Before Your Mohs Surgery
Before Your Mohs Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the gold standard for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with a cure rate of 99%. The goal is precise: remove the cancer completely while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
At Bliss Dermatology + Wellness, Dr. Michelle Pennie performs this procedure right here in our office. Our onsite Mohs lab allows us to process and examine tissue immediately, meaning you receive the most accurate results in real time, without the delays of an outside laboratory. The procedure is done in stages, under local anesthesia. You will be awake and comfortable throughout, and our team will be with you every step of the way.
How to Prepare for Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is done in layers, and each layer must be examined before we determine whether to continue. This means the process takes time. Most patients are with us for several hours. Knowing what to expect and planning accordingly makes a meaningful difference in your comfort and experience.
Set Aside the Day
Plan for most of your day to be at our office. The procedure is done in stages while we examine each layer of tissue before proceeding.
Arrive with Clean Skin
Come with clean skin at the treatment site. Avoid applying any creams, makeup, or lotions to the area beforehand.
Eat a Normal Meal
Have a full meal before you arrive. You’ll be in our office for a while, so starting the day nourished helps.
Continue Your Medications
Take your regular medications as directed unless we have specifically told you otherwise. Blood thinners and any medications that may affect healing will have been discussed with you in advance.
Bring a Friend or Something to Read
Between stages there will be waiting. Having a companion, a book, or entertainment makes the time much more comfortable.
During the Mohs Surgery Procedure
The process begins with Dr. Pennie carefully mapping and marking the tumor to guide precise tissue removal. She then removes the cancerous tissue along with a thin margin of surrounding skin. That tissue goes directly to our onsite lab, where it is processed and prepared for examination under the microscope. Dr. Pennie reviews the margins to determine whether any cancer cells remain. If they do, only that specific area is removed, nothing more. This process repeats, one precise layer at a time, until all margins are completely clear. Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound is closed. Depending on the size and location, this may be a straightforward closure, a flap where nearby skin is repositioned, or in some cases a skin graft. The goal is always the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Mohs surgery is a meticulous procedure, and it is also highly successful. When you leave our office, we aim for you to leave with confidence, knowing the cancer has been fully removed, healthy tissue has been preserved, and you have everything you need to heal well. If you have questions about Mohs surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office. We’re here to help.