Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery with Dr. Kelley Redbord

If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery — the gold standard for skin cancer treatment.

Dr. Kelley Redbord is a fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at the Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia, providing advanced skin cancer removal in Vienna, Virginia.

Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate available for many types of skin cancer while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This precise, tissue-sparing technique is especially valuable for skin cancers located on the face, nose, ears, lips, scalp, hands and other cosmetically sensitive areas.

Below are answers to the most common questions about Mohs surgery.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is an advanced skin cancer treatment that removes cancerous tissue in thin layers. After each layer is removed, Dr. Redbord examines the tissue under a microscope in real time.

Because the surgeon also acts as the pathologist, 100% of the surgical margin is evaluated during the procedure. If cancer cells remain, additional tissue is removed only from the exact area where they are detected.

This meticulous process continues until all margins are clear.

Benefits of Mohs surgery include:

• Highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma
• Maximum preservation of healthy tissue
• Smaller surgical wounds
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes
• Same-day confirmation that the cancer is fully removed

How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?

The length of your Mohs surgery appointment varies because the procedure is performed in stages.

Each stage typically takes about one hour, including tissue processing and microscopic examination. Most patients require multiple stages, so you should plan to spend several hours at our Vienna, Virginia office.

While waiting between stages, patients relax in a comfortable setting until results are ready. The staged approach ensures complete cancer removal with the least amount of tissue sacrifice.

Will I Have a Scar After Mohs Surgery?

Any surgical procedure that breaks the skin will result in a scar. However, Mohs surgery is specifically designed to minimize scarring by removing only cancerous tissue.

Once your skin cancer is fully removed, Dr. Redbord will discuss your reconstruction options, which may include:

• Primary closure with sutures
• Healing naturally (secondary intention)
• Skin flap reconstruction
• Skin graft repair

Because Mohs surgery preserves as much healthy skin as possible, it is often the preferred treatment for facial skin cancer and other highly visible areas.

Is Mohs Surgery Painful?

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia. You remain awake but completely numb in the treatment area.

Most patients report that the initial numbing injection is the most uncomfortable part. After that, you should not feel pain during tissue removal or reconstruction. If the anesthetic begins to wear off, additional numbing medication is administered to ensure your comfort.

Because general anesthesia is not required, Mohs surgery is considered very safe and well tolerated.

What Is Recovery Like After Mohs Surgery?

Recovery after Mohs surgery is generally straightforward.

You may experience:

• Mild swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness at the surgical site

Swelling typically peaks within 48 hours. Most patients return to normal daily activities within about a week, although strenuous exercise should be avoided..

You will receive detailed wound care instructions to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. Consistent sun protection is essential to protect your skin and reduce future skin cancer risk.

Why Choose Dr. Kelley Redbord for Mohs Surgery in Northern Virginia?

As a fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic surgeon, Dr. Redbord combines surgical precision with cosmetic expertise. At the Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna, Virginia, patients receive comprehensive skin cancer care in a single location — from diagnosis through reconstruction.

Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer lead to the best outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or have a concerning mole or lesion, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation in Vienna, VA

If you need expert skin cancer treatment in Northern Virginia, contact the Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia today.

Call (703) 938-5700 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kelley Redbord.