What To Expect After Mohs Surgery: An Essential Guide

By Your Health Magazine

Mohs surgery is a precise and highly effective treatment for skin cancer, particularly for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves carefully removing cancerous tissue layer by layer, allowing the surgeon to examine each one under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This meticulous process ensures that healthy skin is preserved as possible while eliminating cancer cells entirely.

However, in the days following your surgery, you might experience some discomfort or concerns about the healing process. Therefore, knowing what to expect after Mohs surgery is important for navigating recovery smoothly.

Read on to learn more.

The Immediate Aftermath of Mohs Surgery

After your Mohs surgery is completed, the first thing you may notice is the wound size. The size of the surgical area can sometimes appear larger than anticipated, especially if multiple layers of tissue were removed. This is a natural outcome of the procedure since the surgeon removes thin layers of skin around the cancerous site to ensure all malignant cells are excised. However, any concerns regarding the size or appearance of the wound will be addressed during your follow-up care.

Also, depending on the extent of the surgery, wound closure may be achieved with sutures, skin grafts, or in some cases, allowing the area to heal on its own. Your doctor will determine the best approach based on the size and location of the surgical site. For example, if your surgery involved basal cell Mohs surgery, you’ll likely have a detailed post-operative care plan in place. You may also want to consult with professionals to gain more insights.

Wound Care and Recovery Time

Proper wound care is crucial after Mohs surgery to prevent infection and promote healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to clean and dress the wound. Generally, patients are advised to keep the area dry for the first 24 hours, and after that, gentle cleaning with soap and water is encouraged.

A sterile bandage will also be required for the first few days to protect the wound and absorb any drainage. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort, though pain levels are usually mild. Swelling, bruising, and redness around the surgery site are common and typically subside within a week or two.

Furthermore, healing times can vary depending on the size and location of the surgical site, but most patients experience a significant improvement within two to three weeks. If the area was stitched, your doctor may remove the sutures after one to two weeks. Hence, for those who have undergone surgery at facilities like Skin Surgery Center, meticulous attention is given to post-surgical care, which helps expedite the recovery process.

Potential Side Effects and Complications

While Mohs surgery is generally considered safe, certain side effects and complications may arise. Some of the most common issues include:

Scarring

Some level of scarring is inevitable, but surgeons make efforts to minimize it. Since the appearance of the scar typically fades over time, your doctor might recommend scar treatments, such as silicone gel or massage, to improve the result.

Infection

Though rare, infections can occur. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the surgical site. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

Numbness or Tingling

Some patients may experience temporary numbness or tingling around the surgical area, especially if nerve endings were affected during the procedure. This usually resolves within a few months but, in rare cases, may be permanent.

Bleeding

Minor bleeding or oozing from the wound is normal for the first 24 hours. However, if you experience excessive bleeding, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring

After the surgery, you’ll have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor the healing process and ensure the cancer has been completely removed. These visits are crucial for addressing any complications and assessing the cosmetic outcome.

However, even after successful Mohs surgery, there’s a possibility of skin cancer recurring, either in the same area or elsewhere. Therefore, regular dermatological check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment of any new or returning lesions.

Additionally, patients who have undergone Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other types of skin cancer are generally advised to continue with routine skin checks, often every six to twelve months. Early detection of suspicious lesions can make future treatments less invasive and more successful.

Tips for Optimal Healing After Mohs Surgery

Taking care of yourself in the days and weeks following Mohs surgery can significantly impact the quality of your recovery. Here are some essential tips to promote healing:

Avoid direct sunlight: The treated area will be particularly sensitive to UV exposure, which can delay healing and worsen scarring. So, it’s best to wear sunscreen or protective clothing if you need to be outdoors.
Rest and avoid strenuous activities: Overexertion can increase blood flow to the wound, leading to swelling or bleeding. It’s best to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for at least one to two weeks post-surgery.
Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet: Good nutrition supports tissue repair and overall healing. Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote recovery.
Do not pick at scabs: It can be tempting to touch the surgical site, but doing so can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

By understanding these tips, you can speed up your healing and recovery and get back to normal life in no time.

Conclusion

Mohs surgery is a highly effective procedure for removing skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Although the immediate recovery may present some challenges, following your doctor’s guidelines for wound care and attending follow-up appointments will support optimal healing. Lastly, by keeping the information mentioned above in mind, you can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and ensure long-term skin health.