Mohs Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Mohs Surgery?
A dermatologist, a skin doctor, with special training in Mohs surgery usually performs it. Some patients with a large wound are referred to another surgeon for wound treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, is a way to treat and cure certain skin cancers. The surgeon removes the cancer in layers until all of it is gone. During surgery, the surgeon can see where the cancer stops. This lets the surgeon remove skin cancer with less damage to the healthy skin around it.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Most people who have Mohs surgery have a common type of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Mohs is usually recommended when the skin cancer:
- Is aggressive or large.
- Is in an area with little tissue beneath it, such as the eyelid, nose, ear, scalp, genitals, hand, or foot.
- Was treated and has returned.
Mohs is only recommended for certain patients, who have one skin cancer or a few that are very close together.
How to prepare
Your surgeon will explain what you should do to prepare.
You may be asked to:
- Stop smoking.
- Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery, if needed.
Do not stop taking any prescription medicine unless your surgeon tells you to stop.
What happens during it
Mohs surgery usually takes place in the surgeon's office and is usually done in one day. If the tumor is big or you need reconstruction, it may take two visits.
The steps are:
- The surgeon numbs your skin so you do not feel pain, and you stay awake.
- The surgeon removes the visible tumor and a thin layer of tissue next to it.
- The surgeon looks at the removed skin under a microscope for cancer cells.
- If there is still cancer in that layer, the surgeon takes out another layer and looks at it under the microscope.
- This repeats until no cancer is found in a layer.
Each round takes about 1 hour. The surgery takes 10 to 20 minutes, while preparing the tissue and looking at it under the microscope takes 40 to 50 minutes.
Recovery
Taking proper care of your wound after surgery will help your skin look its best.
Your surgeon will talk with you about your options for the wound:
- Let a small wound heal on its own, since most small wounds heal well on their own.
- Close the wound with stitches.
- Use a skin graft, which covers the wound with skin from another part of your body.
- Use a skin flap, which covers the wound with the skin next to it. Skin near your wound matches in color and texture.
Mohs surgery may leave a smaller scar than other treatment options.
Risks and side effects
Mohs surgery is generally safe. You do not need general anesthesia, which means being put to sleep.
These risks are rare:
- Infection.
- Nerve damage that causes numbness or a burning feeling, which usually goes away.
- Larger scars that are raised and red, called keloids.
- Bleeding.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, or chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.
Who performs it
A trained Mohs surgeon performs the surgery. Most Mohs surgeons are dermatologists who have completed extensive training in Mohs surgery.
Common questions
Will I be awake during Mohs surgery?
Yes, most patients stay awake and alert. The injection only numbs the area that will be operated on.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Mohs surgery is usually done in one day. Each round takes about 1 hour. You may need two or more rounds to remove all of the cancer.
How well does Mohs surgery work?
Mohs surgery has a high cure rate.
Can Mohs surgery treat melanoma?
Sometimes, but dermatologists only occasionally recommend it for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It is only used for an early melanoma. That type of melanoma stays close to the surface of the skin for a while. The surgeon uses a modified type called slow Mohs. Most patients return the next day to learn whether more skin must be removed.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
