Is MOHS Surgery Painful?

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure the surgery is as painless and comfortable as possible. However, after the procedure, you may feel some mild discomfort, which can be treated with pain medication.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients will only need one surgery, consultation, and follow-up appointment to track their healing progress. However, depending on the severity of their cancer, they may need additional treatments. Dr. Slocum will be able to determine this during the procedure.

How Long Until I See Results?

In terms of aesthetics, the results will be visible immediately after surgery, with the skin cancer removed and the area healing. It may take several weeks for the full effects to show as swelling subsides and the wound heals.

Can I Combine MOHS Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes, reconstructive surgery to repair the wound after cancer removal is a common procedure that can be combined with a MOHS procedure. This procedure will be performed together at our Portsmouth office. During your consultation, Dr. Slocum will discuss all your options and determine whether this is necessary for you.

What Are the Risks Associated With MOHS Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and recurrence of the skin cancer. However, the benefits of MOHS surgery far outweigh the risks, and the procedure has a very high cure rate. Additionally, choosing a skilled professional like Dr. Slocum greatly reduces these risks.

Portsmouth, NH

MOHS Surgery

Introduction to MOHS Surgery

Skin cancer doesn’t have to mean a battle with scars. At Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics in Portsmouth, we ensure you receive the most effective treatment and are comfortable throughout the process. With MOHS surgery, we focus on removing cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, giving you the best chance for a successful, minimally invasive outcome. With a 99% success rate, experienced surgeon Dr. Alexander Slocum performs this highly advanced procedure to ensure your safety and appearance.

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Achieve a Balanced, Refined Look

What is MOHS Surgery?

MOHS Surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat skin cancer, particularly in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial, such as the face or hands. This advanced technique removes thin layers of cancerous tissue and examines them under a microscope. This procedure continues until only non-cancerous tissue remains.

This procedure aims to successfully remove cancer while minimizing scarring and preserving the patient’s healthy skin as best as possible.

What Are the Benefits of MOHS Surgery?

There are incredible benefits to MOHS surgery. Patients appreciate this procedure because:

MOHS has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment, with a 99% success rate. It’s especially great for removing tumors in high-risk areas.
It removes only the cancerous tissue, leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. This helps preserve the treated area’s aesthetic appearance and function.
This is an exact procedure. During surgery, each layer of tissue is examined under a microscope to ensure the complete removal of cancerous cells.
This procedure saves the aesthetic of the affected area. By removing tissue layer by layer, MOHS surgery often results in smaller, less noticeable scars.

Who Are the Best Candidates For MOHS Surgery?

Those in the greater Boston area seeking this treatment are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Individuals who fall into this category will benefit from this procedure if they:

Have skin cancers located in sensitive or cosmetically important areas such as the face, neck, ears, or hands.
Have had skin cancer removed before and am experiencing a recurrence.
Are struggling with large or aggressive skin cancers that are difficult to treat with other methods.
Consult with your doctor or one of our providers to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Let’s Get Started

What’s The
First Step?

Since this is a highly advanced procedure, it is critical that you speak with a professional about what MOHS surgery might look like for you. Individuals in the greater Boston area and Portsmouth can schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Slocum of Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics, who will closely examine the affected area and look at your medical history, including past treatments. With this information, he will discuss the best treatment options for you depending on the skin cancer type, size, and location. Lastly, he’ll thoroughly review the entire MOHS procedure, including the steps involved and expected outcomes.

We understand that this is a very sensitive and difficult process. Please make sure to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. We want to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the journey. Dr. Slocum will also take this opportunity to explain pre- and post-operative care and provide any additional details you may need.

What to Expect on the Day of MOHS Surgery

On the day that you receive your MOHS surgery at our clinic in Boston, you can expect some preparation, the surgery itself, and some downtime to go over your aftercare and what to expect post-surgery.

First, local anesthesia will be applied to numb the area. Then, Dr. Slocum will remove a thin layer of tissue, which will be sent to the lab for immediate examination under a microscope. If any cancerous cells remain after the tissue is examined, the process is repeated until all cancerous tissue is removed. Finally, depending on the size and location of the removal, the wound may be closed with stitches or left to heal naturally.

The procedure can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the skin cancer.

MOHS Surgery Recovery

Another great benefit of MOHS surgery is that the recovery time is relatively quick, though a more accurate time estimate will depend on the size and area of the cancer. In the first few days post-surgery, you will likely experience swelling, redness, or possibly bruising around the affected area. You will be given proper care instructions either in your initial consultation or at the time of surgery to ensure your healing is successful. This includes regularly cleaning the wound and avoiding sun exposure. Lastly, it is best practice to schedule a follow-up appointment so we can track your progress.

Overall, you’ll be able to resume your normal routine after a few days of the surgery with minimal care afterward.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Does MOHS Surgery Cost in Dover or New Hampshire?

The cost of MOHS Surgery in Portsmouth, Boston, and the greater New England area can be accurately determined during your initial consultation, as MOHS surgery is tailored to individuals’ unique circumstances. Typically, you’ll be looking at $1,500 to $3,500 for your procedure. Depending on the severity of the cancer, there is a possibility that you may need multiple sessions of treatment. This cost also may not include pathology fees or reconstruction if necessary.

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SPS Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Slocum?

Dr. Alexander Scolum is a highly renowned and board-certified surgeon in the greater Boston area with extensive experience in performing MOHS surgery. His affiliations with leading organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS) speak to his commitment to providing the highest quality of care and standards in patient care. Patients choose Dr. Slocum for his precision, expertise, and compassionate care.

Dr. Scolum and Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics in Portsmouth aim to ensure safety and comfort during cosmetic and medical treatments. Together, we will help you feel good and be safe.

MOHS Surgery FAQ’S

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Your Seacoast Journey Starts Here

If you’re ready to explore MOHS surgery for skin cancer treatment, Dr. Slocum and the Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics team in Portsmouth, NH, are here to help. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your options and take the first step toward clear, healthy skin.

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