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Mohs Surgery Pictures, Preparation and Recovery

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If you’re about to have a Mohs procedure, let me help you get prepared. I’m sharing my Mohs surgery pictures so you’ll have a better idea of how it will go. I cried. And you might, too. And that’s perfectly ok.

A photo of a woman with an arrow showing where basal cell skin cancer is.
Let’s talk about Mohs procedures and how you can get prepared for yours.

When I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed in 2013, I was stunned.

Growing up in Southern California, I spent a lot of time in the sun. But I never expected that I would have to worry about skin cancer.

“So…I had skin cancer. I had surgery. I’m totally fine. I just wanted you to know because we are having dinner in a few days and I didn’t want you to freak out when you see a huge wound on my neck.” That is how my phone conversation went with a really good friend after my Mohs surgery.

Because although the doctor told me what would happen, you truly don’t understand what the recovery will look like. But I want to help you plan ahead.

IF YOUR SKIN GETS IRRITATED BY REGULAR MEDICAL TAPE…

I just used these bandaids for the first time and they are AMAZING! I recently had stitches for 2 weeks and these were the only bandaids that weren’t awful on my skin! The stitches were above my knee near my inner thigh where the skin is thinner and sensitive. These bandaids were a dream! They were way better than sensitive skin bandaids.

You can also try this dressing tape if regular bandaids irritate your skin but this tape also irritated my leg when I tried it. It is better for tougher skin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma on my Neck

This post is about my experience with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer and how I had it removed with Mohs surgery.

And it’s also about how I became depressed. I want to share my story in case you know anyone who has one of the “better” skin cancers, like basal cell, or you have it yourself.

It is ok to be scared. Even though a lot of people will not give it a second thought, it is ok to feel uneasy about it.

WARNING: I share photos with my stitches. If you are squeamish, you may want to skip it. I mean, it’s not all that grotesque but I want to give a fair warning. 

Discovering the Basal Cell

Photo of table at dermatologist office.

My dad had been dealing with his own skin cancer issues for the last few years. I take after his light complexion so I thought it couldn’t hurt to get a doctor’s opinion.

I had a little red mark, that had been on my neck for about two months (effing eczema, I thought). I was referred to a dermatologist and I’m so grateful I was. My primary care doctor wasn’t worried about the red mark, but it turned out to be basal cell cancer.

If you think something is wrong but your doctor isn’t listening, for sure get a second opinion!  

Dealing with Skin Cancer

Counter at dermatologist office to biopsy basal cell carcinoma

Most often you will have a biopsy done of the trouble spot. Typically they quickly numb up the area surrounding what they want to biopsy and they will slice off the whole mole or spot or a portion of it.

They send it off to the lab and in about a week, you’ll get a phone call following up. Often they will also send a letter in the mail letting you know about the mole and what the findings were.

Most of mine are irregular but not cancerous. I’ve had Mohs done once because of basal cell. But I’ve had excision biopsies 4 times (I’ll explain that in a moment).

On this particular visit, my dermatologist said “If I call you, don’t freak out. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.” But then when the call came, he said, “You know if I’m calling, something isn’t right…” Geez.

That was my neck. And it was basal cell.

It was decided that Mohs was the best way to deal with the basal cell and the appointment was scheduled.

He explained that because of where it was (in a very visible spot on my neck), he would refer me to another dermatologist who specializes in plastic surgery who would do a procedure to remove all the skin cancer cells.

I didn’t know until right before the surgery that it would be Mohs Surgery, the same that my dad had a few months before.

So leading up to it, I just thought it would be pretty similar to the mole removals I had done so far, which required a small bandage for about a week.

To be fair, I do remember my dermatologist telling me that I may end up with a few stitches but I’ve never had stitches, aside from child-birth (hey if I’m sharing, I’m sharing everything) so even a few stitches seemed insignificant.

I didn’t really know how to feel about the news. I was kind of scared but most people I talked to were not that worried. I went out to dinner the night that I found out about my basal cell diagnosis.

One close friend said, “yeah I had that, they just take it off, right?” And we moved on.

