August 31, 2026 | 4 minute read
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for removing skin cancer, offering unmatched precision in eliminating malignant tissue while preserving healthy skin. The procedure is less invasive and has a higher cure rate than other excision techniques. How long does Mohs surgery take, though? This blog explores the timeline of a Mohs procedure to help you understand what to expect when you go in for your treatment.
Understanding the Steps of Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Patients frequently ask us how long Mohs surgery will take when we schedule their procedure. Unfortunately, we can’t give an exact answer. Mohs can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on how long it takes to remove all the cancerous cells from the area of concern. The steps required for a Mohs procedure offer insight into why the surgery can be a lengthy process:
Step One: Numbing the Treatment Area
We begin the Mohs procedure by cleaning and numbing the treatment area. We inject a local anesthetic and wait for the medicine to fully numb the area before beginning the surgery. The anesthetic is fast-acting, and most patients are ready for the procedure within minutes. The effects typically last for one to two hours, so we may need to administer the anesthetic more than once during the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable during your procedure.
Step Two: Removing the Margin
When the treatment area is fully numb, we will use a scalpel to remove a thin section of skin around the mole or lesion, excising the mole or lesion and a small margin of healthy-looking skin. We will cauterize the remaining skin to stop the bleeding and place a temporary bandage over the wound.
Step Three: Examining the Margin
We examine the margin we removed under a microscope to determine if there are any traces of cancer cells in the healthy skin. While the tissue is processed in the lab, patients can read, watch television, or work on their laptops until we receive the results. Many patients bring a friend or family member along to keep them company while they wait, and they can always enjoy some snacks or meals.
These three stages can take two hours or more to complete. If cancer cells are discovered in the healthy tissue, the process is repeated to remove a slightly larger margin. Your Mohs surgeon will continue the three-step process until they obtain a margin free of cancer cells.
Will I Need Reconstruction After a Mohs Procedure for Skin Cancer?
Once Mohs surgery is completed, your surgeon will close the wound using advanced surgical techniques. Some patients may require a plastic surgeon to perform the closure to ensure an optimal cosmetic result. In these situations, closure is usually delayed until later, and we will help refer you to a plastic surgeon for your care.
For large cancers or tumors on the face or other visible areas, the patient may require reconstructive surgery. Your Mohs surgeon will use specialized techniques, including skin grafts or local flap closures, to achieve the best aesthetic outcome. Reconstruction times vary based on the extent of correction required.
Planning for Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery can take anywhere from three hours to a full day to complete. We recommend taking the entire day off from work and other activities to ensure you have sufficient time for your procedure.
Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your surgery so you can relax between surgical excision sessions. We also encourage patients to bring reading material, laptops, or music to help them pass the time. Snacks are helpful for longer sessions, or you can have a friend stay with you for your procedure and pick up food during the day as you get hungry.
Schedule Your Mohs Surgery in Scottsdale Today
Mohs surgery can be a time-consuming process, but it also produces the highest cure rates and best cosmetic outcomes of any excision technique. If you would like to learn more about Mohs surgery in Scottsdale, contact Better Skin Dermatology Scottsdale at (480) 596-1110 or fill out our online contact form today.
