What to Expect from Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Mohs surgery is a precise and highly effective treatment for skin cancer, performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologists who specialize in the treatment of skin cancer. At MDCS Dermatology, we take pride in offering top-notch care at multiple locations across New York and New Jersey. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your Mohs surgery.

Preoperative Preparation

Before your Mohs surgery, it’s important to plan and prepare:

• Understand the Procedure: The surgery involves removing an oval piece of skin and stitching it under local anesthesia. The number of stitches and the duration of the surgery depend on the size and nature of the cancer.
• Time Commitment: Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours in the office for the procedure.
• Supplies to Have at Home: Ensure you have Tylenol, gauze, tape, Vaseline ointment, and an ace bandage ready.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid travel and exercise for 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Bruising and swelling typically resolve within a week.
• Medication Precautions: Do not take Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, or any extra aspirin for 10 days before and after the surgery.
• Biopsy and Pathology Results: Know your results before the surgery.
• Post-Surgery Visits: Be prepared for additional visits for dressing changes, suture removal, and scar checks.
• Time Off Work: Take the rest of the surgical day off from work and consider taking the next day off as well.

Postoperative Care

Caring for your surgical site properly is essential for healing:

• Days 1-2: Leave the dressing in place and keep it dry.
• Days 3-14: Once or twice daily, remove the dressing, wash the area with soap and warm water, dry it with clean gauze, apply a thick layer of ointment (Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Bacitracin), and cover with a large bandaid or dressing.
• Suture Removal: Facial surgery sutures are removed on day 7; for scalp and body, sutures are removed on day 14.
• Post-Op Site Check: Required around weeks 4 or 5.
• Signs of Infection: If you notice warmth, drainage, pus, blisters, redness (greater than 1 inch), or fever, call the office immediately.

Additional Post-Operative Instructions

• Pain Management: For pain, take 2 extra-strength Tylenol (500mg) every 6 hours.
• Itching: Apply over-the-counter cortisone 1%.
• Bleeding: Apply pressure with tightly folded gauze directly on the wound for 30 minutes. If the dressing is saturated with blood, replace it.

Scheduling a Pre-Operative Consultation

Consider scheduling a pre-operative consultation if:

• You have not had previous surgery with the doctor.
• Your initial biopsy was done at a different office.
• You take blood thinners or pre-op antibiotics.
• You have a pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve, or joint replacements.
• You need surgery on sensitive areas like the eyelids, nose, or lips.
• You have questions about scarring or stitching.
• You have a large skin growth (greater than 1 inch).

Contact Information

For any non-urgent issues or to schedule your Mohs surgery consultation, you can reach MDCS Dermatology at the following locations:

• Manhattan: 212-661-3376
• Plainview: 516-433-2424
• Smithtown: 631-762-3376
• Hamptons: 631-728-7288
• Commack: 631-543-4888

In case of an emergency, call 911.

Meet Our Mohs Surgeons

MDCS Dermatology is proud to have a team of expert, fellowship trained Mohs skin cancer surgeons:

• Dr. Snehal Amin
• Dr. Christos Zouzias
• Dr. Michael Tassavor
• Dr. Kalee Shah
• Dr. Carolyn Stull 

For more information or to book an appointment, visit MDCS Dermatology.

Mohs surgery offers a highly effective treatment option for skin cancer, and MDCS Dermatology is dedicated to providing exceptional care throughout your treatment journey.