Mohs Surgery FAQ
It is important to do your research before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure. This article is meant to help answer any additional questions you may have about the Mohs treatment.
Is the Mohs procedure painful?
Before the procedure, Dr. Sax uses a local anesthetic to numb the surgery site, making the surgery itself virtually pain free. Depending on the location of the cancer there may be some discomfort in the first few days following surgery but severe pain is uncommon, and pain medication is only needed in rare cases.
How long does the procedure take?
Patients should expect to be in the office for 2-3 hours, however each procedure is unique. Certain factors such as the size and location of the tumor, and whether or not cosmetic repair is needed post surgery can affect the total procedure length.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are able to return to their daily lives the day after surgery, though a bandage is often worn for the week following the procedure. The affected area must be cleaned and an antibiotic must be applied twice a day until the sutures are removed approximately a week after surgery. Strenuous activity, alcohol, and other blood thinners such as aspirin should be avoided in the 2 weeks following a Mohs procedure.
Will the surgery leave a scar?
All surgical procedures, including Mohs, have the potential to leave some scarring, but permanent scarring is generally not expected. The size and location of your tumor, as well as your individual skin characteristics all play a part in determining if scarring will be an issue. Thanks to the skilled hands of Dr. Sax the majority of our patients are scar free within months of the surgery.
Is Mohs right for me?
Only Dr. Sax will be able to determine the best course of action for your individual case. Mohs surgery is the preferred method for the removal of skin cancers around the face, ears, and hands due to its near 99% cure rate and the surgeon’s ability to completely remove the cancer while leaving the surrounding skin intact.
Does someone need to drive me to and from the procedure?
A local anesthetic is all that is needed for Mohs surgery, making it safe to drive home after your procedure. If your tumor is very near your eyes or nose the swelling that occurs post surgery may impair your vision, and a driver could be necessary.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any other questions or concerns about the Mohs surgery or skin cancer in general.
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