What to Expect During Mohs Surgery

Being told you need Mohs surgery can raise a lot of questions; what will it feel like, how long will it take, and what happens next are just the beginning. Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique that removes skin cancer layer by layer, checking each sample under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. It’s especially effective — with a cure rate of up to 99% — when treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

If Mohs surgery is in your future and you’re looking to be informed, prepared, and confident about what’s ahead, continue reading to learn exactly what you can expect from the best Mohs surgeon in Bend, OR. 

What Is Mohs Surgery and Why Is It Used?

Mohs surgery is the safest and most effective way to treat skin cancer, especially when it appears in sensitive or visible areas like the face, ears, scalp, or hands. What makes this procedure unique is that it removes the cancer in very thin layers, one at a time, while each layer is carefully examined under a microscope. This process continues until no cancer cells are left, which helps protect as much healthy skin as possible. 

Because of this careful approach, Mohs surgery is often chosen for areas where both appearance and function matter. It also offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment for certain types of skin cancer. For patients, that means a strong chance of fully removing the cancer while keeping scarring and tissue loss to a minimum.

How Should I Prepare for Mohs Surgery?

Since the procedure is done with local anesthesia, most patients stay awake the entire time, so there’s no need to fast from eating or arrange for help, like when full sedation techniques are used. However, your Mohs surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, for a few days beforehand to reduce the risk of bleeding. 

It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and bring something to help pass the time, like a book or phone charger. Because the surgeon checks each tissue layer under a microscope before continuing, the process can take several hours depending on how many layers need to be removed. Planning ahead can help you feel more at ease and prepared for whatever the day may bring.

What Happens During the Mohs Procedure?

Mohs surgery is done in stages to make sure all the cancer is removed while keeping as much healthy skin as possible: 

• First, the Mohs surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then removes a thin layer of tissue from the tumor site. 
• That layer is immediately taken to a nearby lab, where it’s examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. While you wait, the dermatology expert reviews the results. 
• If any cancer is still seen at the edges, the process is repeated, removing only the areas where cancer remains. This can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on how deep or widespread the cancer is. 
• Once all the cancer is gone, the wound is treated based on its size and location: it may be closed with stitches, left to heal naturally, or, in some cases, repaired with a skin graft.

Will Mohs Surgery Hurt? 

Most people find that Mohs surgery is not very painful, thanks to the use of local anesthesia. You might feel a brief sting from the injection or some pressure as the surgeon works, but overall, the procedure is usually well-tolerated. 

After the surgery, it’s normal to have some mild soreness, swelling, or bruising around the site, especially if the area is near the eyes or mouth, but this discomfort is typically easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 

What to Expect During Recovery After Mohs Surgery

Recovery after Mohs surgery looks a little different for everyone, depending on where the cancer was located and how complex the removal was: 

• In general, you can expect to go home the same day with a bandage over the area, and your dermatology expert will give you clear instructions on how to keep the site clean to prevent infection. 
• If you received stitches, they’ll usually stay in place for about one to two weeks. 
• Some swelling or bruising is common at first, especially around the eyes or lips, but it typically fades within a few days. 
• While any surgery can leave a scar, Mohs is designed to limit visible scarring as much as possible. 
• Your dermatological expert may also recommend scar-reducing techniques or follow-up treatments to help the area heal in a way that looks and feels natural.

Are there Risks or Complications with Mohs Surgery? 

Mohs surgery is considered very safe, but like any medical procedure, there are a few risks to be aware of. Some patients may experience mild bleeding, infection at the surgical site, or temporary nerve irritation, especially if the cancer was near a sensitive area like the lips, nose, or eyes. In rare cases, there may be noticeable scarring or numbness around the area. Keeping the wound clean, avoiding heavy activity while healing, and attending all scheduled follow-up visits are key steps in avoiding complications like bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. 

Where to Find the Best Mohs Surgeon in Bend, OR 

Patients throughout Bend trust Snow Dermatology for Mohs surgery because we combine advanced surgical expertise with the kind of compassionate, individualized attention that puts you at ease. Our team, led by Amy Snow, PA-C, brings over two decades of experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, along with a deep commitment to our local community. 

With cutting-edge technology, a modern and welcoming clinic, and a concierge-level approach to care, we tailor every treatment to your needs.

Ready to protect your skin and your peace of mind with personalized care from the best Mohs surgeon in Bend, OR?