Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery Overview

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we specialize in effective skin cancer treatment through micrographic dermatologic surgery, commonly known as Mohs surgery. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure is one of the most effective ways to treat certain types of skin cancer, particularly those on sensitive areas like the face and neck.

What sets Mohs surgery apart is its precision and ability to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This ensures both effective treatment and the best possible cosmetic outcome for our patients.

How is Mohs surgery performed?

Performed in our clinic under local anesthesia, Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure. Our dermatologists begin by removing a thin layer of cancerous tissue, which is then examined under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are identified. If any cancer remains, we repeat the process until no further cancerous cells are found. This precise, layer-by-layer approach allows us to conserve healthy tissue while eliminating the cancer.

After the cancer is removed, the surgeon will offer several wound repair options, including natural healing, sutures or more advanced techniques like skin flaps or grafts. For more complex cases, we collaborate with plastic surgeons to achieve the best possible functional and cosmetic results.

Am I a candidate for Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery may be right for you based on factors like the type and location of your skin cancer. It is commonly used for cancers on the face, scalp, hands, feet and genitals, but can treat cancers in other areas as well.

While often used for low-risk cancers, Mohs is also ideal for high-risk or recurring cancers due to its precise tumor removal.

You may be a good candidate if you have basal or squamous cell carcinoma, especially if there is a risk of recurrence. It is also a great option for larger tumors, tumors that have returned after treatment or cancers in areas where preserving surrounding tissue is essential. Mohs is especially effective for tumors with poorly defined borders or in patients with compromised immune systems.

What is the success rate of Mohs surgery?

With a success rate of up to 99%, Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate among skin cancer treatments. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, though these are minimized when performed by an experienced Mohs surgeon. Potential risks include:

Bleeding

Scarring or discoloration

Nerve damage

Pain or discomfort

Cancer recurrence

Need for additional reconstructive surgery

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our skilled Mohs surgery team is committed to providing safe, effective treatment while minimizing these risks.

What should I expect after Mohs surgery?

When your surgery is complete, your surgeon will assess the wound and discuss ideal functional and cosmetic reconstruction options. Good cosmetic results are an integral part of the recovery process, and that is why the surgery is aimed to leave as little tissue damage as possible. If reconstruction is necessary, your care team will create a plan to treat the area the same day as the tumor removal.

Most patients can drive themselves home following the procedure. Pain associated with the procedure typically is minimal and temporary. Your doctor may advise you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever or a prescription pain-reducing medication if necessary. Limitations on physical activity depend largely on the extent of the surgical procedure. Patients whose wounds were repaired with stitches will typically need to return to the doctor’s office within one to three weeks for their removal.

After a Mohs surgical procedure, you may or may not undergo a repair process to mend the wound left by the surgery. Several reconstruction options exist, and instructions for aftercare are different depending on which approach the surgeon takes.

Our Mohs surgeon and medical team will provide you with detailed instructions to follow at home. Those instructions will include:

Information about when to change bandages and how to clean the surgical site
Medication information about prescription or over-the-counter pills or topical ointments
A timeline for when you can return to certain activities, such as wearing makeup or exercising
A schedule of follow-up appointments to remove any stitches and monitor your healing
Recommendations for treating your Mohs surgery scar to ensure it heals and fades quickly

Some patients may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, redness or inflammation, but these symptoms are typically temporary and easily manageable.

Mohs Surgery Overview

How is Mohs surgery performed?

Mohs Surgery Step-By-Step Process

Am I a candidate for Mohs surgery?

What is the success rate of Mohs surgery?

What should I expect after Mohs surgery?

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Your Mohs Surgery

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