Your dermatologist has recommended Mohs surgery, leaving you anxious or uncertain of what you can expect during this procedure? At Wall Street Dermatology, we believe understanding it will give you greater peace of mind during Mohs surgery; one of the most effective treatments available to combat certain forms of skin cancer with careful removal of as little healthy tissue as possible during each session of Mohs surgery is one such form of Mohs surgery being one such effective method that removes only necessary health tissue during each stage.
Here is a step-by-step guide that explains what happens during Mohs surgery and how you should prepare:
What Is Mohs Surgery Used for?
Mohs surgery is an innovative treatment method used for basal cell and squamous cell cancer of the skin, where surgeons gradually peel back thin layers of skin layer by layer until no cancer remains, saving as much healthy tissue as possible during this process. Mohs has high success rates while simultaneously saving most healthy skin.
Before Surgery Prior to your procedure, your dermatologist will discuss your medical history and what you can expect during this step of care. He or she may advise stopping certain blood-thinning medicines several days in advance and wearing comfortable clothing along with eating light meals prior to coming in for care.
Bring something entertaining such as a book or phone as the surgery may last several hours depending on its size and location.
Step-By-Step Guide to Mohs Surgery (also referred as MOHS Surgery)
- Numbing the Area
Once in the treatment room, your physician will clean and inject an anaesthetic into your skin in order to numb it for you so you won’t experience pain during treatment of that area. However, you will remain awake during this procedure but should feel no sensation of pressure in that spot being treated.
- Removing the First Layer
Your doctor will begin by extracting a thin layer of tissue near where cancer exists in order to clear away debris that has collected there; this should take only minutes.
- Examining Tissue
Once collected, tissue will be taken back into a laboratory within the same building where it will be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer cells – usually taking between 30-60 minutes to do this process.
- Removing Additional Layers
If Necessary If cancer cells remain near the edges of tissue after removal of one layer has taken place, further layers will need to be extracted until all cancerous cells have been eliminated from that region. Until all cancer is gone from that site.
- Closing the Wound
Once all cancerous tissue has been extracted, your doctor will decide the most suitable means of closing up the wound. They could stitch it, leave it open so it heals on its own or perform small reconstructive surgery as appropriate.
- After Surgery
Your surgeon will give instructions for home wound care following incision, which typically means keeping it clean, applying antibiotic ointment and refraining from heavy activity for at least several days afterward. Redness, swelling or mild pain should be expected following an incision; your physician may offer over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary.
Healing and Results After Mohs surgery is completed correctly, most patients recover quickly with minimal scarring as a result. Studies have demonstrated its 99% effectiveness at eliminating certain forms of skin cancer; follow-up appointments afterward will monitor healing as well as ensure no recurrence of cancerous growths.
Wall Street Dermatology Offers Expert Mohs Surgery Care
At Wall Street Dermatology, our board-certified skin cancer surgeons perform Mohs surgery with great precision. We focus on eliminating cancerous lesions while simultaneously creating the optimal aesthetic result possible for each client. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, contact us now so that we may discuss treatment options available to you!
This post was written by a professional at Wall Dermatology. Wall Dermatology, led by Dr. Weston Wall, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, is a premier dermatology practice dedicated to excellence in skin care. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Dr. Wall is deeply committed to serving his community with expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. Specializing in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, mohs doctors St Petersburg FL combine cutting-edge techniques with a compassionate, patient-first approach. With decades of experience, Dr. Wall and his team prioritize personalized care, ensuring each patient feels valued and confident in their skin health. Trust Wall Dermatology for expert, compassionate, and comprehensive dermatologic care.
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