Mohs Surgery Patient Education
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, checking 100% of edges under a microscope for the highest cure rates and smallest scars.
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer layer by layer while sparing as much healthy skin as possible.
Every layer is immediately checked under a microscope in the same visit. No waiting days for lab results.
It checks 100% of the surgical edges, compared to about 1% in standard removal methods.
Cure rates reach up to 99% for first-time basal cell carcinoma and 97% for squamous cell carcinoma.
The procedure is done in an outpatient clinic using local anesthesia. You are awake and comfortable throughout.
The Story Behind the Technique
Mohs surgery was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, a surgeon at the University of Wisconsin. He noticed that many skin cancers recurred after standard surgery because invisible cancer cells were left behind at the edges of the wound. Dr. Mohs created a method that allowed surgeons to look at every edge of tissue before closing the wound. A revolutionary idea that changed skin cancer treatment. Over the following decades, the technique was refined and simplified, and today it is practiced by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons at clinics around the world.
Why Standard Surgery Misses Cancer Cells
When skin cancer is removed with a standard excision (cutting it out with a safety margin of normal-looking skin), only a small sample of the edges is sent to a pathology lab and checked under a microscope. Because of the way tissue is processed, roughly 1% of the actual wound edge is examined. The rest is inferred. This means that narrow channels of cancer cells, which are not visible to the naked eye, can sometimes be missed. Mohs surgery solves this problem by examining 100% of the wound edge in the same visit, leaving no guesswork.
The Mohs Cycle: Step by Step
Mohs surgery is performed in a series of carefully controlled steps called stages. After your surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic (a numbing injection similar to what a dentist uses), the process begins. You stay in the clinic throughout and are kept comfortable between stages.
Cure Rates and Why They Are So High
Because Mohs surgery removes cancer with complete margin control, it achieves cure rates that are higher than any other single-stage treatment for skin cancer. For basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, the 5-year cure rate for a first-time (primary) tumor is approximately 99%. For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common type, the cure rate for a primary tumor is approximately 97%. For tumors that have come back after previous treatment (recurrent tumors), Mohs also outperforms other options, with cure rates of about 94% for BCC and 90% for SCC.
Local Anesthesia: What to Expect
Mohs surgery is performed entirely under local anesthesia. A numbing medicine injected directly into the skin around the tumor. You will be awake during the procedure and able to talk with the surgical team. The injection itself causes a brief stinging sensation that fades within seconds as the area becomes numb. You will feel pressure and movement but no pain while your surgeon works. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Because the procedure can take several hours with waiting time between stages, you are encouraged to bring a book, tablet, or headphones.
Tissue Conservation: The Key Advantage
Because Mohs surgery checks all edges in real time, your surgeon only removes tissue that actually contains cancer. Standard surgery must use larger safety margins to compensate for the uncertainty of not checking all edges. On cosmetically sensitive areas like the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears, this difference can be very significant. The wound may be considerably smaller with Mohs surgery than it would be with a standard excision. A smaller wound usually means a smaller scar and better function of the affected area. This tissue-sparing quality is one of the main reasons Mohs surgery is preferred for tumors on the face, hands, feet, and genitalia.
Types of Skin Cancer
Learn about basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other skin cancers that Mohs surgery treats. Their appearance, behavior, and risk factors.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common and has a small but real risk of spreading.
Both BCC and SCC are strongly linked to lifetime ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure.
Mohs surgery is highly effective for both BCC and SCC, as well as for several rarer skin tumors.
Early detection and treatment give the best outcomes for all types of skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans. It starts in the basal cells. The deepest layer of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). BCC grows slowly and almost never spreads (metastasizes) to other organs, which means it is rarely life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into surrounding tissues, including nerves and bone, causing significant damage and disfigurement. Most BCCs appear on areas of the skin that receive regular sun exposure, particularly the face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It arises from squamous cells. The flat cells that make up most of the outer layer of skin. Unlike BCC, SCC carries a meaningful risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes (the small glands that are part of your immune system) and, in some cases, to distant organs. The overall risk of spread is relatively low for most SCCs (around 2–5%), but this risk rises significantly in people with a weakened immune system, tumors on certain body sites, large or deep tumors, or aggressive subtypes.
