What to Expect Before, During, and After Mohs Surgery

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetime, with 9,500 Americans diagnosed every day with skin cancer. Many patients with skin cancer will undergo Mohs surgery, an outpatient procedure that involves precise, layer-by-layer excision and microscopic examination of the cancerous tumor and surrounding region. For patients in Pennsylvania, Aesthetic Dermatology Associates, PC is an extensive, state-of-the-art dermatology practice with locations in Media & Paoli, PA. We have a comprehensive practice comprised of expert physicians. Dr. Jamie F. Altman, Dr. Gopal A. Patel, Dr. Laura Schilling, Dr. Elizabeth Marvin, Dr. Matthew Halpern, Dr. Aimee Krausz, Dr. Amy Leib, and Dr. James Ko are highly experienced in treating patients with skin cancer and other dermatological ailments.

Before Mohs Surgery

Typically, you will visit your dermatologist, who will conduct a medical history, including current medications and supplements and any previous biopsy results. If skin cancer is present, your dermatologist will discuss the benefits and risks of Mohs surgery with you. 

During Mohs Surgery

The Mohs surgeon will numb the skin around the tumor and perform an excision of the visible part of the cancerous tumor. The surgeon will process the tissue with the assistance of a histologist.  The surgeon will then examine the specimen under a microscope while you wait in the waiting room. If the doctor finds evidence of more cancer cells at the margins of the tissue, you will go back into the surgical office, and the doctor will remove another layer of tissue. This process will continue until the surgeon does not find evidence of cancer cells at the margins, demonstrating that the entire tumor and all the cancerous cells have been removed. Some Mohs surgeries take a few hours, while others may take an entire day, depending on the size and depth of the cancer tumor.

After Mohs Surgery

Following the surgery, the wound will either be covered to heal on its own or closed with stitches, depending on many factors, including the location, size, and depth of the wound. For extra-large wounds, a facial plastic surgeon may be recommended so that there is no extensive damage or scarring to the face's natural structure.

Dr. Altman, Dr. Patel, Dr. Schilling, Dr. Marvin, Dr. Halpern, Dr. Krausz, Dr. Leib, and Dr. Ko with Aesthetic Dermatology Associates in Media & Paoli, PA are highly qualified skin cancer experts. If you notice any unusual skin conditions that you believe may be skin cancer, make an appointment immediately with Aesthetic Dermatology Associates in Media & Paoli, PA. Please call our Media office (610) 566-7300 or Paoli office (610) 647-4161 today.