Dr. Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Calgary, Alberta, with advanced fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction, bringing rigorous expertise and meticulous attention to detail to each stage of care on surgery day.
Step 1: Check In and Get Settled
When you arrive, you’ll complete any remaining paperwork and review your medical history and medications. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a book, headphones, or a fully charged phone, since there can be waiting periods.
Step 2: Prepping Begins
The area is then cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. You’ll be awake the entire time, but the goal is to keep you comfortable.
Step 3: The First Layer Is Removed
The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue from the skin cancer site. A bandage is placed, and you’ll relax in a waiting area while the tissue is processed in an on-site lab.
Step 4: Tissue Mapping and Microscopic Review
The surgeon creates a “map” of the tissue and examines it under a microscope for any remaining cancer cells. This step can take 30-60 minutes or more.
Step 5: Additional Layers (If Needed)
If cancer cells remain, you’ll return to the procedure room for another small, targeted layer to be removed only where the cancer is still present. This process repeats until the margins are clear. Many patients need two or more stages.
Step 6: Repair and Bandaging
After the cancer is fully removed, your surgeon will discuss the best way to help the area heal. Depending on the size and location, this may involve stitches, a skin flap or graft, or letting the wound heal naturally.
Step 7: Post-Op Instructions and Going Home
You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean the site, manage swelling, and recognize signs of infection. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.
Protect Your Skin’s Health with Mohs Surgery in Calgary, AB
Mohs surgery can feel like a long day, but it should give you peace of mind after a skin cancer diagnosis. Call us today at 403-571-3141 to schedule a consultation.
