What is Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a highly precise and effective technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. During the procedure, thin layers of cancerous tissue are carefully removed and examined under a microscope in stages until no cancer cells remain. This meticulous, layer-by-layer approach allows the surgeon to target and remove all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, resulting in the highest cure rate and minimal scarring. Mohs surgery is especially beneficial for cancers located on visible or delicate areas, such as the face, ears, or neck.
For more information and a visual explanation, please visit: http://www.mohs.org
What to keep in mind when scheduling Mohs Surgery:
- Plan to be at the clinic for 4–8 hours, as each Mohs case varies in complexity. Avoid scheduling other appointments that day.
- If you have an artificial joint (placed within 2 years) or an artificial heart valve requiring premedication, notify us in advance.
- Choose a day when you can stay in town for at least 2 weeks to allow for suture removal, wound checks, and possible follow-up care.
- Plan to avoid all physical activity and standing water (baths, pools, lakes, etc.) for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Expect swelling or bruising around the surgical site, and plan to keep it bandaged and makeup-free for 7–14 days.
- If your surgery is near your eye, arrange for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, as swelling or bandages may affect your ability to drive safely.
- Smoking negatively affects all aspects of healing and scarring. Stop as early as possible before surgery.
Prepare for Mohs Surgery:
14 days prior to surgery
- Avoid NSAIDs (Aspirin, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Aleve/Naproxen, Excedrin, Midol), unless prescribed by your doctor. Tylenol is safe to take.
- Stop herbal or homeopathic supplements (especially Vitamin E, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, etc.).
- Do not stop prescribed medications such as Coumadin/Warfarin, Plavix, Aggrenox, Eliquis, or Xarelto unless directed by your physician.
2 days prior to surgery
- Avoid alcohol, as it thins the blood and increases bleeding, bruising, and pain.
The day of surgery
- Bathe the morning of surgery (keep the area dry for 24–48 hours afterward).
- Eat a good meal before arriving, fasting is not required.
- Take all prescribed medications as usual.
- If surgery is on your face, do not wear makeup.
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing.
- If you feel ill (cough, fever, chills, etc.), call to reschedule.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in.
- If you are diabetic or have PRN medications, bring them with you.
- Bring a snack or beverage, the procedure can take up to several hours.
- Bring your cases for hearing aides or glasses, we frequently ask you to remove them.
- Books, magazines, movies, tablets/ipads, work, etc. can be brought with you since the day can take several hours and most of it will be spent waiting.
You will be given a list of post-operative instructions on the day of surgery.