Mohs Surgery Specialist

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes certain types of skin cancer. It’s particularly effective at treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it can also remove melanomas. 

Mohs surgery dates back to the 1930s, and the procedure has been modified several times to enhance it's precision and accuracy. 

How do I prepare for Mohs surgery?

Before recommending Mohs surgery, your provider at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago reviews your medical history, examines your skin, and asks about the medications and supplements you regularly take. If you have any allergies, make sure to let your provider know. 

If you wear contacts or dentures, let your provider know about that as well. They might ask you to remove them, depending on the location of the cancerous mole or lesion. 

What does Mohs surgery involve?

During Mohs surgery, your Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago provider looks at a cancerous mole (or another cancerous lesion) under a microscope. Specifically, they look at the borders of the mole or lesion to identify and remove cancerous cells. 

Mohs surgery allows your provider to remove the cancerous part of the tumor in stages while limiting harm to the healthy skin nearby. When the doctor reaches a stage where the removed tissue is free of cancer, the surgery is complete.

As a result of Mohs surgery, there’s much less risk of infection or scarring.

What areas of the body can Mohs surgery treat?

At Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago, the team uses Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer from various parts of the body. Because the treatment is very precise, it’s safe for almost anywhere on your body, including the:

• Eyelids
• Nose
• Lips
• Scalp
• Fingers
• Toes
• Arms 
• Legs

Mohs surgery can also be used to remove cancerous growths on or around the genitals. 

What is recovery like after Mohs surgery?

After Mohs surgery, you feel worn out. Take at least two days off work and avoid strenuous activity for at least a week, including stretching or bending. Leave your bandage over the surgical site for 48 hours. Your provider explains when to remove the bandage and how to clean it. 

Your provider may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers to prevent infection and reduce the risk of postsurgical pain. Take the medication as prescribed and attend each of your follow-up appointments. 

If your surgical site doesn’t heal properly or it causes you pain, contact the team at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago right away.

To see if you can benefit from Mohs surgery, make an appointment at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.