Common Questions About Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery, developed in 1938 by a general surgeon, Frederic E. Mohs has remained a well-known procedure for treating certain types of skin cancer because of its effectiveness. Despite its popularity, you may still have questions for Dr. David Allyn serving Clermont, FL, and the nearby region. Before you schedule your appointment, take a look at some common questions about Mohs surgery below:

How Do Dermatologists Perform Mohs Surgery, and How Does It Differ from Other Methods?

Rather than taking a larger section of skin and hoping to remove all the cancer, Mohs surgery, especially when performed by a skilled Clermont, FL, dermatologist, is a highly precise method for skin cancer removal.

During the procedure, our doctor will remove the cancer in layers although in some cases the cancer may be removed in the first layer. After each layer, our lab will process the tissue for the dermatologist will evaluate under a microscope. The goal is to remove as little healthy tissue as possible while excising all the cancer.

Due to the process, we highly recommend it for delicate areas where you want to spare as much healthy tissue as possible, such as the face, ears, or genitals but can be done on  most any part of the body.

What Is the Success Rate of Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery has a 99 percent success rate overall. Even for recurring skin cancer, the surgery is 95 percent effective, on average.

Though squamous cell carcinoma is a more aggressive cancer, this surgery still has a 97 percent efficacy rate, compared to 92 percent of a standard incision. And for basal cell carcinoma, it's 99 percent effective for first-time cases and 94 percent for recurrences.

How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure done in office that usually takes a few hours. In the case of a small tumor, the surgery may take less time, while a larger or deeper tumor could take all day.

Are There Any Risks for Mohs surgery?

In general, the risks of Mohs surgery are minimal, especially with a highly trained surgeon like Dr. Allyn (who actually met Dr Frederic Mohs);  However, you could still develop certain issues, like scar formation, excessive bleeding, temporary or permanent nerve function loss, or poor wound healing.

How Long Is the Recovery Process?

Usually, you can resume your normal-day activities after Mohs surgery. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities that could tear the affected area for the first week after your surgery. We should also note that it can take 12 to 18 months for your wound to heal.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today

To learn more about Mohs surgery or to schedule your visit, contact Aesthetic Dermatology in Clermont, FL. The procedure provides several benefits, including a high success rate, and is performed in one visit. Contact us at (352) 243-2544 to schedule your consultation today.