Several of the moms from my son’s elementary school have had basal cell carcinomas and they seemed totally low key about the whole situation. And knowing that my dad had the surgery, that it was “no big deal” and was pretty common left me feeling, well, it left me not feeling.

I never really thought about it. So I didn’t make any special phone calls to friends with news of my skin cancer. I didn’t need any extra support.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Here is my, probably very wrong, description of what Mohs Surgery is. First they remove the area that they believe to contain the cancer cells.

There is a pathologist right on site who evaluates the cells and determines if they need to go back and take more tissue. They do this as many times as they need to in order to remove all cancer cells and get a clear margin around the area. 

So the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, my husband took the day off of work and went with me to the most gorgeous dermatologists office ever in Newport Beach, CA.

I have not seen any bills from this procedure yet and I will probably have to sell everything I own to pay it but at that moment, I needed all the amenities they provided (update: the bills were reasonable and I don’t believe I paid anything over what insurance would normally cover! A DREAM COME TRUE!).

The most amazing front desk gal had called a few days before and explained that I should plan on being there the whole day. Up to this point, I really thought I would be in and out.

I asked my mom, who would watch the kids during the procedure, if she would just keep them overnight since I had no idea when I would get home.

The office smelled like a spa. The music was relaxing and everyone was beyond friendly. But I was starting to get pretty darn nervous.

My father’s Mohs Surgery experience was much different from mine. I was given my own private room with space for my husband to work and a TV to watch. The entire procedure would be done in this room and the doctor would come to me.

I was free to get comfy and enjoy the time there as much as possible. And I totally did at first!

My dad’s surgery, on the other hand, was done similar to how a lab is set up. The patient is called back in to a room, cuts are made, and then they are sent back out to the waiting room with everyone else.

That part alone would have probably done me in. But I do hear that is how most people experience it. I think I was super lucky to have found such an amazing doctor.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Before and After Pictures

What my basal cell carcinoma on my neck looked like before Mohs surgery
Photo of basal cell skin cancer before Mohs surgery.

To start, they marked and measured me. The red area in the circle is the basal cell carcinoma. Not that big of an area, or so I thought. Remember the front office gal I mentioned?

Well, she was like the best hostess ever. She brought me coffee. And teased me with treats she would be bringing around later. It was nice to spend some time with my husband. It was all very relaxed and enjoyable.

Husband in waiting room during Mohs Surgery

My husband and I, still in good spirits, took joke pictures to send to his mom. He doesn’t do well in medical situations so we thought this photo, of him pretending to have passed out, seemed appropriate.

Mohs surgery and before and after pictures

The dermatologist did round one. They laid me back, numbed me up and made an incision. It took just a few minutes. It wasn’t awesome, but it was manageable. They removed some cells and took them to their onsite lab to evaluate.

Just a little bit of cotton and tape were put over the incision while we waited to see what would happen next. We were told results would take about an hour so we just had to relax and wait.

Sweet, sweet lady. First my husband and I were brought warm cinnamon swirl bread from the front office gal. Then an hour later she came by with these abelskivers from Trader Joes! I loved this place! They really did their best to make you comfortable. 

Close up of a cotton ball on a woman's neck stuck on with surgical tape.

The doctor came in and said they needed to take more cells. For the second round they needed to do some cauterizing. I’m not going to explain it. It’s necissary but gross. But it made everything a little more real. Like, hold up, this isn’t just a little cut anymore.

They ended up going in to take more cells a third time before I was finally told they got all the area they needed. As it was now lunchtime, we were brought delicious sandwiches! I made a joke about when the masseuse would show up and was very seriously told 4:30pm!

But I wouldn’t be there that long. At this point, I just needed to be stitched up. So while the original red mark appeared to be very small, the cancer was actually much larger below the surface.

I was pretty ready to go home at this point. I had been sitting all day in the same chair.

The nurse laid me back and began prepping me for stitches. I got REAL nervous. The doctor explained that I would be getting two rows of stitches, one inside that would dissolve on its own, and one outside that I would have to get removed a week later.

When the doctor started stitching, I totally lost it. I started crying and they were so confused.

