Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Learning that you need surgery can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect can make the experience feel more manageable. This guide walks through what to expect from start to finish: how to prepare, what happens during the procedure, and what recovery looks like. For the full overview of the procedure and the surgeons who perform it, you can read more about Mohs surgery in Baton Rouge.
A quick word on what Mohs surgery is
Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it is carefully mapped and examined under a microscope by the surgeon. If cancer cells remain, the surgeon identifies their location and removes additional tissue only where needed. This process continues until no cancer cells are detected. That is why Mohs has the highest cure rate for many common skin cancers and spares the most healthy skin, which matters most on the face and other visible areas.
How to prepare for Mohs surgery
Preparation is simple, and the office will give you instructions specific to your case. In general:
Provide the office with an updated list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Do not stop or adjust any medication, including blood thinners, unless specifically instructed by your medical team.
Eat as normal and take your usual morning medications unless you are told otherwise.
Plan on being at the office for most of the day. Because the lab work happens between layers, there is waiting time, so bring a book, headphones, or anything that helps you relax.
Wear comfortable clothing, and arrange a ride if the surgery is near your eye or on an area that may cause discomfort while driving.
After leaving the office, use the remainder of the day to rest. Avoid exercising or any strenuous activity for two weeks after the procedure.
What happens the day of surgery
Here is the usual flow:
The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia, so you are awake but should not feel pain during the procedure.
Your surgeon removes the first thin layer of tissue and bandages the area.
You wait while that layer is mapped and examined under the microscope. This is where most of the time goes.
If any cancer remains, only that precise spot is removed, and the layer is checked again. This repeats until no cancer is left.
Once the area is clear, your surgeon talks through the best way to repair the wound, which depends on its size and location.
Arrival time for surgery may be as early as 7 AM and can go to as late as 1:30 PM, so avoid arranging plans for the day of treatment.
Recovery and aftercare
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The surgical site typically heals over several weeks, and you will have specific wound care instructions based on the size and location of the repair. A few general pointers:
Keep the wound clean and covered as directed, and change the dressing on the schedule you are given.
Mild discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the period your surgeon recommends, since that can stress the healing site.
Some swelling or bruising is normal, especially around the eyes, and it settles over the first week or two.
Call the office if you notice increasing redness, warmth, drainage, or pain that is getting worse rather than better, since those can be signs of infection.
Scars, and when aesthetic care can help
Mohs is designed to preserve healthy tissue, so scarring is usually minimal, and scars keep fading for many months. Following your surgeon's wound care and sun protection instructions is an important part of healing. Once the area has fully healed, patients who have concerns about the appearance of their scar may discuss appropriate options with their care team. Derma's Lead Aesthetician, Jen, can help explore suitable cosmetic skincare options when appropriate.
Common Questions
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Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The site heals over several weeks, and scars continue to fade for months.
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Yes. Mohs is a medically necessary skin cancer treatment and is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. The office verifies your benefits beforehand so there are no surprises.
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The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should feel little during the procedure, and most discomfort afterward is mild and short-lived.
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Mohs is named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, the physician who developed the surgical technique. The procedure is called Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialized method of removing skin cancer one layer at a time while examining each layer under a microscope to confirm the cancer has been fully removed.
Ready to talk it through
If you have been referred for Mohs surgery, or you have a skin cancer concern you want evaluated, the team at Derma in Baton Rouge is here to help.
Learn more about Mohs surgery at Derma and call 225-303-9500 when you are ready to schedule.