At A Glance

Price:

From £3000

Expected Results:

Removal of Skin Cancer

Length of Surgery:

Between 1 And 6 Hour

Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthetic

Recovery:

Usual Activities by 2 Weeks

What is MOHs Surgery?

MOHS surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

It is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the procedure in the 1930s.

This type of surgery is primarily used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which are the most common types of skin cancer. MOHS surgery is often used to treat skin cancers that are large, aggressive, or located in areas where preserving normal tissue is important, such as the face. It has a high cure rate and is particularly effective for skin cancers with poorly defined borders or those that have recurred after previous treatment.

It’s important to note that MOHS surgery may not be suitable for all types of skin cancer. The decision to undergo MOHS surgery will depend on various factors, including the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. It is best to consult with a dermatologist or a surgeon specializing in skin cancer to determine the most appropriate treatment option for individual cases.

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The Consultation

Consultation

At the consultation you will be seen by one of our expert dermatologists and/or plastic surgeons. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your skin lesion and taken a medical history from you. The dermatologist or surgeon will then explain the different treatment options for your specific case. If one of the options includes MOHs surgery, they will discuss the benefits, risks and potential outcomes. This will be an opportunity for you to raise any concerns or questions which your consultant will be happy to answer.

If you decided to proceed with MOHS surgery, the procedure can be scheduled at a convenient time.

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The Procedure

Procedure

MOHs surgery is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic to numb the area so that the surgery pain-free.

During surgery, the dermatologist or plastic surgeon removes thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time and examines them under a microscope. This process is repeated until all the cancer cells have been removed, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This technique allows for precise removal of cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

After the cancer is completely removed, the wound can be repaired through various reconstructive techniques, such as sutures or skin grafts.

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Aftercare & Results

Aftercare

After your procedure, you will be given personalised aftercare guidance from your consultant. This will vary depending upon the procedure you’ve had. It is very important that you follow the aftercare advice to achieve the optimum results.

If a dressing has been applied after the procedure you will be given instructions on how to look after the area and change the dressing.

If you’ve had a skin lesion removed by a surgical procedure, you may have stitches. Your consultant will advise you if your stitches are absorbable or not. If not, they will usually require removal about one week after your treatment. It’s important to keep the wound clean and dry and to follow any specific instructions you’ve been given regarding wound care.

You may wish to manage any pain or discomfort you feel with painkillers such as paracetamol. If your pain is not manageable or you have any concerns, we can advise you how best to proceed.

Your consultant may want you to attend a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and see how your recovery is going or to discuss the results from your treatment.

If you have had skin surgery this will result in a scar, but there are steps you can take to minimise its visibility. Massaging the area regularly for a few minutes at a time can help the scar tissue to soften, producing a nicely faded scar. Your consultant will advise you when to start this and how to go about it. We also advise using a high SPF sunscreen on the area for around 12 months after your procedure.

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What our clients think

tonia george
tonia george
9 February 2024
Day into lower eye blep lift. Staff were great all the way through procedure. Everything went smoothly. Lovely cup of tea and brownie after. Looking forward to seeing results. Would recommend .
Kimba DanceFit
Kimba DanceFit
8 February 2024
I am full of praise for Mr Abood, his team and his clinic. It is a friendly, welcoming environment with ample (and free!) parking. The staff are caring and empathetic, the procedure was straightforward and I felt as though my wellbeing was prioritised at all times. I cannot recommend them highly enough and would definitely return. The care I received before, during and after the procedure was excellent, and it was an overall positive experience.
James Daniel
James Daniel
26 January 2024
Yesterday, I attended the Day Clinic for the removal of several moles/lesions. I cannot speak highly enough of the treatment I received and the outstanding way in which it was delivered. This is my second visit to Mr Abood's Clinic, so there was no apprehension nor doubt that the experience would again exceed expectation. I found Mr Abood to be highly skilled and knowledgeable, personable and caring. I felt instantly at ease in his care and had absolute confidence in his professionalism and expertise. A special mention to Rachael too, who was equally welcoming, attentive and very kind. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Abood and his superlative Team. With grateful thanks Deborah Daniel.
Anne Cooke
Anne Cooke
1 January 2024
Professional service and clear instructions for after care
Jane Halliday
Jane Halliday
15 December 2023
The website of Mr Abood promises an individual and bespoke approach to care, and this is exactly what was delivered; from contacting Justine initially and then having the procedure with Mr Abood. I cannot recommend highly enough the professionalism, assurance and personalised care that Mr Abood and his Team provide.
Anthony Roberts
Anthony Roberts
14 December 2023
First class surgery and a fantastic warming atmosphere.
Lizz Grimwade
Lizz Grimwade
7 December 2023
Fantastic experience from start to finish. The whole team werr extremely friendly and professional which made the whole process smooth and efficient. I would be more than happy to use the clinic again and would highly recommend them.
James Waters
James Waters
7 December 2023
Very welcoming and friendly. I felt reassured at all times, well briefed before my procedure and given clear guidance post procedure. I would heartily recommend to anyone with any skin lesion. Thankyou to Mr Abood and his colleagues
Carole King
Carole King
30 November 2023
From the moment we walked in I felt comfortable and looked after . The whole experience was kind and caring and I felt very well treated . My questions were answered and explained and my comfort during the procedure was constantly checked . The follow up email to explain what may happen was clear and precise and I feel able to contact the clinic if I have any ongoing problems .
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Potential Risks

While MOHs surgery is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications you should be aware of. These may include:

Infection

Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Warning signs may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth or discharge from the wound. Most infections will present themselves around 9 days after a procedure and the treatment is usually a one week course of oral antibiotics. Should you have any concerns about the presence of infection we will be available to see and advise you accordingly.

Bleeding

Bleeding may occur during or after the removal procedure. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require medical attention.

Scarring

Following any form of surgery there will be a scar. The extent of scarring can vary, and is dependent on your particular case and how you heal. We will do all we can to minimise the appearance of any unavoidable scarring.

Nerve Damage

In rare cases, if the lesion is particularly large or deep, surgical removal procedures may damage nearby nerves. This could lead to temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation in the area.

Recurrence

With certain types of skin lesion there is a small risk of it coming back, also known as recurrence. If your surgery involved removal of a skin cancer we will advise an annual skin check with a skin expert to look for early signs of recurrence or other skin cancers.

Related FAQs

Is MOHS surgery painful?

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthetic which means the procedure itself will be painless. However, you may experience some discomfort or soreness after the surgery, this can be normally be managed with pain medication such as paracetamol.

What is the recovery time after MOHS surgery?

This will depend on the size and location of the surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow the tailored post-operative care instructions for optimal healing.

Are there any risks or complications associated with Mohs surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. However, Mohs surgery is generally considered safe and effective.

Will I need additional treatment after Mohs surgery?

Sometimes MOHS surgery may be the only treatment needed. However, your consultant may advise  additional treatments, such as radiation therapy or reconstructive surgery, depending on the size, type, and location of the skin cancer. This can be discussed

How successful is MOHS surgery?

MOHS surgery has a high success rate, and has a cure rate exceeding 95% for most skin cancers. This procedure has the advantage of minimizing the removal of healthy tissue, which results in better cosmetic outcomes compared to other surgical techniques.

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