Mohs Surgery: The Questions Patients Actually Ask — Answered by Physicians
Mohs Surgery generates some of the most repetitive phone calls in any dermatology practice: wound care layers, when stitches come out, and how big the repair will be. PrepQ, a patient-education platform built by physicians and operated by PrepQ LLC, maintains 15 physician-written answers about mohs surgery as part of a library of more than 7,500 answers covering 700-plus procedures across 14 specialties. Practices that subscribe to PrepQ give their patients a dedicated phone number to text or call at any hour, and the platform replies instantly with content the practice's own clinicians have reviewed and approved in advance. Questions outside the approved library are referred back to the office, and any message that suggests urgent symptoms is directed to 911 or the practice instead of being answered by software. The result: patients arrive prepared, day-of cancellations drop, and staff stop repeating the same mohs surgery instructions dozens of times a week.
Real mohs surgery questions from our physician-reviewed library
A sample of the 15 mohs surgery answers in PrepQ's library. Before any practice goes live, its own clinicians review and approve every answer — and can customize each one to their protocols.
Can the skin cancer come back after Mohs surgery?
It's understandable to wonder about this. Mohs has very high success rates because the edges are checked during the procedure, but no treatment can promise a cancer will never return, and a new skin cancer can also appear elsewhere. That's why ongoing skin checks matter. Your dermatologist can explain your follow-up plan and answer any questions.
Do I need to stop blood thinners before Mohs surgery?
This is an important question for the prescriber or dermatologist who manages your medicines, since the decision depends on you and your health. Please never stop a blood thinner on your own. For many Mohs procedures blood thinners are often continued, but your dermatology office will give you the guidance that's right for you.
How do I care for the wound and dressing after Mohs?
Wound care after Mohs is mostly about keeping things gentle and clean and changing the dressing as directed. In general it's best to follow the specific instructions your dermatology office gives you, since care varies by the type of repair. If anything about the dressing is unclear, your care team is happy to walk you through it.
How effective is Mohs surgery at removing skin cancer?
Mohs surgery has very high success rates for the skin cancers it's used to treat, in part because the edges are checked under a microscope during the procedure to confirm the area is clear. Even so, outcomes can depend on the individual case. Your dermatologist can talk with you about what the results mean for you.
How much pain and bleeding is normal after Mohs surgery?
Some soreness and minor bleeding or oozing in the first day or two is normal as the area begins to heal, and most people find any discomfort is manageable. Tenderness usually eases over several days. If pain or bleeding seems heavier than expected or isn't improving, it's best to contact your dermatology office for guidance.
Is swelling and bruising around my eye normal after Mohs on my face?
Yes, swelling and bruising around the eye can be common after Mohs surgery on the face, since that skin is delicate and bruising can spread and settle under the eye. It usually improves over one to two weeks. If the swelling is severe, affects your vision, or you have concerns, contact your dermatology office so they can guide you.
My Mohs wound is bleeding through the bandage — what do I do?
Some light bleeding can happen, but bleeding through the bandage needs attention. In general, apply gentle steady pressure over the area for several minutes without peeling back the dressing. If the bleeding continues despite this, contact your dermatology office right away, and if it feels heavy or you feel faint, emergency care may be needed.
What activity limits do I have after Mohs, especially on the face?
After Mohs, it's generally best to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting, bending, and vigorous exercise for a while, since straining can affect healing, especially on the face. The exact limits depend on your wound and how it was closed, so follow the instructions from your care team. They can tell you when it's safe to ease back into your normal routine.
What are the risks of Mohs surgery?
Mohs is a well-established procedure, and while any surgery carries some risk, serious problems are uncommon. Your Mohs surgeon will review the specifics that apply to your situation and answer your questions beforehand. That conversation is the best place to understand what to expect.
What is Mohs surgery and why is it recommended?
Mohs surgery is a precise technique for removing certain skin cancers, where thin layers are taken and checked under a microscope one at a time until no cancer cells remain. It's often recommended for cancers on the face or other sensitive areas because it spares as much healthy skin as possible. Your dermatologist can explain why it was chosen for you.
Your staff answers these 15 questions by phone. PrepQ answers them by text, instantly.
PrepQ gives your dermatology practice a dedicated number patients text or call 24/7. Physician-written answers, approved by your doctors, delivered in English and Spanish — with urgent messages escalated to your office or 911, never improvised. HIPAA-compliant, BAA provided, no EHR integration required.