Enhance your natural beauty and overall skin health at City Dermatology
Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancers, offering high cure rates and minimal scarring. Proper preparation and post-operative care are crucial for optimal healing and outcomes.
- A precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- Involves the removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer, with each layer examined microscopically until no cancer cells remain.
- Allows for the conservation of healthy tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal.
- High Cure Rates:
- 99% cure rate for new skin cancers and up to 94% for recurrent cancers.
- Tissue-Sparing:
- Removes only the necessary tissue, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, which is especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas (e.g., face, hands).
- Immediate Analysis:
- Real-time microscopic examination of each layer removed allows for thorough removal of cancer while minimizing the need for additional surgeries.
- Medications and Supplements:
- Inform your surgeon about all medications, including blood thinners, supplements, and over-the-counter products.
- Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped prior to surgery.
- What to Bring:
- Wear comfortable clothing and, if the surgery is on the face or scalp, bring a hat or scarf for post-surgery protection.
- Plan to bring snacks, water, and entertainment, as the procedure may take several hours.
- Arrange Transportation:
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if the surgery is on a sensitive area (e.g., near the eye) or if sedation is used.
- Avoid Certain Activities:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before surgery to enhance healing.
- Plan for a day off from work or other commitments, as the surgery may be lengthy.
- Wound Care:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions on wound cleaning, dressing changes, and application of any prescribed ointments (e.g., petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment).
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry for the specified period.
- Pain Management:
- Mild discomfort is common; over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are typically recommended.
- Avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen unless otherwise instructed, as they can increase bleeding.
- Swelling and Bruising:
- Ice packs may be used to reduce swelling for 10-15 minutes at a time, typically within the first 48 hours.
- Keeping your head elevated (if surgery was on the face or scalp) helps reduce swelling.
- Activity Restrictions:
- Avoid strenuous activities and exercises that could increase blood flow and bleeding to the surgical site.
- Limit movements that might stretch or put pressure on the wound.
- Follow-Up Appointments:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and monitor for any signs of recurrence.
- Sun Protection:
- Protect the surgical area from sun exposure by using sunscreen, wearing hats, or covering the area until fully healed.
- Long-term sun protection is recommended to prevent future skin cancers.
- Healing Time:
- Depending on the size and location of the surgery, full healing can take weeks to months.
- Scarring:
- Scarring is minimal due to tissue-sparing nature of the procedure, but scar management options (e.g., silicone gel, scar massage) may be recommended.
- Monitoring for Complications:
- Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, discharge), excessive bleeding, or other concerns and report them to your surgeon promptly.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Treatment with Mohs Surgery in Bensalem and Warminster, PA
Choosing Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment is often recommended when tumors occur in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas like the nose, eyelids, ears, or hands. Because it offers complete margin control while preserving the greatest amount of healthy tissue, it’s considered the gold standard for certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers. A Mohs surgery specialist can help patients achieve both medical and cosmetic success with this advanced technique.
Patients undergoing skin cancer removal with minimal scarring often value the aesthetic outcome as much as the cure. That’s why reconstruction following Mohs surgery is carefully planned—either immediately after the procedure or in coordination with a plastic surgeon, depending on the complexity and location. City Dermatology ensures patients are informed, supported, and comfortable throughout every phase of the surgical experience.
Mohs procedure recovery varies based on the size and location of the cancer removed. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days, while larger surgical sites may take longer to heal. Scar care, sun protection, and follow-up visits are essential components of the healing process and help ensure optimal results.
Having a qualified dermatologic surgeon for skin cancer can make all the difference in both treatment success and overall patient experience. City Dermatology is dedicated to delivering precise, compassionate care—tailored to each patient’s needs—to treat cancer while maintaining confidence in your skin’s appearance and health. Schedule an appointment for more information.
Proudly Serving Patients Across Bucks County Townships and Northeast Philadelphia
We proudly serve patients from townships across Bucks County, including Bensalem, Bristol, Southampton, Feasterville, Langhorne, Middletown, Morrisville, Falls, and Levittown, as well as Northeast Philadelphia ZIP codes 19154, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19136, 19152, 19111, and 19149.
We also welcome patients from townships surrounding our Warminster location, including Warwick, Warrington, Doylestown, Buckingham, New Britain, Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Hatboro, Horsham, and Abington.