Mohs Surgery

Facing a skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Radiant Dermatology & Aesthetics, our board-certified specialists offer advanced Mohs surgery with precision, care, and your long-term health in mind—read on to learn how this highly effective treatment works.

How Does MOHS Surgery Work

MOHS surgery involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope to ensure that all cancerous cells have been removed. Here is a more detailed explanation of how this procedure works:

1. Preparation

The area around the tumor is numbed with an anesthetic. The tumor area is then outlined by the surgeon.

2. Removal of Tumor

The surgeon carefully removes the visible portion of the tumor. Thin layers of the tissue are removed from the area surrounding the tumor.

3. Tissue Examination

A trained technician will examine the tissue slices under a microscope. The technician will then determine whether any cancer cells remain in the tissue.

4. Repeat as Needed

If there are remaining cancer cells, the surgeon will remove additional layers of tissue until all cancer is gone.

‍5. Closure of Wound

After all cancer is removed, the surgeon closes the wound using sutures, stitches, and skin grafts.

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Benefits of the Procedure

Mohs surgery has many benefits, making it a preferred option for many patients. Some benefits of the procedure include:

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High Cure Rates: This procedure boasts some of the best success rates for skin cancer, with some studies reporting up to 99% success for certain cancers.
Tissue Preservation: Patients can expect precise tissue preservation as this procedure allows for careful removal of cancer while saving as much healthy tissue as possible. This reduces the risk of disfigurement and scarring.
Accurate Diagnosis: This procedure allows for immediate examination of tissue margins. This means that patients can feel confident that all cancer cells are removed.
Outpatient Procedure: Mohs surgery can be performed in an outpatient setting, minimizing the need for staying in the hospital and reducing medical costs.

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Find a Dermatology office near you to take advantage of the benefits of Mohs surgery.

What is the Recovery From Mohs Surgery Like?

The recovery time for Mohs surgery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the wounds to heal and up to 12 months for the scar to mature. During the recovery period, it's essential to practice proper wound care, including keeping the wound clean, dry, and protected. Patients should keep activity levels to a minimum and protect the wound from the sun.

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Here is a step-by-step of the recovery process:

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First 24-48 hours post-surgery: The surgeon will leave the dressing in place to help close the wound and prevent infection.
First week: The wound should be cleaned with mild soap and water. To prevent infection, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
Weeks 2-4: Stitches are typically removed within 7-14 days. Removal generally depends on the location and size of the wound.
Weeks 4-6+: The wound continues to heal, and the scar will start to fade. Note that scar maturation generally takes 12 months.
Scar management: To minimize scarring, patients can use silicone-based creams, gels, or strips.

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Why Using Sunscreen is Important for Mohs Surgery Patients

Using sunscreen regularly is essential for Mohs surgery patients. Sunscreen protects the healing surgical site from UV damage. Patients exposed to UV damage can hinder healing progress, increase scarring, and lead to discoloration. Sun exposure can also increase the risk of infection, further damaging the surgical area.

Book an Appointment Today

At Radiant Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer robust solutions for preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery is an effective surgical technique used to treat some of the most common forms of skin cancer. Book an appointment today to start your journey to healing.

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Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot