Patient-Centered, Passionate Care
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does Mohs stand for? 
  2. How does Mohs surgery work?
  3. Will I need general anesthesia? Will I need to go to the hospital? 
  4. What are my activity restrictions after surgery?  
  5. Can I travel after surgery? 
  6. Can I shower after surgery? Can I swim or use a hot tub? 
  7. What do I do if my wound becomes red, has discharge or is foul smelling? What if I have a fever? 
  8. Do I need to take time off work? Will I receive paperwork for time off? 
  9. How long will the procedure take? 
  10. Do I need a follow-up? Can I go on vacation during this time? 
  11. How long will it take for my wound to heal? Does it matter if I have diabetes? 
  12. How many procedures has Dr. Al-Dabagh done? 
  13. Does my insurance cover this procedure? Will I have out-of-pocket expenses? 
  14. Can I eat before the procedure? 
  15. Should I take my daily medications?  
  16. When can I resume medications? 
1.  What does Mohs stand for?​ 
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Mohs micrographic surgery is named after its founder Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin. Developed in the 1930s, it has been refined into a precise and effective treatment for a variety of skin cancers. Surgeons can accurately identify and remove the entire cancerous tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rates, even if the cancer was previously treated with a different method. ​

​Learn more about Mohs surgery.
PC Dermatology- Dr. Frederic Mohs, inventor of Mohs micrographic surgery
Dr. Frederic Mohs, founder of Mohs micrographic surgery, accepts the Lila Gruber Honor Award for Cancer Research
2.  How does Mohs surgery work?​ ​
PC Dermatology- Skin Cancer seen on woman's forehead
Skin cancer visible to the naked eye
PC Dermatology- Mohs micrographic surgery, the first layer of tissue removed
First thin layer removed
PC Dermatology- Mohs Surgery, more layers are removed until spot is cancer free!
More layers are removed until spot is cancer free!
  1. Using a local anesthetic, the surgeon numbs the area to ensure comfort and then removes thin layers of the cancer.  
  2. A detailed map is created to track the skin cancer. 
  3. At each stage, the layer of tissue is processed at the in-house lab. A histotechnician uses a special technique to visualize 100% of the surgical borders.  
  4. The surgeon then reads the slides and accurately records any remaining cancerous tissue on a map. 
  5. This process is repeated until all of the margins are clear of the cancer.​
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​       Learn more about Mohs surgery.
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3.  Will I need general anesthesia? Will I need to go to the hospital? ​

Mohs surgery is performed at our outpatient clinic in Mooresville. You will not need a lengthy hospital admission, nor will you undergo the risks associated with general anesthesia. Having successfully completed thousands of surgeries, Dr. Al-Dabagh and his staff are experienced at making your visit as pain-free and comfortable as possible.  
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Photo credit: Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke
PC Dermatology- Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure
No need to go to the hospital or receive general anesthesia!
4.  What are my activity restrictions after surgery?  ​
PC Dermatology- Man running in sunlight, after surgery
Avoid exercise and sports for 2 weeks after surgery

You should avoid exercise or participate in sports for two weeks following the surgery. During this time, you will be asked to limit all activities that increase your heart rate and not lift objects heavier than a gallon of milk. Click here for more information.  
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Photo credit: Aan Nizal
5.  Can I travel after surgery? 

We recommend trying to stay local for the first week for closer monitoring. If you must, then make sure you have access to medical care. Please inform us of travel arrangements so we can plan accordingly. 

Photo credit: Dino Reichmuth
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PC Dermatology- Can I travel after surgery?
After the first week, you can enjoy your travels!
6. Can I shower after surgery? Can I swim or use a hot tub?
PC Dermatology- Wound healing takes time, avoid swimming and hot tubs
Avoid swimming or hot tubs until your wound heals!
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The wound must be kept dry for at least 48 hours, and maybe longer. You can then shower. However, please refrain from swimming or using hot tubs until the wound heals.  

