Are you concerned about a blemish or spot on your skin that could be something more serious? Has the area changed in color and size over time? It is a good idea to have your skin treated by a dermatology specialist that offers skin care services including mohs surgery. This type of surgery is considered to be the Gold Standard when it comes to skin cancer removal. You do not want to put your health at risk, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors whether you play sports or spend time with your family. Have your skin checked by a skin care specialist that can provide you with skin care treatments that keep you healthy.

What Exactly Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery treats skin cancer. Dr. Frederic Mohs developed it to remove tumors with what is known as continuous microscopic control. This type of control is imperative since not every tumor will grow into a perfect sphere. Markings on the surface of the skin may only be just part of a tumor that is beneath the skin. The reason why Mohs surgery is so popular is that it is known to have a 98% to 99% success rate when it comes to curing skin cancer.

Surgery Offers a High Cure Rate for Skin Cancer

When you visit with skin doctors and have been diagnosed with skin cancer you will need to know treatment options as well as how to prepare for non-surgical or surgical treatments. You may be wondering how Mohs surgery works. Mohs surgery uses a local anesthetic injected near the tumor so the tumor and a small portion of healthy tissue can be removed. The surgery itself is specialized since it calls for the surgical excision of the visible tumor as well as the nearby tissue layer by layer. Every layer is examined beneath a microscope to detect any further cancerous cells. The process is then repeated as needed until all of the cancer cells are removed.

Know How to Get Ready for Surgery

Once Mohs surgery has been scheduled for you, you will receive pre-operative as well as post-operative instructions. Follow the instructions with care so your safety is ensured and so you get optimal results. Before your surgery, your doctor may ask you to not take any medications and stop any activities that could increase the risk of bleeding. This can include not taking any ibuprofen, aspirin or herbal medications. You will also be asked not to smoke or drink alcohol before Mohs surgery. This type of surgery allows you to eat lightly before the procedure since it could take several hours. You may be directed to bring a snack with you.

What Should You Do After Surgery?

You will also receive instructions concerning how to care for the skin at the surgical site once the skin cancer has been removed. It is crucial that you follow those instructions since they can lower the risk of infection and help you to heal quickly. An example of those instructions includes avoiding strenuous activities for up to 24 to 48 hours after surgery. You may also be asked to refrain from exercise up to 2 to 3 weeks so your surgical site can heal properly. The wound should be kept dry as well as covered for 24 hours. Then you can wash the area with soap and water two times a day and apply an ointment that is antibacterial, depending on the explicit instructions given by your dermatologist.

Take Great Care of Your Skin

Your doctor will take the time to speak with you about how you can take even better care of your skin. The goal is to avoid developing skin cancer at all. A few tips that will help with this include minimizing time in the sun during the peak hours between 10 am to 2 pm. Always wear a hat and sunscreen when you are involved in outdoor activities. And finally, perform self-checks so suspicious growths can be detected and treated as soon as possible.