Mohs Surgery & Skin Cancer Removal
Mohs surgery is a method of skin cancer removal that uses microscopic analysis to completely remove a cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It is one of the most precise and effective treatments available for many types of skin cancer.
How Do I Know If I Need Mohs Surgery?
Your dermatologist will biopsy any concerning spot and send it to a lab for analysis. Based on the location and appearance of the cancer, along with the lab results, your dermatologist will recommend the best treatment option for you.
Common skin cancer treatments include:
- Electrodessication and curettage
- Topical chemotherapy
- Surgical excision
- Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is ideal for:
- Infiltrative cancers
- Cancers on the face
- Very large superficial cancers
It offers cure rates as high as 99% for certain skin cancers.
If Mohs surgery is recommended, your dermatologist may refer you to a Mohs surgeon they trust, or you may choose to search for one on your own.
How Do I Find a Mohs Surgeon?
When choosing a Mohs surgeon, it’s important to understand their training.
Some dermatologists demonstrate competency in Mohs surgery by completing an exam and attesting to prior experience. Others complete an additional year of training, called a Mohs fellowship, dedicated solely to this procedure.
Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons receive extensive, hands-on instruction in:
- Performing the surgery
- Reading and interpreting slides under a microscope
- Repairing the skin after the cancer removal
Some even train alongside plastic surgeons to learn advanced facial reconstruction techniques, helping ensure the most natural cosmetic outcome possible.
At Deseret Dermatology, our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Barlow, completed a year-long Mohs fellowship at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, where he trained in slide interpretation and facial reconstruction alongside plastic surgeons.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
You will be escorted to a room to begin the first “stage” of the surgery. The surgeon will:
- Use local anesthesia to numb the area
- Remove a thin layer of skin
- Apply a temporary bandage
That tissue is then processed and reviewed under a microscope. This step can take an hour or more, so it’s a good idea to bring a book, movie, or something else to pass the time. You may wait in the same room or in the waiting area.
While you wait, the removed skin is sliced into very thin sections, dyed, and placed on slides. Your surgeon examines these under the microscope to determine whether any cancer remains.
- If the cancer is fully removed, your surgeon will return to repair the area and place stitches.
- If cancer remains, another layer is removed; only from the area where cancer is still present.
Steps two through four are repeated as needed. Each stage can add about an hour.
Total time varies, but most Mohs surgeries last between 2 and 6 hours. Some cases take longer.
After the Appointment
Recovery depends on the size and location of the surgical site.
- Many patients have stitches
- Some areas are allowed to heal on their own
- In thin or delicate areas (such as the ear), a skin graft may be required
Sutures are typically removed 5–7 days after surgery.
Until removal:
- Keep the wound covered with petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc.) and a bandage
- Or use a hydroseal bandage without ointment
- Avoid activities that place tension on the stitches
- You may usually shower after two days
- Do not pick at scabs to prevent long-term scarring
If discomfort occurs, alternating full doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen every three hours is highly effective for skin pain and has been shown to work as well as narcotic medications:
- 9:00 am – 800 mg ibuprofen
- 12:00 pm – 1000 mg Tylenol
- 3:00 pm – 800 mg ibuprofen
If significant pain persists after two weeks, contact your doctor.
Save your provider’s office number and call if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain
- Signs of infection
Take the Next Step
If you’re concerned about a mole or a growing spot on your skin, or think you may need Mohs surgery, Deseret Dermatology is here to help.
Our team is highly qualified to diagnose and treat skin cancer. Our surgeon, Dr. Barlow, completed a year-long Mohs surgery fellowship at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. During his fellowship, he received advanced training in:
- Reading skin cancer slides
- Performing Mohs surgery
- Working alongside plastic surgeons to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcomes
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call 385-333-3376 or schedule online to book your appointment today.