Other Tumors Treated by Mohs Surgery
While BCC and SCC make up the vast majority of Mohs cases, several rarer skin tumors are also treated with Mohs because of its precise margin control and tissue-sparing properties. Your doctor will discuss which tumors are appropriate candidates for Mohs surgery at your specific clinic.
Sun Protection: Reducing Your Risk
The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to protect your skin from UV radiation. This means applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses), seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest, and avoiding tanning beds completely. If you have had one skin cancer, your risk of developing another one is meaningfully higher. Regular skin checks with your doctor are important for early detection.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for Me?
Mohs surgery is not needed for every skin cancer. Learn which tumors benefit most and when simpler treatments may work just as well.
Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers on the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, hands, feet, and genitalia.
Tumors that are large, recurrent, have aggressive microscopic features, or occur in people with weakened immune systems benefit most from Mohs.
For small, well-defined tumors on the trunk or limbs, simpler treatments are often equally effective.
Only your doctor can decide which treatment is right for your specific tumor. A recommendation depends on many individual factors.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor why Mohs was or was not recommended for your cancer.
Not Every Skin Cancer Requires Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a powerful tool, but it is most valuable when the benefits of its precise margin control and tissue conservation are greatest. For some small, low-risk skin cancers in locations where tissue conservation is less critical, simpler treatments work very well. The goal of any skin cancer treatment is to remove the tumor completely, minimize the chance of it coming back, and achieve the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome. And different treatments accomplish this balance in different situations. Your doctor will evaluate your specific tumor and recommend the approach that is best for you.
When Mohs Surgery Is Recommended
Mohs surgery is most often recommended when one or more of the following factors apply. These guidelines are based on established recommendations from major dermatology and oncology organizations, though individual recommendations may vary.
When Other Treatments May Work Just as Well
For certain low-risk skin cancers, simpler and less time-intensive treatments can achieve cure rates comparable to Mohs surgery. Your doctor will consider the tumor type, size, location, subtype, and your overall health when recommending an alternative. These treatments are generally appropriate only for low-risk tumors in non-critical locations.
A Decision Made Together with Your Doctor
The choice between Mohs surgery and an alternative treatment is not always straightforward, and there is no single right answer for everyone. Factors like your age, overall health, the specific location and size of your tumor, your biopsy results, your personal preferences, and practical considerations such as your ability to spend a full day at the clinic all play a role. Your doctor will explain the options, including the expected cure rates, potential risks, recovery time, and cosmetic outcomes for each approach. If you have questions or are uncertain about a recommendation, it is completely appropriate to ask for a more detailed explanation or to seek a second opinion. The most important thing is that you feel informed and comfortable with the plan before moving forward.
Before Your Surgery
A complete guide to preparing for Mohs surgery. From medications to review to what to pack and what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Review all your medications with your doctor before surgery. Some blood thinners and supplements need to be adjusted.
Do not stop heart medications, blood pressure medications, or aspirin prescribed for cardiac reasons without your doctor's explicit approval.
Plan for a potentially long day. Mohs surgery often takes 3–5 hours or more, with most of that time spent waiting between stages.
Bring comfortable clothing, entertainment, and a companion if possible.
Eat a normal breakfast and take your regular medications on the day of surgery unless told otherwise.
Medications to Review Before Surgery
Some medications affect how your blood clots (thickens to stop bleeding), and this can increase bleeding during and after your surgery. It is very important to discuss all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. With your doctor or the surgical team before the day of your procedure. Do not make changes to any prescription medication without explicit guidance from your doctor.
The Day Before Surgery
A little preparation the evening before will make your surgery day smoother and less stressful. Taking care of these items in advance means you can focus on staying relaxed on the day of your procedure.
The Day of Surgery
Surgery day does not need to be stressful. Following a few simple steps will help you arrive prepared, comfortable, and in the best possible condition for the procedure.
What to Expect During the Day
Understanding the timeline of Mohs surgery in advance helps reduce anxiety significantly. Most patients are surprised to learn that the majority of the time spent at the clinic is waiting. Not in the surgical chair.
