Located in Plano and Forney, TexasHeading
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. The surgeon removes thin layers of skin sparing as much normal tissue as possible with each stage that they take. After the skin is removed, the tissue is examined microscopically to evaluate for any remaining skin cancer cells. This process is repeated layer by layer until only cancer-free tissue remains, ensuring the complete excision of the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
What types of skin cancers can be treated with Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Surgery is most commonly used to treat:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma (in situ and certain types of invasive melanoma)
- Other rare skin cancers
This technique is particularly beneficial for cancers located in cosmetically and functionally critical areas such as the face, ears, and hands.
Who performs Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Surgery is performed by specially trained dermatologists known as Mohs surgeons. These experts undergo extensive fellowship training in the Mohs technique and are skilled in the surgical removal of skin cancers, the microscopic analysis of the excised tissue and the post-surgical reconstruction required to repair the defect left by tumor removal.
How can I prepare for surgery?
- If you use any tobacco products, please stop 1 week before surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery; smoking/tobacco use delays wound healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Eat a normal breakfast on the day of surgery. If your surgery is in the afternoon, have lunch prior to your appointment. We also recommend bringing water and a light snack to your appointment.
- If your procedure is on your face, please wash your face on the day of your procedure and avoid application of makeup.
- Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. If your surgery is on your neck, avoid shirts with collars.
- Take all of your normally prescribed medications on the day of your procedure.
- If you have previously been advised that you need antibiotics before surgical or dental procedures because you have an implant or abnormal heart valve, please let our staff know ahead of time so we can arrange for you to have the antibiotics on the day of your surgery.
What can I expect on the day of my Mohs procedure?
- Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork
- Please be prepared to spend the entire day with us as we are unable to predict how long your surgery will last. We encourage our patients to bring a book to read or an iPad or laptop with them to help pass the time.
- Unless instructed otherwise, you are allowed to eat and drink on the day of the surgery (both before your appointment and throughout the day as you wait for your surgeon to return).
- You are welcome to have a friend or family member accompany you throughout your surgery.
Wound Care / After Care
Following surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed verbal and written instructions on how to best care for your wound. The following are general guidelines that we typically recommend, but be sure to refer to your surgeon’s specific recommendations provided to you at your appointment.
- Our nurses will place a bandage over the area prior to you leaving our clinic. We ask that you keep that bandage in place and dry for 2 days. This means you will not be able to get the surgical site wet in your shower or bath for 2 days following surgery.
- After 2 days, you will be instructed to gently remove the bandage.
- We then ask that you wash the area daily with gentle soap and water followed by application of Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment. After washing and applying ointment, rebandage the area (your surgeon will provide you with bandage recommendations).
- Plan to clean, apply ointment and change the bandage daily until your suture removal visit.
- Scar gels, sunscreen and makeup can be applied to the surgical site 2 weeks after your procedure.
At Evolve Dermatology, our team is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience and optimal outcomes. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please use our online booking tool or call our clinic today.
Need More Help? Related Services
Basal cell carcinomas
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Medical Dermatology
Meet Our Doctors
At Evolve Dermatology, our team of dedicated dermatologists combines expertise with a compassionate approach to provide you with the best possible care for your skin health. Our team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in dermatology to ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs. Get to know our experienced doctors here.