If you’re headed toward Mohs surgery for your skin cancer treatment, you can feel very confident in the outcome. While no one wants to get skin cancer, this procedure is very successful and results in as little damage to the surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Dr. Hendi and our team of skin cancer experts specialize in this treatment. In fact, as a dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Hendi has performed more than 14,000 Mohs surgeries.
Here, we explore more about this procedure, including what to expect once it’s done.
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves the precise removal of cancerous skin cells. Instead of removing a large area at once, Dr. Hendi removes a thin layer and examines it under a microscope. If he detects the presence of skin cancer, he removes another thin layer and examines it under a microscope. He continues this process until he removes a layer that shows no more signs of skin cancer.
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant Melanoma (MM). Because it preserves as much healthy tissue as possible, it’s particularly helpful for cosmetically important areas, such as the nose, eyes, ears, lips, and fingers.
The Mohs procedure is also recommended for large and aggressive BCCs or SCCs and those that have returned after previous treatments . What to expect after Mohs surgery
Depending on the specifics of your skin cancer, the Mohs process may require up to a few hours. And those hours are well worth it, given that the technique brings a 99% cure rate for cancers that haven’t been previously treated. On top of that, any scarring tends to be minimal.
Recovery from Mohs tends to go smoothly. You’ll want to rest as much as you can for a few days, and you may need to return to our office for removal of your stitches in 4-14 days.
Any pain, itching, or discomfort following the Mohs procedure is typically minimal. If you do experience mild to moderate pain, we may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen. You should avoid aspirin, which could increase bleeding. A gently applied ice pack might also help.
For best results, follow Dr. Hendi’s instructions for wound care and follow-up appointments. He may also recommend skin cancer surveillance moving forward, so that any precancerous or cancerous cells on your skin can be detected and addressed early.
To learn more about Mohs surgery or to get the care you need, call 301-812-4591 or book an appointment online with the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, today.