I was not in any pain but I think the magnitude of the procedure finally hit me and I was choosing to deal with all the emotion that I had repressed during the stitches.

I just couldn’t stop. I was a hot and sweaty mess. And then I saw how many stitches I had. Wait, what? From that small red mark?

I was given care instructions – keep that first dressing on for 48 hours without getting it wet, then change the dressing twice a day for a week. Wait, what? I couldn’t take a shower for 2 days? That would mean I’d be a few days unshowered for Thanksgiving…

That wasn’t in the plan! I had to come back in a week for stitches to be removed? I couldn’t exercise for a month? Well, that one I was totally on board with but everything else, a total shock.

Recovery

Close up of a bandage on a woman's neck.
Leaving my Mohs surgery with a large dressing over the wound.

They didn’t give me any pain medicine and said I should only need a Tylenol. That first dressing was so big that I had trouble turning my head. The tape pulled like crazy and I was really uncomfortable. We got out of the doctor’s office around 2:30pm.

And headed straight to Toys R Us. Wait, what? Yup. Since I had no idea how invasive the procedure was, my plan was to head straight to the toy store to pick up a Christmas gift for my son that was starting to sell out.

My husband drove me. I think at that point he would have done anything to make sure I didn’t start crying again. In hindsight, I don’t think going to Toys R Us was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I got the toy and some other shopping done, but I was uncomfortable, exhausted, cranky and needed to be cozy in bed.

Because of the stitches from Mohs surgery, I couldn’t pick up my boys or lift anything heavy. I had not prepared for that. I hadn’t stocked up on food at the grocery store in preparation.

I hadn’t planned ahead for anything because in my head it wasn’t going to be a big deal (which is also how all the doctors treated it). This was the picture we sent the boys that first night. I didn’t want them to freak out or worry so I put on a happy face.

How I dealt with Mohs surgery on my neck

But I really felt more like this. I couldn’t sleep on my side because the tape pulled so much. It was hard to get out of bed without my neck muscles pulling.

I rolled into Thanksgiving dinner with no makeup on and 2 day old dirty hair (which I don’t do – it is NOT cute on me). I put clothes on but I would have much rather stayed in my pajamas.

That night I could take the dressing off for the first time and finally got my shower. I broke down again when I saw the stitches. I just wasn’t prepared. For any of this. The next day I was in a good deal of pain (mostly achey) and managed it with over the counter meds.

WARNING:  AFTER PICTURE OF MOHS SURGERY STITCHES COMING UP!

Close up of dressing over stitches on a woman's neck.

Each day got a little easier. But I had to wear this gigantic dressing. I got a lot of looks. The tape was still pulling on my skin. It was hard to tell if the stitches hurt or if it was the tape.

So I was extra cautious and held my head in odd positions to baby my neck. I ended up super stiff and with headaches. So lame. And I became depressed. Self diagnosed, but still counts I think.

I didn’t want to go anywhere, I didn’t want to see anyone. All a sudden it had become a pretty big deal but most people didn’t even know about it. How do you ask for help or support when no one knows you need it?

It really wasn’t a big deal. The cancer can grow but not really spread anywhere. It is highly curable. So I was conflicted. I chose to spend a lot of time in bed. I left only when I had to.

After picture of the stitches from mohs surgery on my neck
Stitches from Mohs procedure.

The tape made my skin SO angry. I hated wearing the dressing more than anything else. Now, years later, my new dermatologist says most people react to the tape and are usually fine with the stitches.

If you are sensitive, be sure to let your doctor know in case there are other options they can use.

IF YOUR SKIN GETS IRRITATED BY REGULAR MEDICAL TAPE…

I just used these bandaids for the first time and they are AMAZING! I recently had stitches for 2 weeks and these were the only bandaids that weren’t awful on my skin! The stitches were above my knee near my inner thigh where the skin is thinner and sensitive. These bandaids were a dream! They were way better than sensitive skin bandaids.

You can also try this dressing tape if regular bandaids irritate your skin but this tape also irritated my leg when I tried it. It is better for tougher skin.