A Note About Anxiety
It is completely normal to feel nervous or anxious before surgery, even a minor outpatient procedure like Mohs surgery. Many patients describe feeling much better once they are in the room with the surgical team and the procedure has started. If you feel that anxiety is significantly affecting your ability to prepare for or cope with the surgery, speak with your doctor. In some cases, a mild anti-anxiety medication taken on the morning of surgery can be helpful. Open communication with your surgical team is always the best first step.
Day of Surgery
A step-by-step guide to what happens on your Mohs surgery day. From check-in and anesthesia to tissue testing, repair, and going home.
Mohs surgery happens in stages. Your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, then checks it under a microscope before continuing.
Local anesthesia (numbing medicine) is used throughout, so the area is numb and you stay awake and comfortable.
Each stage takes 20–45 minutes while the lab processes your tissue. You will wait comfortably between stages.
Once all cancer is removed, your surgeon repairs the wound. Often the same day.
The whole visit usually lasts 2–4 hours, though complex cases may take longer.
Arriving and Getting Ready
When you arrive, a staff member will check you in and review your consent forms with you. Consent forms explain the procedure, its benefits, and its possible risks. Your surgeon or a nurse will answer any questions before you sign. You will be brought to a comfortable procedure room. Your surgeon will look at the area to be treated and use a special pen to mark the outer edges of the tumor. A drape (sterile cloth) may be placed around the area to keep it clean.
Numbing the Area (Local Anesthesia)
Before any tissue is removed, your surgeon will inject a numbing medicine called local anesthesia (such as lidocaine) into the skin around the tumor. This feels very similar to the shot you get at the dentist. A brief sting or burning feeling for 10–20 seconds, followed by complete numbness. Most patients say this is the most uncomfortable part of the entire day, and it passes quickly. If you need more anesthesia during the procedure for later stages, the additional injections are nearly painless because the area is already numb.
Removing the First Layer (Stage 1)
Once the area is completely numb, your surgeon removes a thin, saucer-shaped layer of tissue that includes the visible tumor plus a small margin (border) of normal-looking skin. This layer is called the Mohs layer or stage. The wound is then covered with a temporary pressure bandage to control any minor bleeding. You will not feel any pain during this step. Only mild pressure or movement.
Waiting While the Lab Works
After the tissue layer is removed, it goes to the in-office lab for processing. A lab technician carefully maps, color-codes, and freezes the tissue, then cuts it into very thin slices and mounts them on glass slides. Your surgeon then looks at every edge of the tissue under a microscope to see if any cancer cells remain. This process typically takes 20 to 45 minutes per stage. You will wait comfortably. In a waiting area or the procedure room. With your temporary bandage in place. This waiting time is normal and expected, so plan for it.
Microscopic Examination and More Stages
When the microscope examination is complete, your surgeon will come back with results. If the edges are clear (no cancer cells seen), you move on to repair. If cancer cells are still present at one area of the edge, only that specific area needs to be removed in the next stage. Healthy tissue in clear areas is left completely alone. This is the key advantage of Mohs surgery: it removes only what needs to come out, saving as much normal skin as possible. On average, most patients need 1 to 3 stages. After each additional stage, the process repeats. Numb, remove, bandage, wait, examine. Until all edges are clear.
Closing the Wound: Repair Options
Once all cancer is removed and the margins are clear, your surgeon will discuss how to repair the wound. The right repair depends on the size and location of the wound, the depth of tissue removed, and your overall health. Most repairs are performed the same day, right after the final stage.
Going Home
After the repair is complete, your surgeon or a nurse will dress the wound and give you detailed written instructions for home care. You will be told what to expect in the first 24–48 hours, how to clean the wound, and when to come back to have stitches removed (if applicable). Most patients go home the same day and feel well enough to do light activities. Your surgical area will remain numb for a few hours after the procedure. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity.
After Surgery & Recovery
Everything you need to know about caring for your wound after Mohs surgery. Cleaning, dressing changes, infection warning signs, and scar care.
Keep the pressure bandage dry and in place for the first 48 hours after surgery.
After 48 hours, clean the wound gently each day and keep it moist with petroleum jelly. Do not let it dry out or scab.
Know the warning signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.
Sutures (stitches) are typically removed 5–14 days after surgery, depending on the location.
Full scar maturation takes up to 12 months. Final results are not visible right away.
