Here's What to Expect During Your Mohs Surgery

When facing Mohs surgery, it's normal to have questions and uncertainties about the procedure. Whether you're scheduled for Mohs micrographic surgery or considering it as an option for skin cancer treatment, Dr. Eyal Levit and our team at Levit Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, New York, are here to guide you through what to expect during the process. 

Understanding the surgery's steps and what occurs before, during, and after the procedure can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smoother experience.

Preparing for your Mohs surgery

Before the day of your Mohs surgery, several essential steps and preparations take place:

Consultation 

You'll have an initial consultation with Dr. Levit where he assesses your condition, explains the surgery, and answers any questions or concerns you may have.

Scheduling 

Mohs surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Discuss the schedule with our team to ensure you have allocated enough time for the process.

Medication review 

Inform Dr. Levit about any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. He’ll advise you on any necessary adjustments before the procedure.

Fasting 

In some cases, you may need to fast before the surgery, especially if your Mohs surgery is scheduled with a local anesthetic.

Day of Mohs surgery 

On the day of your Mohs surgery, here’s what you can expect: 

Check-in 

Arrive at the surgical facility at your scheduled time. Bring a good book, magazine, or other entertainment to keep you occupied during the waiting periods.

Anesthesia 

Mohs surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. The area to be treated is numbed for your comfort.

Tissue removal 

Dr. Levit begins by removing a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue. This tissue is then prepared, processed, and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.

Microscopic examination 

If cancer cells are still present in the examined tissue, the process is repeated in the specific area where cancer remains. The cycle continues until no more cancer cells are detected.

Closure options 

Once Dr. Levit is confident that all cancer cells have been removed, you may discuss your options for wound closure. This might include sutures, allowing the wound to heal naturally, or a skin graft or flap for larger defects.

Post-surgery and recovery 

The surgery itself is typically a day procedure, but the wound healing process will continue after you leave the surgical facility. Here's what to expect post-Mohs surgery:

Dressing

The surgical area will be covered with a dressing, which should be kept clean and dry. Dr. Levit will provide detailed instructions on how to care for it.

Scarring 

Mohs surgery aims to minimize scarring by removing as little healthy tissue as possible. However, some scarring is inevitable, but it can improve over time. Proper wound care and follow-up appointments are essential for scar management.

Follow-up 

You'll schedule a follow-up appointment with us to ensure the wound is healing correctly and to remove any sutures if necessary.

Timeframe 

Mohs surgery offers a high cure rate for skin cancer. The time required for wound healing can vary depending on the size and location of the excision, and Dr. Levit will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific case.

In conclusion, understanding the Mohs surgery process and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help you feel more at ease and confident as you embark on your journey to treat skin cancer effectively. Dr. Levit and our dedicated team will be there every step of the way to ensure your experience is as comfortable and successful as possible.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact Levit Dermatology and give us a call to book your first appointment with Dr. Levit or any of his highly skilled board-certified dermatologists today. 

Wishing you all health and beauty. Be good, do good, and may good come to you. At Levit Dermatology, we believe that health and beauty is our duty.