The day that I got the stitches out I was a wreck. I think I started crying before they even did anything. It wasn’t really that bad but it didn’t matter. I’m sure the office staff still talks about me and my crazy emotions.

Mohs Surgery Scar Pictures

Steri strip on my stitches after Mohs surgery on my neck
Stitches from Mohs procedure covered with a steristrip.

At my check up, the doctor liked how the scar was looking so he put something called a steri strip on it. They glued it to my skin and it would fall off on its own in 1-3 weeks. When it fell off, I was to go back to the dressings again.

I did everything I could to make sure that steri strip stayed on so I didn’t have to put that awful tape back on.

It stayed on until my follow-up appointment about 3 weeks later. They removed it and were very pleased with the progress. They told me I didn’t need to use dressings anymore which was a dream come true. I was okayed to exercise. Eff that.

I am so grateful for my family for taking such good care of me. My husband was a trooper and was so strong. He comforted me, he let me sulk, he handled the boys. I really couldn’t have done it without him.

A very dear friend, Kayla, was a rock for me. She let me cry, she always knew what to say and she would just send me texts letting me know she was there for me.

But I also thank those people who would have been there for me had they known. I know there are many more people who would have dropped everything to help me if I had given them the chance.

My head was just so jumbled. I was in a pretty dark place for those couple of weeks.

Close up of a scar on woman's neck from mohs procedure for skin cancer.
Photo of scar after mohs surgery.

This is how the basal cell carcinoma scar looked on Christmas (about a month after the Mohs surgery). I had minor (really minor) pain for a month or so. And because of the placement on my neck, sweaters would rub right there.

You can see how my basal cell carcinoma scar looked a year after this surgery in this post.

Thoughts on my Mohs Surgery Journey

Everything we go through is an experience. I think we go through life trying to be so stoic and act as if we are unflappable. But we are all vulnerable. It is okay to be scared of things that others might be fine with.

It is okay to call your friends up out of the blue and tell them you need them. And it is okay to spend lots of time at home in your pajamas watching Bravo if that is what you need to do.

The scar was kind of red and little puffy on one side for a little while. I had a follow up appointment in February and then was released and went on about my life.

I see my regular dermatologist every few months. We evaluate moles and other marks and talk through what we need to do about them.

I finally feel like I know what questions to ask about how we will handle these and other moles going forward. I always learn things I didn’t know about skin cancer before and I feel really good in his care. I feel like we have a plan and I have to rely on that.

I can’t say that I’m not worried about finding more or other types of skin cancer. But I am a little more versed in it now. It took awhile to not feel depressed. I told myself I could cry about stitches if I wanted to. And I could take as long to recover from these procedures as I wanted.

Since this Mohs surgery, I had to have multiple places removed and biopsies. Some have looked like regular moles. One was a purple mole that looked like my kid drew it on me with a marker.

For that one, they wanted to take a larger area to biopsy which would require stitches.

I convinced my doctor, instead, to do a punch biopsy. That biopsy came back with them wanting to take more action so I had to do an excisional biospy, that was pretty similar to Mohs surgery.

Which meant more stitches. That I cried through. I had even gone to my doctor for Xanax but my anxiety proved to be too strong. In all of this, I found out I’m pretty much a sissy when it comes to medical procedures. And I’m ok with that. I will just take each biopsy as it comes.

Related Post: Basal Cell Carcinoma Update and Excisional Biopsies

Have you ever had to have basal cell skin cancer removed with Mohs surgery? Skin cancer sucks. For real.

After the basal cell, I began the journey of having moles biopsied pretty regularly. Over my first few visits, the dermatologist evaluated my moles and skin (head to toe check!) and we’ve set about prioritizing what we need to focus on first.

For the first few years after the basal cell I was seen by my dermatologist every six months. But over the years it has slowed to about every 6 months. Find a dermatologist you like and talk to them about what your journey should look like.

If you are about to get the procedure, I wish you luck! However you are feeling is right. Sending best wishes!

I thought my experience was pretty crazy so I wanted to make sure to share it in case it would help someone else. And what I’m finding is that many of you have similar experiences.

