Planning for Your Mohs Surgery in Georgia
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Specialist in Athens, Lake Oconee & Gainesville, GA
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most advanced and precise technique available for treating certain types of skin cancer. With the highest cure rate and the benefit of preserving as much healthy skin as possible, Mohs surgery is often the preferred treatment option for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and select other skin cancers. Our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons perform all Mohs procedures in our Athens, Lake Oconee, and Gainesville, GA offices, where our specialized surgical suites and on-site pathology labs allow us to examine tissue samples in real time. This approach ensures both accuracy and efficiency while minimizing the need for repeat procedures.
Preparing for Your Mohs Surgery Appointment
Most patients may continue taking their normal daily medications as prescribed. If you have been given anti-anxiety medication, please bring it with you to your appointment rather than taking it beforehand. You will have the opportunity to discuss your procedure with Dr. Orlowski or Dr. Greenberg, and we will advise you when it is appropriate to take your medications.
We also encourage you to eat a light meal before arriving. Mohs surgery often involves periods of waiting while tissue is processed in our lab, and patients tend to feel more comfortable when they have eaten beforehand. Light refreshments are available during your visit to help keep you relaxed and comfortable.
On the day of surgery, please avoid wearing makeup, moisturizers, or jewelry in the area to be treated. These products can interfere with surgical site preparation and may make it more difficult to secure your bandage after the procedure.
Transportation and Time Expectations
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia only, meaning you will be awake and should not feel pain during the procedure. Because sedation is not used, most patients can drive themselves to and from the appointment. However, if the surgical site is near your eye, we require that someone drive you home afterward. If you are concerned about comfort, vision, or your ability to drive following your procedure, we recommend bringing a companion for support.
It is important to plan for your visit to last between four and six hours. While the time spent in the surgical suite is typically brief, the tissue processing that makes Mohs surgery highly accurate requires intervals of waiting. During these periods, you may read, rest, or simply relax in our patient lounge. We work carefully and efficiently to minimize your time with us while ensuring the most precise possible result.
After Your Mohs Surgery
We encourage patients to rest for the remainder of the day following their procedure. Reducing physical activity, minimizing strain, and allowing yourself time to relax can support healing after Mohs surgery, reduce swelling, and improve overall comfort. Because the exact duration of your appointment depends on how your cancer responds to each stage of tissue removal, we encourage you to avoid scheduling commitments immediately afterward.
When Additional Testing or Multiple-Day Procedures Are Needed
Some skin cancers, including melanoma and certain unusual tumors, require advanced tissue evaluation that cannot be completed the same day. In these cases, the cancer may be removed during your first visit, and the wound repair or closure will be performed the following day after confirming that the margins are clear. Your surgeon will clarify this in detail during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect.
Support Every Step of the Way
Our surgery coordinator is available to help you feel prepared and confident before your procedure. If you have questions or concerns leading up to your Mohs surgery, you may reach our coordinator directly at (706) 995-0031.
Medications
Breakfast/Lunch
Site Preparation
Transportation
Time
Following Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to treat skin cancer by removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope in real time. Tissue is removed only until the margins are clear, resulting in a high cure rate and preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
How long should I expect Mohs surgery to take?
Most Mohs procedures take approximately four to six hours from start to finish. The procedure involves short periods of tissue removal followed by waiting while the tissue is analyzed to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
Will I need stitches?
Many Mohs surgery sites are closed with stitches, but some may heal naturally depending on their size and location. Your surgeon will choose the closure method that supports the best cosmetic and medical outcome.
Does Mohs surgery hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so patients typically feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Mild soreness or tightness afterward is normal and manageable.
Committed to Providing Excellent, Efficient, and Compassionate Care
Please bring the following on the day of surgery:
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Current list of medications
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Any pathology or identifying photographs relating to surgical site(s)
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Medications you may need to take while with us
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Reading material (you will have some down time while your tissue is processed)
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A sweater or light jacket
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Transportation (if needed)
Melanoma and unusual tumors:
Some tumors may require additional studies that require overnight processing and specialized stains. In these cases, we may excise the tumor on the initial day of surgery and perform the closure on the following day after confirming the margins are free of tumor with overnight processing.
Our Surgery Coordinator is available to answer any questions you might have before your surgery. Please call her directly at (706) 995-0031.