The First 48 Hours
The first two days after Mohs surgery are the most important for protecting the wound and controlling swelling. Your surgeon will have placed a pressure bandage (a firm dressing) over the repair site before you left the office. This bandage applies gentle pressure to reduce bleeding and protect the wound from bumps and germs. During this period, keep the bandage completely dry. Cover it with a waterproof material such as plastic wrap and tape when bathing or showering, and avoid getting the area wet.
Daily Wound Care Routine
After the first 48 hours, you will begin your daily wound care routine. This routine should be done once a day. Or as directed by your doctor. Until your sutures are removed or the wound is fully healed. Keeping the wound clean and moist (not dry) is the single most important thing you can do to promote healing and minimize scarring. Dry wounds form hard scabs, which slow healing and increase the risk of a thicker scar. Moist wounds heal faster and more smoothly.
Activities and Restrictions
Most patients can return to light, everyday activities within a day or two of surgery. However, certain activities put stress on the wound and can cause stitches to pull apart, bleeding to restart, or the wound edges to separate. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your wound location and repair type. Always follow those instructions first.
Warning Signs of Infection
A small amount of redness, swelling, and tenderness directly around a fresh wound is completely normal for the first few days. However, if these signs get worse instead of better after the second or third day, or if new symptoms develop, it may be a sign of infection. Catching an infection early is important. It is treated simply with antibiotics, but if left too long, it can slow healing and affect your scar.
Timeline: What to Expect and When
Recovery from Mohs surgery happens in stages. Understanding the timeline helps you know what is normal at each point and when to expect changes.
Scar Management
All surgical wounds leave a scar. This is a normal part of how the body heals. The goal of scar management is to help the scar become as flat, soft, and light-colored as possible over time. There are several strategies your doctor may recommend, and patience is essential. Scars continue to improve for up to 12 months after surgery.
Mohs Surgery vs. Standard Excision
Understand the key differences between Mohs surgery and standard excision. Cure rates, tissue preservation, how each works, and when each is preferred.
Both Mohs surgery and standard excision are effective, proven treatments for skin cancer.
Mohs surgery examines 100% of the wound edge under a microscope in real time; standard excision examines only a small sample of the edges after surgery.
Mohs has a higher cure rate for certain skin cancers, especially on the face and in high-risk situations.
Standard excision is simpler, widely available, and is an excellent choice for many low-risk skin cancers.
Your doctor has recommended the approach that best fits your specific cancer, its location, and your needs.
How Both Treatments Work
Skin cancer is treated by surgically removing the tumor along with a border (margin) of normal-looking tissue around it. The goal of this margin is to make sure no cancer cells are left behind at the edges. Both Mohs surgery and standard excision accomplish this goal, but they differ in how thoroughly the margins are checked, how quickly results are known, and how much tissue needs to be removed to achieve a clear margin.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below compares Mohs surgery and standard excision across the features that matter most to patients. Keep in mind that both are accepted, evidence-based treatments. The right choice depends on your individual situation.
When Your Doctor May Recommend Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is not needed for every skin cancer. It is recommended when the clinical situation calls for either the highest possible cure rate or the most tissue conservation, or both. Your doctor uses guidelines from dermatology and oncology organizations, as well as their own clinical experience, to decide whether Mohs is the right fit.
When Standard Excision May Be the Right Choice
Standard excision is an excellent treatment for many skin cancers, and it has decades of evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. It is a simpler procedure that is available from a wider range of doctors, which can be an advantage in terms of scheduling and access to care.
Understanding Cure Rates
Cure rate numbers can sound abstract. Here is what they mean in practical terms. For primary (first-time, never treated) basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery cures approximately 99 out of 100 cases. Standard excision cures approximately 93–95 out of 100 cases. This means that for every 100 patients treated, standard excision leaves 5–7 patients with residual cancer that will need further treatment, compared to roughly 1 patient with Mohs. For recurrent basal cell carcinoma (cancer that has come back after prior treatment), the gap is even wider. Mohs achieves roughly 95% cure, while standard re-excision achieves closer to 80%. These differences are the main reason Mohs is preferred for high-risk situations.
