Surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments for skin cancer. This is because surgery for skin cancer has one of the highest cure rates. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your doctor might discuss the different options for treatment. This may include surgical and non-surgical treatments. However, in most cases, surgery is the most recommended treatment.

Depending on how severe your skin cancer may be, your doctor might recommend Mohs surgery or traditional surgery excision.
In this article, we will discuss Mohs surgery and how you can be prepared for it.

Mohs surgery is a specialized type of surgical excision. During a typical surgical excision, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic into the patient and then remove the tumor and part of the surrounding marginal skin using a scalpel. The skin tissue will then be sent to the lab to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed from the patient’s skin.

However, in Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the visible part of the tumor and then removes the surrounding skin tissue by each layer. After that, the surgeon then examines the skin to see if all cancer cells are removed. The surgeon then repeats the process until he/she is assured all cancer skin cells are removed.

Preparation

Once you’ve scheduled yourself for your surgery, your surgeon may give you a set of instructions. It is essential to make sure these instructions are thoroughly followed to ensure the best results and your safety.

Before surgery, you may be required to stop any medications or activities that may increase your risk of bleeding.

Doctors would also try to ensure that you stop any herbal medications, smoking, and consumption of alcohol. You are encouraged to eat and bring snacks along since Mohs surgery can take hours to complete.

The doctor may provide you with a set of specific instructions on how to take care of your skin after the surgery. The following instructions would lower your risk of infection and ensure that your wounds would heal faster.

• Avoid overexertion for 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and try to avoid exercising for at least 2 to 3 weeks.This would ensure that your surgical site heals properly.
• Try to keep the wound dry and covered for at least 24 hours.
• Try to wash the wound twice a day with soap and water then apply antibacterial ointments.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes – these activities may reduce the healing process.
• Once the wound heals, try to avoid exposing the wound to the sun. Exposure to the sun may cause to wound to become more visible and worsen the scar.

Additionally, your doctor may speak to you about a better plan to care for your skin to avoid getting skin cancer in the future. Speaking to the right dermatologist The Villages would help you to be a little more confident on who performs your surgery. If you’re looking for one of the best dermatologists specialized in Mohs Surgery, Johnny Gurgen Dermatology is the place for you. Dr. Gurgen is an award-winning skin care specialist who ensures your skin care needs are fulfilled in the best possible way for optimal outcomes!