PRE-MOHS SURGERY

Mohs Surgery is a specialized technique for removing certain types of skin cancers. As the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, it minimizes the chance of recurrence and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement. Dr. Frederic Mohs began performing the procedure in the 1930’s. The procedure has been continuously refined over the past 70 years and it is now an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.

After the tumor and surrounding skin have been completely numbed, the visible portion of the tumor is surgically removed. The tissue is then taken to our laboratory and processed where the Mohs surgeon uses a microscope to see if any cancer cells remain. If no cancer cells are seen, the surgeon will repair the wound with stitches (or allow the wound to heal if stitches are not needed.) If any cancer cells have been left behind, the surgeon will go back and remove additional tissue. This process is repeated as many times as necessary to ensure complete removal of the tumor.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MOHS SURGERY?

There are two primary advantages. First, by using the microscope to examine the tissue, the surgeon is better able to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed. This procedure has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments.

Second, because only cancerous tissue is removed, normal, healthy skin is preserved, keeping the defect or “hole” as small as possible. This facilitates a more elegant reconstruction.

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?

The most common skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. There are well over 1 million new skin cancers in this country each year. Fortunately, these two cancers do not usually spread to other areas of the body and are rarely life-threatening. However, they can be locally aggressive, meaning they can invade and infiltrate large areas of normal tissue.

WILL I HAVE STITCHES FOLLOWING THE SURGERY?

Many, but not all wounds, require stitches for optimal healing. Our goal is to give you the best cosmetic and functional result possible.

WILL I HAVE A SCAR AFTER THE SURGERY?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “scarless” surgery. However, we are trained in facial reconstruction and our goal is to make your scar as undetectable as possible. The size of the scar often depends on the size of the tumor. 

WILL I BE PUT TO SLEEP FOR THE SURGERY?

No. The surgery is well-tolerated with local anesthesia.



Yes. Unless specifically told otherwise, you may eat a normal meal prior to surgery.



Yes. Physical activity, including sports and exercise, is often restricted for 2 weeks following the surgery. This includes Golf, Fishing, Tennis/Pickleball, and Shoveling/Swimming (season-related). If your job requires heavy lifting or physical exertion, you may need to plan to be off for a few days. If you have any travel or special events coming up, you may want to postpone your surgery for another time, within a reasonable time frame.

WILL I HAVE MUCH PAIN AFTER THE SURGERY?

Most people have surprisingly little pain after the surgery. Typically, the first 24 hours are the most uncomfortable. We recommend that you have extra strength Tylenol available, but do not recommend taking Advil, Motrin, or Aleve as these thin your blood.

SHOULD I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATIONS THE MORNING OF THE SURGERY?

Yes. Take all your regular medications as they have been prescribed by your doctor unless we specifically tell you otherwise prior to surgery.

Are there any medications I should discontinue prior to surgery?

Continue taking all your prescribed medications unless otherwise directed by us in advance. Please let us know if you are on blood thinners such as Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, or Pradaxa. Your doctor who prescribed these medications should be contacted to advise you if and when these medications should be stopped. Many over-the-counter pain medications, including Advil, Aleve, and Motrin (and supplements such as Fish Oil, Vitamin E, CoQ10, Turmeric, Magnesium, and Garlic) thin your blood and should be stopped 1 week before surgery if not prescribed for a medical purpose. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) does not thin blood and should be used for any aches/pains you may have in the week before surgery and for discomfort after surgery. Alcoholic beverages also thin your blood, and you should not drink alcohol for 48 hours before surgery.

If you are having leg surgery, we strongly recommend wearing a compression stocking after surgery. You may want to purchase this before surgery. Duval’s Pharmacy in Whitman, Therap-ease in Plymouth, and Homecare Express in Hanover & New England Medical Fitting in Weymouth do have them for you to purchase. (Knee High, Closed Toe 15-20mm)

Please remember to shave any surgical area with hair the day prior. Excluding Scalps.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow for enough preparation time.

Cancellations Must Be Done Within 48 hours (During Business Hours) of the Procedure, To Avoid a Fee.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Triage Dept.  at (781) 413-2532