What to Expect Before, During, and After Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- posted: Mar. 25, 2025
Before The Procedure
Before Mohs surgery, you will consult with your surgeon or a specialist doctor. At Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana in Bloomington, Bedford, and New Whiteland, IN, our dermatologists will record your medical history, inspect the affected area, and explain the surgery. You may be asked to stop medications such as blood-thinning medicines to minimize bleeding. It is also helpful to have a normal meal beforehand and loose clothing, especially if your surgery is in an uncoordinated area.
Since the procedure will last a few hours depending on the level of advancement of your case, plan to take the entire day off and bring something to occupy you, i.e., a book or headphones. Make arrangements for a ride back with someone if your doctor recommends that.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The doctor begins by removing a thin layer of tissue from the area of the cancer and examining it under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed and examined. This process is repeated until no cancer cells remain, removing all malignant tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
They will vary with each case, but anticipate anywhere from one to several hours for the procedure. Most patients will have a waiting time after tissue removal and microscopic examination in a comfortable waiting area.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Once all tumor tissue is excised, your surgical area will be cared for. Based on your wound's location and extent, your physician will:
- Allow natural healing (wound closure with secondary intention)
- Seal it with stitches
- Perform a skin graft or local flap reconstruction
You will receive written instructions for caring for your wound at home. Swelling, bruising, and pain for a few days after surgery are expected. Keep your wound dry and clean as instructed, and don't do anything strenuous until released.
Ongoing Care and Prevention
After Mohs surgery, your physician will schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing and check for complications. Since a history of skin cancer increases your risk of developing it again, regular skin checks and consistent sunscreen use are key to protecting your skin and preventing future issues.
Don't hesitate to call your skin specialist if you have a question or if your skin seems unusual. Early detection and avoidance are your best insurance. For expert Mohs surgery care and long-term skin cancer monitoring, contact the dermatologists at the Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana at (812) 339-6434 to schedule your appointment today.
- posted: Mar. 25, 2025
Before The Procedure
Before Mohs surgery, you will consult with your surgeon or a specialist doctor. At Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana in Bloomington, Bedford, and New Whiteland, IN, our dermatologists will record your medical history, inspect the affected area, and explain the surgery. You may be asked to stop medications such as blood-thinning medicines to minimize bleeding. It is also helpful to have a normal meal beforehand and loose clothing, especially if your surgery is in an uncoordinated area.
Since the procedure will last a few hours depending on the level of advancement of your case, plan to take the entire day off and bring something to occupy you, i.e., a book or headphones. Make arrangements for a ride back with someone if your doctor recommends that.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The doctor begins by removing a thin layer of tissue from the area of the cancer and examining it under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed and examined. This process is repeated until no cancer cells remain, removing all malignant tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
They will vary with each case, but anticipate anywhere from one to several hours for the procedure. Most patients will have a waiting time after tissue removal and microscopic examination in a comfortable waiting area.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Once all tumor tissue is excised, your surgical area will be cared for. Based on your wound's location and extent, your physician will:
- Allow natural healing (wound closure with secondary intention)
- Seal it with stitches
- Perform a skin graft or local flap reconstruction
You will receive written instructions for caring for your wound at home. Swelling, bruising, and pain for a few days after surgery are expected. Keep your wound dry and clean as instructed, and don't do anything strenuous until released.
Ongoing Care and Prevention
After Mohs surgery, your physician will schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing and check for complications. Since a history of skin cancer increases your risk of developing it again, regular skin checks and consistent sunscreen use are key to protecting your skin and preventing future issues.
Don't hesitate to call your skin specialist if you have a question or if your skin seems unusual. Early detection and avoidance are your best insurance. For expert Mohs surgery care and long-term skin cancer monitoring, contact the dermatologists at the Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana at (812) 339-6434 to schedule your appointment today.