If you’re looking for Moh’s Surgery pictures, hopefully, these will help you plan for your own procedure and know what to expect.

Click to share!

94 Comments

  1. Just had my first excision surgery for Melanoma Stage II. Late June I was about to be wheeled in for a colonoscopy and the nurse pointed out a mole on the back of my left arm near my elbow.
    One month later I had an Oophorectomy as I was dealing with ovarian cysts that were growing and multiplying. Thank heavens they were all benign.
    And one month after that surgery I had the incision surgery for my Melanoma. Itโ€™s been three weeks and it appears to be healing nicely, although it feels numb there, like Iโ€™m wearing a big bandage on my arm and the skin pulls when I bend my arm because it is so close to my elbow. This has been a busy summer with lots of medical appointments and procedures. The more procedures you have in a concentrated period of time, the harder it is for your body to bounce back, which was a lesson I had to learn the hard way when I thought I could still keep my haircut appointment the day after my surgery. After all, it was just my arm. Ha!
    So now, two days after my sisterโ€™s funeral for colon cancer, Iโ€™m looking for whatever I can find online on healing from this surgery and next steps.
    Tomorrow I start Genetic Counseling after losing two of my sisters, my dad, and both of his parents from various types of cancer.

  2. Itโ€™s hard to read everyoneโ€™s story on here. My brother has been dealing with skin cancer for several years. He spent alot of time in the sun but I didnโ€™t so I thought Iโ€™m completely safe. I donโ€™t even know what to think right now. Iโ€™m kind of stuck in between a state of disbelief and shock and wonder if itโ€™s even real. I recently had bunion surgery on both feet but thatโ€™s all I knew until yesterday at my family doctor appointment I asked if he could explain to me exactly what was done. He brought it up on his computer and I took a picture so I could go home and research all the words I didnโ€™t understand. On my right foot it said Mohs technique. I had never heard of it then sat looking at my computer in disbelief. Neither doctor has said a thing about it to me. Iโ€™m scared, Iโ€™m mad. I havenโ€™t told anyone because I donโ€™t know what to say or think so Iโ€™m just stuck with all kinds of things going through my head on my own. Itโ€™s Friday night so I canโ€™t even call one of the doctors offices until Monday and lucky if I even get a call back within the next week. I had taken pictures of my feet each time my dressings were changed and wondered why my right foot incision looked so different from my left one when the stitches came out. There were black looking scabs where it should have been cut and a raw spot that the bandages were stuck to. Now that itโ€™s healed I can see how the incision is different on the right foot with an extra circular cut in one spot. Makes sense now but what doesnโ€™t make sense is why neither of the doctors has told me about it. At least I didnโ€™t have to worry beforehand but now I wonder what I have to worry about in the future. Since my surgery was for bunions and mohs was done during it I hope whatever the doctor found is all gone. Thank you for putting your story out there and having a place for comments so I could vent. I pray you never have to have another surgery again and another prayer for your dad.

  3. I’m going in tomorrow for my surgery…I am so scared….I can’t sleep….Please say a pray for me…..My is on my side of my nose….

  4. I had Mohs on 2 spots 7 years ago and today I had an excision biopsy. Iโ€™m praying itโ€™s not skin cancer again (or that they got it all if it is) because I was very emotional this time too, especially when I saw the stitches. I just donโ€™t want to go through it all again.
    I felt somewhat better when I read your post and discovered Iโ€™m not the only one who gets so emotional. There was crying and itโ€™s embarrassing but it was just so emotionally draining for me.
    When I had my Mohs surgery I had to go out to the waiting room in between each โ€œcutting sessionโ€ and I needed a skin graft in the end so I had stitches behind my ear from that as well! There was no comfortable way to sleep for a while. I know it needed to be done, but really, really hate stitches!!!
    Until you go through it you really donโ€™t understand. Your story made me feel validated. Thank you so much for sharing! Wishing you good health.

