What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly specialised technique used for the precise treatment of certain skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is especially beneficial for cancers at higher risk of recurrence, with poorly defined edges, or located in cosmetically sensitive areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential. The procedure removes the cancer in carefully controlled stages, examining each layer to ensure complete clearance before proceeding.

What are the benefits of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery offers two key advantages: exceptional tumour clearance and maximum preservation of healthy tissue. By removing the cancer in carefully mapped, microscopic layers and examining each one on the day, even small extensions of tumour that might otherwise be missed can be identified and treated. This precise, layer-by-layer approach achieves some of the highest cure rates available for skin cancer treatment. At the same time, because only tissue containing skin cancer cells is removed, the procedure conserves as much normal skin as possible. This is particularly important in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas such as the face, neck, ears, hands and feet, helping to minimise scarring while maintaining the natural appearance and integrity of the surrounding skin.

What to expect on the day

On the day of your Mohs surgery, you will usually arrive in the morning and should be prepared to spend most of the day with us, as the procedure is performed in stages and it is difficult to predict in advance how long it will take to completely clear the tumour. We recommend that you do not arrange any other appointments or commitments for the rest of the day. The area will be numbed with local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake but should not feel pain during treatment. After each stage, there is a waiting period while the tissue is examined, and most patients require two to three stages, although occasionally more are needed. For this reason, it is helpful to wear comfortable clothing and bring snacks, drinks, and something to read or listen to while you wait.

Once the cancer has been completely removed, the wound will be repaired on the same day. This may involve stitches in a straight line, allowing the area to heal naturally, or in some cases a skin graft or local skin flap to achieve the best functional and cosmetic result. If possible, please arrange for someone to accompany you and take you home, as it is not advisable to drive yourself or travel home alone after the procedure.