If you’ve been booked in for Mohs surgery, it’s completely normal to ask how long you’ll be at the clinic. This guide explains what affects the timing and what your day may look like. Keep reading and you’ll feel calmer and better prepared. Skip it, and you may arrive unsure, anxious, and caught off guard by the waiting.
There isn’t one set number of hours
Mohs surgery doesn’t run on a fixed schedule like many other procedures. That’s because it’s done in stages. A thin layer of tissue is removed, then examined under a microscope, and the next step depends on what the lab shows.
In many cases, Mohs surgery takes around 2 to 4 hours from start to finish. Some appointments are shorter, and some are longer. It depends on how many stages are needed to fully remove the cancer.
Why the waiting time is part of the treatment
The “hours” are not just time in the procedure room. Much of your visit involves waiting while the removed tissue is processed and analysed. Each stage of analysis can take around 30 to 60 minutes, and some people need more than one stage.
This is also what makes Mohs surgery so reassuring. Instead of guessing where the cancer ends, each layer is checked before anything else is removed. That careful approach is why the procedure is so precise and effective.
What affects how long Mohs surgery takes
The biggest factor is the number of stages required. Some cancers are removed in one stage. Others need two, three, or more. The more stages, the longer the appointment.
Location matters too. Areas like the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears can be more complex, because the skin is thinner and the anatomy is delicate. If the cancer has unclear edges, or if it has been treated before and returned, the process may take longer.
Reconstruction can also add time. After the cancer is removed, the wound may be closed with stitches, a skin flap, a skin graft, or sometimes left to heal naturally. The best approach depends on the size and location of the area treated.
How to plan your day
It’s best to plan for a half-day appointment, even if your procedure ends up being shorter. That way, you won’t feel rushed or stressed if it takes longer than expected. Bring something to keep you comfortable during waiting periods, such as a book, headphones, or a device.
You’ll usually be able to go home the same day. Because local anaesthetic is used, most patients don’t need a hospital stay. You will, however, need to take it easy afterwards and follow the aftercare advice closely.
Conclusion
So, how many hours is Mohs surgery? For most people, it’s a few hours, often 2 to 4, but it can be longer depending on how many stages are needed and whether reconstruction is required. The time reflects careful precision, not difficulty—and that precision is what gives patients such strong peace of mind.
If you’re due to have Mohs surgery and want to know what to expect in your specific case, contact Dr Arif Aslam for clear guidance and calm, expert support. We’re here to help you feel informed, reassured, and well looked after.