  5. Kathy White says:

    Thank you for sharing your “journey”, and your scar looks GREAT by the way! Scheduled day after tomorrow (Thursday) for Mohs surgery for a BCC on face between upper lip and nose, left side, and finally decided to see what to expect! Definitely good to know re: showering, as confirms the idea of working from home Friday at least vs. going into office. I’m 55, have progressive MS (v. likely BCC caused by one of the meds-since discontinued-Thanks Mayzent!) but still work full-time, just getting bit more difficult, as paralegal working with real estate developers, residential real estate clients. With CoVID still around, I can conveniently use face masks to cover the area, whatever that turns out to be, so co-workers and clients aren’t made uncomfortable or drawn to ask questions. As it is, my “herky-jerky” slow walking, imbalance, etc. is noticeable enough, but based on your experience, thinking might opt to work remotely day or two next week as well. No idea if I’ll be given same “low physical demands” instructions, as that I wasn’t expecting. As walking, getting ready for work presents their own physical challenges, working remotely may prove highly advisable, if not necessary (boss will LOVE that!). Seeing the “extent” of your surgery vs. initial photo of your BCC does make me wonder what outcome will be, but it is what it is. Maybe they can get rid of a few wrinkles, but without making an uneven smile? At any rate, VERY MUCH APPRECIATE your article and insight so hopefully bit better prepared. Whatever the outcome, having lost close family after hard-fought battles with various cancers (as everyone has, I’m sure), I know it all could be so much worse. Bottom line I guess, I’m thankful it’s “JUST skin cancer”!?!?

  6. Thank you for sharing. Last week, I had a biopsy done of a spot on the back of my neck and got a call today telling me that it’s basal cell carcinoma. I’m having Mohs surgery tomorrow. It helps hearing your experience. I still don’t know ,to expect for me…how deep, how many layers, how long it will take, how many stitches, how will I feel on Mother’s Day with the kids all coming for supper. I don’t even want to tell my mom yet, who will go on and on about how I should have worn a hat and long sleeves in the garden.

  7. Michele Kruszewski says:

    I had mohs done on Tuesday itโ€™s now Thursday I This is really painful I have a 5 inch incision with 20 stiches on my back itโ€™s difficult to move my arm feels like the skin. Is stretched way. Way to tight !

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that you had to have Mohs done this week. I am not a fan of stitches either. They are always so uncomfortable. I’m wishing you a fast recovery! XO

  8. Angela Elam says:

    I know this is an older post, but I needed to vent about my experiences. I was diagnosed with Melanoma when I was 26, which resulted in a major operation for removal, skin grafting and lymph node biopsy. After that, I have had 4 other wide excisions, and starting tomorrow I will have to go through THREE Mohs procedures over the next few weeks. I am a wreck!!!!!! One in my hair, one on my temple and the last on my ear. I am a nurse so I try not to rely too much on google, but I have also worked in the OR for many years and I know what can happen if the procedure gets out of hand.

  9. Thank you for sharing your story!
    I just had my 4th BCC removed on my face by Mohs Monday- on my forehead this time. Mohs is definitely unpleasant, and the aftermath is always surprising. Skin Cancer is scarring- physically and emotionally. My face has had enough unwanted alterations! My battle started 16 years ago, and it seems it’s beginning to ramp up. I am still facing a wide excision behind my left leg to remove a pre Melanoma. The paranoia increases with every new spot that appears…

    1. I’m so sorry you have such a recurring issue! I’ve only done it a few times but I have a feeling, that like you, there will come a day when it starts happening a little bit more regularly. I don’t have a great way to keep track of spots when I find them. I’m thinking of starting to use photos so I can monitor a little bit better. I feel like when I try to show something to my derm he’s like how long has it been there and I think everything is new. :)

  10. Janet Viel says:

    Thank you for you Mohs story. I am having the procedure on my nose on July 31st. I am my own worst enemy by looking at post op pictures and reading every online article.
    I am hoping that the Dr doesnโ€™t have to go back in too many times. I envision having a lot of stitches but hope I am wrong.

