Mohs Surgery

WHAT IS MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY?

Pioneered by Frederic Mohs, MD, Mohs Micrographic surgery (Mohs) is a specialized treatment for skin cancer that allows the treating doctor to remove the lesion with the smallest possible surgical defect while offering the highest possible cure rate.  Mohs technique involves the surgical removal of layers of tissue with evaluation of the cells are viewed under a microscope after each layer until the specimen shows no cancer. Therefore, this results in the highest cure rate and it allows your doctor to excise the smallest amount of normal tissue.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU COME FOR YOUR PROCEDURE:

If you elect to have Mohs surgery for your skin cancer, the procedure will be scheduled with one of our two physicians that are fellows of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, Kevin St. Clair, M.D. or Chris Schach, M.D.. Combined, they have nearly 50 years of training and experience in general dermatology and dermatological surgery. The procedure is performed in our Fayetteville clinic located at 4375 N. Vantage Drive in Fayetteville (see enclosed map).

The process will take a few hours to complete. The time required depends on the number of layers required to remove all of the skin cancer. Please plan on spending up to about a half day in clinic. On average it takes approximately 3 to 5 hours.

• You may want someone to drive you to and from your surgery but it is not required unless instructed otherwise.
• This is important to know: Smoking will increase your risk for infection and impair your body’s ability to heal.  Please stop smoking 1 week before your procedure and 2 weeks after.
• A nurse will call to schedule your procedure and give you further instructions. At that time, please inform the nurse if you are on a blood thinner such as aspirin, Eliquis or warfarin.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE:

You will want to eat a light meal before you come unless instructed otherwise. You can take your current medications as usual.  If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, please take one hour before your appointment. If you have been prescribed Valium or Ativan, please follow your provider’s instructions.

• Do not use topical medications such as ointments and creams. Do not apply makeup or use any lotions.
• Dress comfortably in something that will wash well in case your clothing gets soiled during the procedure. Please wear a shirt that has a loose collar or buttons in the front.
• Bring snacks and a book or something else to help you pass the time

AFTER YOUR SURGERY:

You will most likely feel good enough to resume normal activities on the day after surgery; however, you will need to avoid strenuous activity that might reopen your incision for about a week. Patients are typically comfortable with over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). We will review this with you on the day of your procedure. We will also review how to care for your surgery site.

FINANCIAL DETAILS:

Occasionally, an insurance company will require a prior authorization and we will complete that authorization if needed. We will also check with your insurance before the procedure so we can call you with an estimate of your financial responsibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us to discuss further.