The Bottom Line: Both Are Effective Treatments
It is important to understand that both Mohs surgery and standard excision are legitimate, well-studied, and widely accepted treatments for skin cancer. Neither approach is universally superior. Each has strengths that make it the better choice for specific situations. Your dermatologist has recommended the approach that is best matched to your cancer's type, location, size, and risk profile, as well as your personal health and access to care. If you have questions about why one approach was recommended for you over the other, your doctor is always the right person to ask. There are no wrong questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise technique for removing certain skin cancers. The surgeon removes thin layers of skin one at a time and examines each layer under a microscope right away. This continues until no cancer cells are seen. The process allows the doctor to remove the entire tumor while saving as much healthy skin as possible.
Why is it called Mohs surgery?
The procedure is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, a physician at the University of Wisconsin who developed the technique in the 1930s. His original method used a chemical paste to fix the tissue in place. Over the decades, the technique evolved into the modern form used today, which relies on fresh-tissue processing and same-day microscopic review.
What types of skin cancer does Mohs surgery treat?
Mohs surgery is most commonly used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most frequent skin cancers. It is also used for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), melanoma in situ, and several other rare skin tumors. Your dermatologist will confirm whether your specific tumor type is best treated with Mohs.
How is Mohs surgery different from regular excision?
Standard excision removes the visible tumor plus a margin of surrounding skin, then sends the tissue to a lab. Results take days, and only a small sample of the margin is checked. Mohs surgery, by contrast, processes the entire outer margin of every layer in real time, right in the office. This lets the surgeon verify that all cancer cells are gone before closing the wound, which is why cure rates are higher and less healthy tissue is removed.
What is the cure rate for Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates of any treatment for the most common skin cancers. For a new (primary) basal cell carcinoma, the 5-year cure rate reaches up to 99%. For new squamous cell carcinoma it is approximately 97%. Even for tumors that have come back after previous treatment, Mohs cure rates remain around 94–95% for BCC and 90% for SCC.
My biopsy already removed the visible spot. Do I still need surgery?
Yes. A shave or punch biopsy is a diagnostic tool. It is not designed to remove all of the cancer. Skin cancers often have microscopic roots that extend beyond what can be seen or felt. These invisible extensions are exactly what Mohs surgery is designed to find and eliminate. Skipping surgery because the spot looks gone is not recommended.
Is Mohs surgery performed in a hospital?
Mohs surgery is almost always performed in an outpatient office or clinic setting, not a hospital. It uses local anesthesia, so you are awake and comfortable throughout. You will not need general anesthesia in the vast majority of cases, which means less risk and a faster recovery.
How should I prepare for Mohs surgery?
Eat a normal breakfast or lunch before arriving. Do not fast unless you have been told otherwise. Wear comfortable, dark-colored clothing that can be easily rolled up or removed near the surgery site. Avoid wearing makeup, sunscreen, or lotions on the surgical area. Plan for a full day at the office, as timing can be unpredictable depending on how many stages are needed.
Should I stop taking blood thinners before surgery?
Never stop prescription blood thinners, such as warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), or clopidogrel (Plavix). Without first talking to the doctor who prescribed them. Stopping these medications without medical guidance can be dangerous. Your Mohs surgeon is experienced at operating on patients who take blood thinners and can manage any extra bleeding.
Can I eat before Mohs surgery?
Yes, please eat a normal meal before your appointment. Mohs surgery uses local anesthesia, not general anesthesia, so fasting is not required. Having food in your stomach helps you stay comfortable and reduces the chance of feeling lightheaded during the procedure. You may also bring a snack to eat during the waiting periods between stages.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Having a driver is strongly recommended, especially if the surgery is on your scalp, around your eyes, or on your foot or lower leg. Local anesthesia is used, so you are technically able to drive. But the surgery can take several hours, and you may feel tired or have bulky bandaging that limits your vision or movement. Plan to have a friend or family member available.
Should I stop vitamins and supplements before surgery?
Yes. Certain vitamins and herbal supplements can increase bleeding. Stop taking vitamin E, fish oil (omega-3), ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and ginseng at least 7 days before your surgery. Aspirin used for heart health should not be stopped without your cardiologist's approval. Always bring a complete list of your supplements to discuss at your pre-operative visit.