    1. Hi Janet! I’m sorry you have to have the procedure. I wish you the best of luck! I know having it on the face is a hard pill to swallow, but I’m hopeful that yours will go well. Try to just see how it goes and don’t be afraid to ask the doctor questions about how to minimize the scar. I am sure each doctor has their own tips and tricks. Hang in there!

    2. I just had Mohs on my nose and cried when I took the first bandage off. It is still quite red after 6 days. It gets confusing when they say you put too much Aquaphor on or too little or let it dry, but keep it moist. They had to go in twice and I can;t have Epinephrine, so it took a while. Hoping it looks better when the stiches come out next week.
      Wishing the the best on your Mohs nose journey. Ask a lot of questions! They should show you how to redress your bandage and give you all the necessary items to do so. They didn’t do that with me and I went back in.

  11. Stephanie says:

    Thanks for posting! I’m about to go in for my mohs surgery consultation tomorrow. After googling about it after talking to my dermatologist, I cried. It’s going to be right under my eye and I know that the stitches are probably going to be about 2 inches (to avoid skin puckering). Anyway I just hate that this will be on my face. ugh! I’m mentally preparing because everyone says the first few weeks can put them into a depression seeing the incision. Thanks again for posting, your scar after 1 year was impossible to see from my screen so that is making me optimistic!

    1. You’re going to do great, friend! I know it’s hard when you think about having things done on your face, but I know the doctor will do the best they can. Ask for tips to see how you can help the scarring. They might have some great ideas. And also SUNSCREEN! I really tried to stay out of the sun for at least a year after my procedure so I could make sure to keep any discoloring from happening!

  12. I’ll be having this procedure soon and I’d love to know which spa-scented, cinnamon bread-gifting office you visited in NB. I currently have my procedure scheduled with my dermatologist in the High Desert and I’m having second thoughts about having it done there.

    1. Hi! His name is Dr. Rotunda and his website is http://www.newportskincancer.com/ . I haven’t been to the office in years but I imagine they are still amazing. I am certain you will be fine in any office, but the level of care and comfort they give their patients is really helpful when you are uncertain of the procedure and have nerves! Wherever you have it done, don’t be afraid to ask questions and feel what you are feeling. It becomes routine for the doctors but it is really hard on us patients sometimes!

  13. Thank you for sharing a real account! I got the diagnosis this morning and will be having the Mohs procedure. The area is in my scalp and Iโ€™ve spent too much time on Google (I know, I know) reading about everything and looking at pictures. My anxiety was through the roof but reading your story helped tremendously!

    1. Hi Michelle! I’m so sorry that you have to have Mohs. Stop googling! :) Although it’s a super common procedure and the doctors and nurses treat it as such, however you are feeling about it is valid! For me, I HATE stitches, so that part of the process is the hardest. I’m wishing you a stress-free procedure!

  14. Hi, thank you for your article and sharing…i too just had mose on my face under my eye. I didn’t really think it was going to be as emotional as it was. I saw a photo of a woman who had the same procedure and she looked great after. MY dermatologist did laser after the incision and stitches and she healed nicely. I hope that mine will do the same.
    I have been going back regularly since surgery for wound care and application of some medicine on the site. I am looking forward to this being totally behind me. I am now at home writing this from my bed. I am an active person and this has been hard to not exercise at all. So thanks for your post. I would like to start writing my own blogs and don’t know how to start. Can you share how you started? thanks so much S

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that you had Mohs but I’m glad you are on the road to recovery! Having a blog is fun (and a lot of work!). Susy, from Start a Mom Blog, has great info on starting a blog. You may not be a mom or want to write about anything mom-related, but the framework is basically the same! Hope that helps: https://www.startamomblog.com/

  15. Bridgette says:

    Great read, thank you for sharing. I just had Mohs on Monday and had a very similar experience. I too somewhat underestimated the procedure and recovery. I went by myself, and Iโ€™m so thankful I was home when the numbing wore off, wow! I was also pretty shocked by the size of the hole ( 3 passes) and the nearly 3โ€ long line of stitches on my forehead. My skin feels really tight across my forehead. Could there be a silver lining, perhaps this will negate the need for future Botox :) Either way, this definitely wasnโ€™t as easy as I expected.

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