Mohs Surgery in Flint: What to Expect Before, During, and After

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and your dermatologist recommends Mohs surgery, it is normal to have questions. Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for treating many common skin cancers because it removes cancer with the highest cure rates while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Here is what patients in Flint and across Genesee County can expect throughout the process.

What is Mohs surgery and why is it used?

Mohs surgery is a precise technique used most often for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly on the face, ears, hands, and other cosmetically sensitive areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, then examines it under a microscope right away to check the edges for cancer cells. This step-by-step approach means only cancerous tissue is removed, which is why Mohs offers cure rates up to 99 percent for many skin cancers. It is often recommended for cancers that are large, aggressive, have recurred after a previous treatment, or sit in areas where every millimeter of skin matters.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Preparation is usually straightforward. Your care team will review your medications, medical history, and any allergies ahead of time. A few tips help the day go smoothly.

• Tell your surgeon about blood thinners, supplements, and any devices such as pacemakers
• Eat a normal breakfast and wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Plan for the appointment to take several hours, and bring a book or something to pass the time
• Arrange a ride home if the surgical site is near your eyes or if you feel more comfortable not driving

What happens during the procedure?

Mohs is performed under local anesthesia, so you are awake but the area is numb and you should not feel pain. After the first layer of tissue is removed, a bandage is placed and you wait in a comfortable area while the tissue is processed and examined in our on-site lab. If any cancer remains, the surgeon maps exactly where it is, removes another targeted layer from only that spot, and repeats the check. This cycle continues until the margins are completely clear. Because of the waiting between stages, the appointment can run from a couple of hours to most of a day, though the surgery itself is quick and comfortable.

What is recovery like after Mohs surgery?

Once the cancer is cleared, the surgeon repairs the wound, often during the same visit, using stitches or occasionally a small skin graft or flap depending on the location and size. You will go home with clear wound care instructions, including how to change dressings and manage any soreness with recommended pain relievers. Most people return to light activities within a day or two, while strenuous exercise may need to wait a week or more depending on the site. Some bruising, swelling, and a scar are normal, and scars typically fade and improve over the following months. Follow-up visits let us monitor healing and check the rest of your skin for any new concerns, since a history of skin cancer raises your risk of developing another.

Our fellowship-trained Mohs team at Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Flint guides you through every stage of treatment with care and clear communication. If you have a skin cancer diagnosis or a suspicious lesion, contact us to schedule a consultation and learn whether Mohs surgery is right for you.