MOHS AND FACIAL SKIN CANCER SURGERY
For the healing of skin cancer

Mohs and facial skin cancer surgery, sometimes called micrographic surgery, is a state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer. It has proven to be the most effective cure for skin cancer with the lowest percentage of recurrence of any available treatment.

What is Mohs and Facial Skin Cancer Surgery?
Mohs skin cancer surgery allows the doctor to use a microscope during the procedure so that every single cancerous cell is removed without destroying healthy tissue. This prevents unnecessary disfigurement of the facial skin, and the surgeon then reconstructs any damaged areas to bring your face back to a normal appearance. Depending upon the amount of tissue that has been removed, reconstruction may involve stitches or skin grafts.

What Can Mohs and Facial Skin Cancer Surgery Do For Me?
* If you have facial skin cancer, Mohs surgery is the most advanced and effective means of removing all of the cancer without unnecessarily disfiguring the face.
* Because Mohs surgery allows the doctor to remove the roots and extensions of the cancerous cells using a microscope, fewer patients experience a recurrence of the cancer than with any other treatment.
* The reconstructive part of the surgery usually occurs immediately after the Mohs surgery.
* Some types of skin cancer cannot be treated with Mohs surgery. The doctor will advise you the best method of treatment for you.
* Mohs surgery can also be used on other parts of the body.

What Does Mohs and Facial Skin Cancer Surgery Feel Like?
* You will remain awake for the surgery, but a local anesthetic will prevent you from experiencing pain.
* You may feel some discomfort during the removal of the cancerous tissue and reconstruction, but the anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain.
* Most patients require two to three layers of skin to be removed before all of the cancerous cells are gone. Therefore, you may have to wait in between each stage of the procedure while the doctor examines the tissue that has been eliminated.
* Mohs surgery is often scheduled early in the morning so that the process of cancer removal and reconstruction can be completed within one day.
* Mohs and facial skin cancer surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you can usually go home the same day. However, you will want to arrange to have someone drive you home.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
* Most patients report only slight pain after the surgery, and Tylenol is recommended to alleviate the discomfort. Aspirin is NOT recommended, as it thins the blood and can contribute to bleeding.
* Swelling and bruising is common after Mohs and facial skin cancer surgery. Cold compresses and ice packs help to reduce the swelling and discomfort, which usually goes away within a week after the procedure.
* Some bleeding may occur after the surgery, which can be stopped by applying pressure to the area. If the bleeding continues, call the doctor immediately.
* While the doctor will attempt to keep scarring to a minimum, there will be some permanent scar tissue after the surgery. You will be instructed the best way to care for the scar tissue to promote healing, and often, the scars can be hidden with make-up.
* Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions for protecting your skin from further sun damage.

What are the Risks of Mohs and Facial Skin Cancer Surgery?
Studies show that complications from Mohs surgery occur in less than 2% of patients. As with nearly all types of surgery, the most common complications include excessive bleeding, bruising, numbness, or infection.