How Long is Mohs Surgery? Here’s What to Expect

Dermatology & Skin Health Med Spa specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly specialized and precise type of surgery for the removal of skin cancer.

Founded by Dr Frederic Mohs, this type of skin cancer surgery allows for the precise removal of cancerous cells such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma, ensuring maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects.

With the use of highly specialized slicing and mapping techniques, this specialized form of surgery is tailored to specific types of skin cancer.

During the surgery, each layer of tissue that is removed is carefully examined in order to ensure that all cancerous cells have been eliminated before closing the wound with stitches or skin flap closure.

Our experienced team can determine which type of Mohs Surgery would most effectively treat your condition, providing you with a safe and successful outcome.

How long is Mohs surgery?

The exact length of time needed to complete this type of dermatologic surgery will vary depending on the size, location, and type of skin cancer being removed.

The average Mohs procedure will take roughly 3 to 4 hours, or longer if needed. The surgery typically involves several steps depending on the type of skin cancer being treated and how extensive it is:

Step 1: Local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is used to numb the area where the skin cancer is located.

Step 2: Thin layer of tissue (called a Margin) containing the tumor is removed.

Step 3: The surrounding margins are examined under a microscope for cancer cells or traces of tumor-like tissue.

Step 4: If any margin shows signs of cancerous cells, more layers are removed and reexamined until all edges test negative for cancer cells.

Does Mohs Surgery Require Anesthesia?

The answer is yes. Mohs surgery, a procedure used to treat common skin cancers, requires local anesthesia.

The procedure involves multiple layers of tissue removal, layer-by-layer examination, and subsequent suturing in order to remove all cancerous tissue without sacrificing healthy skin in the surrounding areas.

To ensure patient comfort throughout the surgery, an anesthesia plan that may include local or topical anesthesia.

At Dermatology & Skin Health Spa, we strive to make the experience as painless and positive as possible for each one of our patients.

What type of anesthesia is used for Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia.

Prior to the procedure, the area to be treated is numbed using a small injection of anesthetic.

This helps minimize discomfort throughout the procedure.

The anesthetic used for Mohs surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery being performed and the individual's medical condition. Numbing anesthetics such as lidocaine are most commonly used for this type of skin cancer surgery.

The anesthesiologist will work with you prior to your procedure to discuss your specific anesthesia needs and provide you with additional information about the risks and benefits associated with each type of anesthesia.

Are You Put to Sleep for Mohs Surgery?

At Dermatology & Skin Health Spa, our team of experts perform a specialized treatment known as Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer and other abnormal growths.

During this procedure, local anesthetic injections are used to numb the targeted surgical site, making it painless and freed from discomfort or any feelings associated with it.

Are you sedated for Mohs surgery?

Since the area must remain numb during the procedure, a local anesthetic injection is used instead of general anesthesia. This means that you’ll remain awake throughout the entire procedure.

General anesthesia may lead to longer recovery time while causing certain risks. As such, we opt for local anesthesia instead which allows patients to be involved in their own care by helping surgeons map out tissue excision along with its subsequent reconstructive surgery plans before proceeding.

The good news is that Mohs surgery is overall safe and most people who’ve gone through it report feeling relieved after recovering from tumors without complication or further recurrence.

Do You Have to Lay on Your Stomach or Back for Mohs Surgery?

The answer is no. Mohs surgery does not require you to be in any specific position. The procedure can be performed from many different angles, depending upon the size and location of the lesion being treated.

An examination table will be used so that you can sit up and the physician performing the procedure may move around it to access all surfaces of the treated area.

If necessary, your Mohs surgeon may ask you to roll onto your side or back during treatment so that other sides of the lesion can be seen better but this is not always required. Treatment usually involves local anesthesia and the application of a prophylactic ointment or cream at the end of treatment after excision of any abnormal areas detected on Mohs microscopic slides.

For more complex procedures such as facial reconstructions or extensive tissue repairs following loose skin removal after weight loss surgery, you may have to change positions so that a more comprehensive assessment can be done. However, for routine Mohs surgeries such changes in body positioning are rarely needed.

How long does it take for stitches to dissolve?

On average, most stitches used in Mohs surgery will take about two weeks to dissolve. This is due to the fact that the body needs time to regenerate and heal tissue around the wound site.

During this process, specialized dissolvable sutures are often preferred as they require less maintenance than non-dissolvable sutures post-surgery.

How long does it take for swelling to go down?

Swelling and bruising are common occurrences following Mohs Surgery, particularly when the procedure is done around the eyes. This swelling generally happens within five to seven days post-procedure, but can be minimized with the use of an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Make sure to discuss this potential side effect with your doctor before your procedure on how to properly manage it.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Appointment for Mohs Surgery?

At Dermatology & Skin Health Spa, the wait time for a Mohs surgery varies depending on your individual needs and the current demand for services.

However, we understand that you're looking for fast results, so our team is prepared to offer you a rapid appointment if possible.

To ensure fast access to our qualified surgeons and specialists, please be prepared to provide any medical history or paperwork related to the condition when you first contact us. We will work hard to accommodate your health and wellness needs as quickly as possible by assessing your individual situation and allowing you sufficient time with our team of professionals.

How Fast Should I Have Mohs Surgery After a Biopsy?

It is impossible to put an exact timeline on when you should have Mohs surgery after a biopsy, as it depends largely on the type and severity of the cancer.

Most medical professionals recommend having the skin cancer removal done within three to four weeks of a diagnosis. 

Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most effective treatments for many types of skin cancer, especially those with high recurrence rates, large lesions, or lesions with ill-defined borders.

How long does Mohs surgery take to heal?

The healing process begins immediately after your Mohs surgery and should conclude within 8 weeks following the procedure.

During this time period, specific instructions may be given by your medical provider such as keeping the wound clean or avoiding direct sunlight on the affected area.

Scarring is also a common side effect of Mohs surgery and may take time from a few weeks to a few months to heal completely.

Remember that everyone heals differently following any type of corrective skin surgery, so it’s best to ask your doctor for detailed advice on healing times such as when you can expect complete closure or when it’s safe to return to strenuous activity.

Dermatology & Skin Health Spa has a team of qualified specialists available who can provide any needed post-operative care throughout your recovery period.

How long does it take for your nose to heal after Mohs surgery?

Typically, within 24 hours of surgery, you’ll notice a reduction in swelling. During that first week post-surgery, dressings will need to be reapplied regularly to allow for continued healing.

After seven days you may experience some itchiness and even slight pain near the surgical wound site — this is normal and indicates that new skin is forming underneath. Days 8 to 7 post-surgery are when most patients see scabbing form at their wound site — another part of the normal healing process.

Conclusion

At Dermatology & Skin Health Spa, we offer Mohs surgery to clients in need of skin cancer treatment. Our experienced and highly skilled doctors perform the surgery with precision and care, giving our patients peace of mind that comes from knowing their skin cancer is being treated by qualified professionals.

We use only the finest equipment and latest techniques, so you can trust that you’ll receive the best care possible. With our comprehensive diagnostic services and compassionate staff, we provide a safe, comfortable environment for our patients during their Mohs surgery.