Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer: What To Know

Medically reviewed by Paul A. Regan, M.D., FAAD

Written by Lizzette Cruz

Posted on May 28, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Mohs surgery is a precise technique used to treat high-risk skin cancers, including those on the head or neck, large tumors, or cancers that have returned after earlier treatment.

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Mohs surgery is often used to treat some high-risk skin cancers. This may include skin cancer on the head or neck, large tumors, or cancers that have come back after treatment.

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the technique in the 1930s, Mohs surgery has high cure rates for many skin cancers.

Learning what happens before, during, and after Mohs surgery can help you feel more prepared.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, removes skin one thin layer at a time. The surgeon takes out the tumor and a thin edge of skin around it. Then, each layer is checked under a microscope for cancer cells.

If cancer remains at the edges, the surgeon takes another layer. This process is repeated until all of the cancer is gone.

Mohs surgery helps save as much healthy skin as possible. It may also keep the wound and scar smaller.

How Effective Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery has very high cure rates for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer. According to Cleveland Clinic, Mohs surgery cures up to 99 percent of new basal cell carcinomas.

It also cures up to 94 percent of basal cell carcinomas that come back after treatment. Cure rates for squamous cell carcinoma are also very high, between 90 percent and 99 percent.

Mohs surgery works well because each layer of skin is checked right away. This helps the surgeon get rid of cancer cells while saving as much healthy skin as possible.

Because Mohs surgery is precise, it’s often recommended for skin cancers that are more likely to come back, grow quickly, or appear in areas where it’s important to protect appearance and function.

When Is Mohs Recommended for Skin Cancer?

Your doctor may recommend Mohs surgery depending on the type of skin cancer you have and the size and location of the tumor.

Your doctor may recommend Mohs surgery for treatment of:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Some types of melanoma
Certain rare skin cancers

Your doctor may recommend Mohs surgery if:

Your skin cancer is large, aggressive, or in a sensitive area like the head and neck.
You have a weakened immune system.
Your cancer has returned after a previous treatment.

What To Expect Before, During, and After Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after Mohs surgery.

Before Mohs Surgery

Before the surgery, your doctor will do a physical exam and review your medical history and medications you’re taking. They will also talk about the risks and benefits of the procedure with you. You can use this time to ask your provider questions.

Some people may need to take antibiotics before Mohs surgery. If this is the case, your doctor will give you specific instructions.

During Mohs Surgery

First, your doctor will numb the area with an injected anesthetic. Once it’s numb, they will take out the visible parts of the tumor. Then, they will remove a thin layer of skin tissue.

Your doctor will check the tissue under a microscope for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, they will remove another layer of tissue. They will keep taking thin layers until no cancer cells are left.

The surgery can take a few hours. How long it takes depends on the size of the tumor and how deep it is. Once no cancer cells are left, your doctor will close the wound or let it heal on its own.

After Mohs Surgery

After the procedure, your doctor will provide you with instructions for aftercare. Your doctor may ask you to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

You can expect to have mild to moderate pain for about a week after your procedure. This pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Pain may be stronger if the wound is larger than 3 centimeters or is on the scalp.

Your doctor will provide specific instructions for caring for your wound. These instructions will differ depending on how big the wound is. Your doctor may recommend wearing a bandage until the area is healed.

If your wound was closed with stitches, you may need to return within one to three weeks to have them taken out. Scars from Mohs surgery can take 12 to 18 months to fully heal.

Risks and Side Effects of Mohs Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, Mohs surgery has some risks. Most side effects are temporary and improve as the area heals.

Common side effects can include:

Bleeding
Scarring
Temporary numbness or tingling

Infection or delayed wound healing can also occur. Contact your healthcare provider if the area gets more red, purple, or darker than nearby skin. Also call if you notice warmth, pus, fever, or pain that gets worse after surgery.

Mohs surgery can leave a scar, but the appearance of scars often improves over time. The size and visibility of the scar depend on factors like the size of the cancer, where it was located, and how the wound was repaired.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Mohs Surgery?

Recovery after Mohs surgery is different for everyone. It depends on where the wound is and how large it is.

You may notice swelling and bruising that should gradually improve over the next couple of weeks. You can apply an ice pack to help reduce the swelling, though be careful not to apply it directly to your skin.

Even after the skin surface has healed, the area may continue changing for several months. Scars often become flatter and less noticeable over time, but complete healing can take up to a year or longer.

Protecting the area from sun exposure during healing may help reduce discoloration and improve the appearance of the scar. Your doctor may also recommend specific scar care treatments once the wound has healed.