Mohs Surgery in Sarasota & Bradenton, FL

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Mohs Surgery, named for Dr. Frederic Mohs who developed the technique, is a highly specialized and precise treatment for skin cancer in which the cancer is removed in stages, one tissue layer at a time. It is an outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia, and is distinguished by a specific technique of tissue examination that is unique to Mohs surgery. Dial (941) 379-6647 today to consult with Dr. Jennifer T. Plush and learn more about the procedure!

What are the advantages of Mohs surgery?

Mohs is considered the Gold Standard of skin cancer treatment for several reasons. Advantages include:

Highest cure rate (99%) of all skin cancer treatment techniques.
Fewer chances for errors. The same doctor who removes the layers of tissue also examines the tissue specimen. The entire process is done in the office.
Greater accuracy than other methods of skin cancer treatment.
Immediate results during the single office visit.

Conservative tissue removal results in less scarring and reduced downtime.

How long does Mohs surgery take?

Many Mohs procedures can be completed in four hours or less. However, there is no way to predict how long it will take to perform this very precise procedure. Patients are typically advised to clear their schedule for the entire day to ensure that they can remain in the office until they have received a clear pathology report from the doctor.

How should I prepare for Mohs surgery?

If any medications need to be altered or avoided, the doctor will discuss when this should occur. Usually, medications and supplements that can thin the blood need to be discontinued started at least one week before Mohs surgery. Because patients may be in the office for several hours, some may need to bring prescribed medications with them to their appointment to maintain their normal dosing schedule. They can also bring lunch or snacks, and should have at least one bottle of water. In addition to knowing what medications and supplements to avoid, patients should also refrain from drinking alcohol in the 24 hours before their procedure. The surgical area should be clean and free of lotion, makeup, fragrance, or other products. Finally, because Mohs can be a long appointment day, patients can bring a friend to keep them company, a book, or other entertainment that will help them pass the time.

The Mohs Surgery Procedure

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in a physician’s office. Mohs surgery may be performed by a team of specialists, with each team member specializing in a different part of the surgery, or by one surgeon that is experienced and capable of performing the whole procedure.

During Mohs surgery, the area that is treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. Small layers of skin are removed, and each layer is examined under a microscope to see if it has malignant cells. This process continues until the cancerous cells are removed completely. Most Mohs surgery can be performed in three stages or less, and it takes around 4 hours.

Recovery From Mohs Surgery

After Mohs surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, bruising, bleeding and swelling. Pain medication will be prescribed to you as needed, although most patients require only over-the-counter pain medication.

Mohs surgery does leave scars, although they are often smaller than scars left by other excision procedures. Reconstructive procedures, including skin grafts and/or skin flaps, can reduce the prominence of scars, and they can be performed with your Mohs surgery or at a later time. Often times stitches will be placed in the skin’s natural creases or in out-of-sight areas, which can help make scarring less visible.

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Is Mohs surgery painful?

No. The Mohs procedure is performed with the liberal use of a local anesthetic. This powerful numbing medication is injected into the treatment area, so patients may feel a slight pinch or burning sensation when the doctor administers the anesthetic. After the medication is injected, patients have no pain in the target area.

Can skin cancer return after Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is known to have a lower recurrence rate than conventional excision surgery for the removal of basal cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. The recurrence rate for basal cell carcinomas is very low. Rates for squamous cell carcinomas are also low, but these growths sometimes do recur, regardless of removal technique.

Risks of Mohs Surgery

In addition to the risks associated with any surgery, Mohs surgery includes the following risks:

Temporary/permanent surgical-area numbness
Temporary/permanent surgical-area weakness
Skin discoloration
Itching
Shooting pain
Keloid scar

Following Mohs surgery, it is important to visit your dermatologist and doctor regularly to make sure that cancer has not returned or that new cancer has grown.

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Mohs Surgery FAQs

How do I know if I need Mohs surgery instead of another skin cancer treatment?

Mature couple has nice skin after Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer.

The decision depends on several factors, including the type of skin cancer, its size, location, and whether it has been treated previously. Mohs surgery is often recommended for skin cancers located on the face, ears, scalp, lips, hands, and other areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important. It may also be recommended for recurrent skin cancers or tumors with poorly defined borders. Dr. Jennifer Plush will review your biopsy results and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your specific diagnosis.

Why does Mohs surgery have such a high cure rate?

Mohs surgery differs from traditional excision because the tissue is examined immediately during the procedure. Each layer is mapped and analyzed under a microscope before additional tissue is removed. This process allows the surgeon to identify and remove cancer cells with exceptional precision while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. Because the entire margin is evaluated, Mohs surgery offers one of the highest cure rates available for many common skin cancers.

What types of skin cancer can be treated with Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In select situations, it may also be used for certain melanomas and other rare skin cancers. The suitability of Mohs surgery depends on the characteristics of the cancer and its location on the body.

What happens if cancer cells are still found during surgery?

If cancer cells are identified during microscopic examination, an additional layer of tissue is removed from the precise area where the remaining cancer is located. This process continues until no cancer cells are detected. Because each stage is evaluated immediately, patients receive confirmation of complete cancer removal before leaving the office.=

Can I return to work after Mohs surgery?

Many patients return to desk work or light activities within a day or two. However, activity restrictions may vary depending on the size and location of the surgical site. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that increase blood pressure may need to be avoided temporarily to promote proper healing.

Will my skin cancer come back?

While Mohs surgery has an extremely high success rate, no treatment can guarantee that skin cancer will never return. Patients who have had one skin cancer are at increased risk of developing additional skin cancers in the future. Routine skin examinations and sun protection remain important parts of long-term skin health.

How often should I have skin cancer screenings after Mohs surgery?

Follow-up schedules vary based on individual risk factors, cancer type, and medical history. Many patients benefit from regular full-body skin examinations to monitor for recurrence or new skin cancers. Dr. Plush will create a personalized follow-up plan based on your specific needs.

How can I lower my risk of future skin cancers?

Protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the most effective ways to reduce future risk. Daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds are all important preventive measures. Regular dermatology visits also help identify suspicious lesions early, when treatment is often most straightforward.

Schedule A Mohs Surgery Consultation In Sarasota, FL!

If you are interested in learning more about Mohs Surgery or are seeking to determine whether you are a candidate, call American Dermatology Associates today at (941) 379-6647! You can also fill out the contact us form on this page, and our staff will assist you with setting up an appointment with Dr. Jennifer T. Plush. Our practice looks forward to serving you!

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