic outcome.

Often, the wound closure warrants stitches to improve healing. Sometimes, your surgeon will recommend a skin flap, in which nearby skin is used to cover the wound. On occasion, the wound may need to be closed with a skin graft, in which skin is obtained from another part of the body and applied to cover the wound.

It is common to develop swelling and bruising 24-48 hours after Mohs procedures on the upper part of the face and lips. It is usually worse during the first week but markedly improves by the time any stitches are removed. Patients are typically surprised by how little discomfort they experience following surgery.

Your post-operative care instructions will contain recommendations for managing any discomfort you may experience.

All surgical procedures produce scarring. Every effort will be made to produce the best possible cosmetic result. However, the extent of scarring depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer and your post-procedure care. Using ointment to prevent scabs from forming will help to minimize scarring.

POST PROCEDURE CARE VIDEO

The Importance of Wound Care Post-Procedure

Proper post-procedure care prevents infection, other potential complications, and helps speed healing with less scarring. Your Mohs team will provide you with detailed instructions to follow to ensure that you have what you need to continue care at home.