What medications should I mention to my surgeon?
Tell your surgeon about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most important ones to mention are blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), immunosuppressants, and steroids. Your surgeon needs this information to plan your care safely.
Will Mohs surgery hurt?
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic injection before anything else is done. The injection itself feels like a brief sting or pinch, similar to a dental numbing shot. Once the area is numb, you should not feel pain. Only occasional pressure or movement. If you feel discomfort at any point during surgery, tell your surgeon immediately and more anesthetic can be given.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Plan to spend most of the day at the office. Typically 3 to 5 hours, though some cases take longer. Each stage of tissue removal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but processing the tissue under the microscope takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes. Most of your time will be spent waiting comfortably between stages. Bring a book, tablet, or something to keep you occupied.
How many stages will I need?
Most patients need 1 to 3 stages. About 50% of cases are cleared in a single stage, and over 80% are cleared within two stages. However, it is impossible to predict exactly how many stages you will need in advance. That is part of what makes Mohs unique. Each stage is determined by what the microscope shows, not by a set plan.
Am I awake during the surgery?
Yes. Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, meaning only the area being operated on is numbed. You are fully awake and aware throughout the procedure. General anesthesia (being put to sleep) is not used in standard Mohs surgery. Most patients watch TV, read, or chat with the staff between stages.
What happens between stages?
After each layer of tissue is removed, the surgical site is covered with a temporary bandage and you wait while the tissue is processed. In the Mohs lab, a technician prepares thin sections of the tissue, and the surgeon examines them under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, they are mapped precisely so the surgeon knows exactly where to take the next layer. If the margins are clear, the surgery is complete.
How will the wound be closed after the cancer is removed?
Closure depends on the size and location of the final defect. Options include: direct closure with sutures (stitches pulled together), a skin flap (nearby skin is moved to cover the area), a skin graft (skin taken from another body area), or allowing the wound to heal on its own (called granulation or second-intention healing). Your surgeon will choose the best option for your situation after confirming clear margins.
When can I return to work after Mohs surgery?
Most patients can return to office or desk work within 1 to 2 days. If your job involves physical labor, heavy lifting, or bending over repeatedly, you may need to wait 1 to 2 weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on the location and size of your wound. When in doubt, ask before resuming any work activity.
When can I resume exercise after surgery?
Light walking is generally fine after surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 7 to 14 days. Exercise increases your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause bleeding, wound opening, and swelling. Activities like running, cycling, swimming, and weightlifting should be cleared with your surgeon before restarting. Swimming in pools or the ocean should wait until the wound is fully healed.
How do I care for my wound at home?
Keep the wound moist at all times using a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Cover it with a non-stick gauze pad and secure it with medical tape. Change the dressing once daily after gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water. Keeping the wound moist helps it heal faster and with less scarring. Your surgeon will provide written instructions tailored to your specific wound type.
Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
Yes, some degree of scarring is unavoidable after any surgical procedure. However, because Mohs surgery removes only the minimal amount of tissue needed, the resulting scars are generally smaller than those from standard excision. Scars typically go through active remodeling for 6 to 12 months after surgery, gradually fading and flattening over time. For cosmetically sensitive areas, your surgeon may refer you to a plastic surgeon for scar revision if needed.
What signs of infection should I watch for?
Contact your surgeon promptly if you notice any of the following: increasing pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers, spreading redness or red streaks around the wound, a wound that feels hot to the touch, yellow or green discharge (pus), swollen lymph nodes nearby, or a fever above 38°C (100.4°F). Minor redness directly at the wound edge in the first 1 to 2 days is normal, but spreading redness is not.
Will the skin cancer come back after Mohs surgery?
Recurrence after successful Mohs surgery is rare. Less than 1 to 3% for most cancers. However, no treatment can guarantee zero risk, and patients who have had one skin cancer have an increased chance of developing new skin cancers in the future. Annual full-body skin exams by a dermatologist are strongly recommended for all Mohs patients. Catching any new spots early is the best long-term strategy.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Mohs surgery when it is deemed medically necessary for appropriate indications. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, location, and individual policy details. It is always wise to contact your insurer before the procedure to confirm coverage, understand your deductible or co-pay, and ask whether pre-authorization is required.