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Photo credit: Efe Kurnaz
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​7.  What do I do if my wound becomes red, has discharge or is foul smelling? What if I have a fever?

​Please contact our office as soon as you can, at (704) 230-1302. If it is after hours, please call the surgeon’s direct cell phone. 

Photo credit: United Nations
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PC Dermatology- Symptoms of wound infection
If you suspect a wound infection, call us!
8.  Do I need to take time off work? Will I receive paperwork for time off? 

Yes, you should take the day of your procedure off. If your work involves physical activity, you may be required to take more time off. Our staff will make sure you receive the proper paperwork before you leave.  

Photo credit: Scott Graham
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PC Dermatology- Paperwork detailing day off for Mohs micrographic surgery
Proper paperwork will be given for your time off!
9.  How long will the procedure take? ​
PC Dermatology- Hourglass, plan to take the day off for skin cancer surgery
Plan on taking the day off for surgery


The length of the procedure depends on the type of surgery and how many stages are necessary to clear the skin cancer. Plan on taking the entire day off. 

Photo credit: Aron Visuals
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10.  Do I need a follow-up? Can I go on vacation during this time? 
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Yes, you will have a follow-up within 1-4 weeks. It is advised that you do not travel too far, in case something happens to your wound.  

Photo credit: Frank McKenna
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PC Dermatology- Vacation after mohs surgery or dermatologic procedures
Don't travel too far away before your follow-up!
11.  How long will it take for my wound to heal? Does it matter if I have diabetes?

Healing time will depend on the size of the wound, the location, and how well you take care of your wound after surgery. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugars will also improve wound healing. You will be given detailed wound instructions; it is very important that you follow these. DO NOT let your wound scab over.

Photo credit: Brian Patrick Tagalog
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PC Dermatology- Wound healing on hand
Wound healing depends on size, location, and the quality of wound care. Diabetes should be controlled.
12.  How many procedures has Dr. Al-Dabagh done? ​
PC Dermatology- Cartoon of Dr. Al-Dabagh performing Mohs surgery
Dr. Al-Dabagh and staff eliminating skin cancer!

​He has performed over 7,000 Mohs surgeries  and many more excisions and other dermatologic surgeries.  

Photo credit: OpenClipart-Vectors
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13.  Does my insurance cover this procedure? Will I have out-of-pocket expenses? 

​Surgery for skin cancer is medically necessary and therefore covered by almost all insurances. We will review your insurance plan and inform you if you have a copay or out of pocket cost. We also recommend you contact your insurance directly to confirm costs.  

Photo credit: Ar130405
PC Dermatology- Health insurances usually cover skin cancer surgery
Skin cancer surgery is cover by almost all insurances.


​14.  Can I eat before the procedure? 

​Yes, make sure you eat a good breakfast and are well-hydrated. Try to avoid coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
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Photo credit: Joseph Gonzalez
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PC Dermatology- Breakfast before Mohs micrographic surgery
Enjoy a healthy breakfast before your surgery!
15.  Should I take my daily medications? 
PC Dermatology- Avoid NSAIDs for 14 days before surgery unless prescribed. Continue blood thinners. Avoid homeopathic medications for 7 days.
Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Celebrex for 14 days before surgery UNLESS prescribed by your primary doctor.
 
​Yes, take all your prescribed medications. Avoid taking Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, and Celebrex for 14 days before surgery, UNLESS prescribed by your primary doctor. Continue your Coumadin (warfarin), Eliquis, Xarelto, Lovenox, heparin, Pradaxa, or any other blood thinner. Avoid vitamins or homeopathic medications 7 days prior to surgery.  
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Photo credit: James Yarema
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16.  When can I resume medications? 

If you stop any medications, you can resume them the day after surgery.

Photo credit: Laurynas Mereckas
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PC Dermatology- Resume medications a day after mohs surgery
Resume medications the day after Mohs Surgery
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PC DERMATOLOGY 
118 Gateway Blvd, Suite A 
Mooresville, NC 28117 
Phone: (704) 230-1302 
Fax: (704) 230-1284  

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