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Post op Wound Care

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Our process

The Mohs Process: What to Expect

Consultation

At Northstar Dermatology, your care begins with a thorough consultation. During this visit, your dermatologist will explain the details of your procedure, outline each step, and answer any questions you may have. The treatment area will be carefully identified and marked, and you’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Once local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort, the procedure will begin.

Removal

Once the area is numb from local anesthesia, your Northstar Dermatology surgeon will carefully remove a thin layer of tissue from the affected area. This layer includes the visible portion of the skin cancer along with a small margin of surrounding tissue. The goal is to remove as little healthy skin as possible while ensuring complete removal of cancerous cells.

Preparation of Tissue

The tissue that has been removed is then taken to our on-site laboratory for immediate processing. The specimen is carefully mapped, marked with colored dyes to indicate orientation, and frozen. Ultra-thin sections are then prepared for microscopic examination. This precise preparation allows your surgeon to match what’s seen under the microscope with the exact location on your skin.

Microscopic Examination

Using a high-powered microscope, your Mohs surgeon examines the entire margin of the tissue to check for any remaining cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, your surgeon will return to the exact area identified and remove another thin layer of tissue. This process is repeated layer by layer until no cancer cells remain—ensuring the highest cure rate possible while preserving healthy tissue.

Reconstruction

Once all cancer cells have been successfully removed, your Northstar Dermatology provider will determine the best way to repair the surgical site. Depending on the size and location of the area, options may include allowing the wound to heal naturally, closing it with stitches, or using a skin flap or graft. Our goal is to achieve both optimal healing and an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Follow-Up Appointment

A follow-up visit will be scheduled to assess your healing and ensure there are no complications. During this visit, your dermatologist will review wound care, remove stitches if necessary, and address any concerns. Regular follow-up is a vital part of recovery and long-term skin health monitoring.

Continued Care

Even after successful Mohs surgery, ongoing skin checks are essential. Your Northstar Dermatology team will create a personalized plan for routine skin exams and self-monitoring to help detect any new or recurring skin cancers early. Our continued partnership focuses on your long-term skin health and overall well-being.

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Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutalebi

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a lesion that needs evaluation, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutalebi and experience the difference that elite training, honest communication, and genuine care make in your skin cancer treatment.

You deserve the best. You deserve excellence.
You deserve Northstar