Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the gold standard of treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, especially those located in areas where it is vital to spare as much normal skin and tissue as possible.
Dr. Trephina Galloway is fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. In addition to medical school and dermatology residency, this additional specialization qualifies her to:
surgically remove skin cancer
evaluate the pathology of the skin cancer in her onsite lab
close or reconstruct the wound
Advantages of Mohs Surgery
If you have skin cancer on a cosmetically or functionally sensitive area – such as the face, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals – you will want to consider Mohs surgery to achieve best cosmetic and functional outcome. Mohs surgery is also recommended for skin cancers that are large, aggressive or growing rapidly, or that are recurring after treatment.
Smallest scar
The process is designed to be tissue-sparing, leaving the smallest scar possible and offering patients with the very best cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Preparing for Surgery
Medication: Discontinue using any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter pain relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve) two weeks prior to surgery. Tylenol is safe to take if necessary. Check with your prescribing physician if you are taking any medications that are known to thin the blood.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol at least 12 hours prior to surgery.
Smoking: To decrease your risk of complications and infections from surgery, avoid smoking one week before and after surgery.
Companions: We encourage you to bring a friend or loved one to your appointment who will remain in the waiting room during your surgery. If you surgery site is located near or on your eye(s) you will require a driver.
Transportation: Should you require medication to reduce your anxiety, you will not be allowed to drive. Please arrange safe transportation to and from surgery if a friend or loved one will not be accompanying you. Please do not plan to fly for 48 hours following your surgery.
Day of Surgery
Breakfast: Please eat a normal breakfast in advance of your appointment.
Cosmetics: Avoid wearing any jewelry, make-up, nail polish, perfume, or moisturizers especially around the surgical area.
Medications: With the exception of the medications and vitamins listed above, you should take your other medications as usual.
Arrival: Plan to arrive to the office 15-20 minutes early in order to fill out any required paperwork.
Surgery: The surgery itself takes approximately 15 minutes, however, the preparation and examination of the tissues can take up to two hours. You are welcome to bring your own reading materials, iPad or other devices to enjoy while Dr. Galloway performs the tissue examination. Upon examination, Dr. Galloway may require additional tissue samples to properly remove the skin cancer. Please plan on being with us for several hours, even though your procedure may not take that long.
Postoperative Care
Wound Care Instructions
Go home and take it easy! Do not do anytying that requires you to bend, strain, lift or cause exertion. You will need to refrain from exercise for 7-14 days.
For the first 24-48 hours after surgery:
1. Keep the pressure bandage dry and clean. Do not remove the pressure bandage.
2. Apply an ice pack with a thin towel wrapped around it, over the pressure bandage for 15-20 minutes
every hour - this will help to reduce pain and swelling.
After the first 24-48 hours:
Remove the dressing. You may bathe normally at this point and allow the wound to get wet.
Wash your hands!
Remove the pressure bandage.
Gently cleanse the wound with a mild soap and warm water. Please do not use harsh cleansers or disinfectants (rubbing alcohol, etc.). If there is an excessive amount of crusted blood you may use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to work off the crust.
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly), or Aquaphor over your stitches. Please do not use antibiotic ointments unless otherwise specified.
Cover the site with a clean non-stick bandage, and secure with paper tape.
Have more questions about Mohs? Read some of or most frequently asked questions, or call our office if you don’t find what you are looking for.