Learning you have skin cancer and being told you need Mohs micrographic surgery can be scary. The good news is that this procedure is one of the most effective treatments, and it’s a lot less intimidating than most people think.
Check out our step-by-step guide to Mohs surgery near Smyrna, Georgia so that you feel informed and ready.
What is Mohs Surgery?
This procedure is used to remove certain types of skin cancer. It uses a unique technique that is very precise to preserve as much healthy skin as possible.
Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that’s appeared on areas such as the ears, face, nose, lips, scalp, and hands.
How to Prepare
You don’t need to do much to get ready for this surgery. However, there are a few things you can do to make things go as smoothly as possible.
First, eat beforehand. Mohs procedure can take three to four hours, sometimes more, so eat a solid meal and bring snacks if needed.
Wear comfortable clothes and bring things to keep you entertained, such as your favorite book or headphones.
Mohs Surgery Near Smyrna, Georgia: Step-by-Step
So what happens when you arrive for your appointment? Here’s what you can expect to happen during the hours you’ll be at the doctor’s office.
- The area is numbed and removal begins. The area will be cleaned and a local anesthetic will be used to ensure your comfort. You’ll be awake the entire time, but the area will be completely numb. Your surgeon will then remove a thin layer of skin along with a tiny amount of surrounding tissue.
- The layer of skin is microscopically analyzed. The removed tissue is mapped, color-coded, and sent to an on-site lab. It’s then examined to check for any remaining cancer cells. Each stage can take 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, you’ll relax in the waiting area until the analysis is complete.
- Additional layers are removed, if needed. If cancer cells are found at the margins, another thin layer is removed, but only from the area where cancer still remains. This step is repeated until no cancer cells are detected. Some patients only need one round while others need two or three.
- The area is repaired. Once all cancer has been fully removed, the wound is addressed. Depending on the location and size, your surgeon may let it close and heal on its own. In other situations, stitches or a small reconstructive repair may be needed. Your doctor will discuss what type of scarring you can expect and ways you can minimize the visual impact.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After surgery, your provider will provide detailed aftercare instructions. You should expect some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort to last for a few days.
Thankfully, most patients say that recovery is quite manageable.
You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days and to keep the area clean. Soreness can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.
If you have stitches, they’ll be removed within a week or two. Healing can take several weeks, and over time scars will fade.
Life After Mohs Surgery
Mohs has a very high cure rate. But even after treatment, you’ll still need to undergo routine skin checks.
After surgery, protecting your skin is paramount. This means wearing sunscreen daily and keeping an eye on any new or changing spots.
Choose Acworth Dermatology for the Best Mohs Surgery Near Smyrna, Georgia
Don’t let skin cancer get you down. Visit Dr. Johnathan Chappell for proven treatment options so that you can get back to living life worry-free. Contact us online or call our office at 678-505-8030 today to schedule a consultation.
