Day of Surgery

Mohs surgery is performed right here in our clinic under local numbing medicine, meaning you will be awake the entire time. Because we process your tissue in our onsite laboratory while you wait, you should plan to spend up to all day with us. Here is what your day will look like:

Step 1: Arrival & Check-In

You will be greeted by our friendly front desk associate who will check you in.
We will ensure that all your paperwork and administrative requirements are completed.
The associate will notify our clinical staff that you have arrived.

Step 2: Clinical Prep

Once your room is ready, a member of our clinical team will escort you back to the procedure room.
They will review your medical chart, check your blood pressure, and discuss how the day will go.
You will review and sign your surgical consents, and the medical assistant or nurse will get you comfortable in the procedure chair.

Step 3: Tumor Removal

Dr. Taylor will come in to answer any questions you may have.
He will mark the location of the skin cancer and numb the area with a small injection, similar to your initial biopsy.
Once you are completely numb, Dr. Taylor will remove the tissue and take it to our lab for processing.
His assistant will apply a temporary bandage.

Step 4: The Waiting Period

You will return to the waiting room to await your results.
We provide light refreshments, including coffee, as well as internet access.
Depending on the type and complexity of the skin cancer, you could be waiting anywhere from 1 to 3 hours for your results. We highly suggest bringing something to keep you entertained.

Step 5: Microscope Analysis

Dr. Taylor will look at your tissue under the microscope to determine if and where skin cancer cells remain.
If skin cancer is found: An assistant will bring you back to a surgical room, prep the area, and apply additional numbing medicine. Dr. Taylor will remove the next precise layer of tissue, and the laboratory waiting process starts over.
If no skin cancer is found: You are officially “all clear” and will move to the repair phase.
Once you are clear, you will go into our queue line for your repair. Please note that we perform repairs in the exact order that patients’ tumors are clear. Because some cancers take fewer layers to clear than others, a patient who checked into the clinic after you might finish their repair before you. We appreciate your patience as we safely navigate everyone through their individual timelines.

Step 6: Discussion of Closure Options

An assistant will escort you back to a procedure room to share your clear results and prep you to discuss closure options.
Lower Leg or Foot: If your surgical site is on your lower leg or foot, the assistant may discuss the recommendation to leave the wound open to heal on its own (secondary intention healing). This is typically the safest and most effective option for these specific areas.
All Other Locations: For other areas of the body, the assistant will prepare you for Dr. Taylor to come in, discuss the closure plan, and map out his recommendation for the repair.

Step 7: Wound Repair

The assistant will set up the room, clean the surgical area, and add additional local numbing to ensure you are comfortable.
Once you are prepped, Dr. Taylor will perform the repair. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the level of reconstruction required.

Step 8: Post-Op Care & Departure

Once the repair is complete, the assistant will apply a secure, multi-layered pressure bandage.
Bandage Timeline: The outermost layer is typically kept on for 24 hours to 1 week, while the inside layer stays in place for 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to keep the pressure bandage completely dry until given specific clearance to gently wash the area.
Discharge Instructions: The assistant will review your printed care instructions, explain how to care for your wound, and provide dedicated contact methods for both non-urgent and urgent concerns.
Transportation: Most patients can safely drive themselves to and from the appointment. However, if your surgery is near your eye, or if you wear glasses that will be obstructed by a large, bulky bandage, you must arrange for someone else to drive you home.