Mohs Surgery
offered in Arcadia, Miami, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice , Longboat Key , Bradenton , Northport and Sun City, FL
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Enjoy peace of mind and healthy skin when you treat skin cancer with Mohs surgery, available at Luminary Dermatology. The dermatology practice has 10 locations, and Mohs surgery is performed by a highly skilled team of providers at North Port, Bradenton, Sarasota, and other South Florida offices. To learn more about Mohs surgery, skin cancer treatments, and other services, call the nearest office to schedule a consultation or request one online today.
Mohs Surgery Q & A
What kind of skin cancer does Mohs surgery address?
Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancer. However, your surgeon can also utilize it for melanoma and other types of cancer.
It’s often recommended for recurring cancers, as well as those in difficult-to-treat areas, such as:
- Face
- Ears
- Neck
- Nose
- Eyelids
- Lips
- Hairline
- Hands
- Feet
- Genitals and other various locations
Preserving as much tissue as possible is extremely important.
What can I expect during Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, cancerous tissue is removed in small sections. A pathologist examines each tissue specimen for malignant cells. More tissue is removed if malignant cells are found until the cancer is eradicated.
This comprehensive microscopic examination helps to target only cancerous tissue, significantly reducing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.
How painful is Mohs surgery?
Your surgeon will numb the treatment area so you won’t feel anything during Mohs surgery. Most people report mild discomfort after the procedure, which is easily managed with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever.
Is Mohs surgery considered a major operation?
No, Mohs surgery is usually considered minor surgery. You will most likely need stitches to close your Mohs surgical wound. However, some surgical wounds are small enough to heal on their own.
In some cases, Mohs surgery can cause scarring that requires cosmetic surgery to repair.
How long does it take to recover from Mohs surgery?
After Mohs surgery, the surgical site needs approximately 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely, although smaller incisions may take less time.
It’s best to refrain from bending, lifting heavy items, drinking alcohol, and engaging in strenuous activities for several days after Mohs surgery.
To promote healing and minimize scarring, it may be helpful to keep the surgical site moist with a topical ointment such as Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, or BIAFINE®.
Once your stitches are removed, certain products such as Mederma®, Bio-Oil®, and silicone scar gel can help with scar formation. Check with your doctor before applying anything to your surgical site after Mohs surgery.
If you want to find out more about Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatments at one of Luminary Dermatology’s Florida locations, call the nearest office to schedule a consultation or request one online to get started.