A Mohs procedure is a highly specialised procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining them under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains. This allows the surgeon to remove all the cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs if your skin cancer is in a sensitive area (such as the face, ears, or hands), if the cancer has returned after previous treatment, or if it has borders that are difficult to define. The goal is to achieve the highest cure rate while minimising scarring.

Your Mohs procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be awake but won’t feel pain in the area being treated. The process can take several hours, as each layer of skin is carefully removed and examined until all the cancer is gone. You’ll be asked to wait between stages, so we recommend bringing something to read or do.

Recovery depends on the size and location of the area treated. Some wounds are small enough to heal naturally, while others may need stitches or, in some cases, a skin graft. Your care team will provide clear instructions on looking after your wound and what to expect as it heals.