Mohs Surgery Postoperative Care

Mohs surgery involves surgically removing skin cancer, leaving a wound that will form a scar in its place. Here, we discuss Mohs surgery recovery, going over how to care for the wound and sharing additional tips for recovery. 

Mohs Surgery Recovery 

For many skin cancer patients, Mohs surgery can be an excellent treatment option that preserves the greatest amount of healthy skin tissue. Navigating skin cancer treatment can be daunting and anxiety-inducing, yet Mohs surgery is a simple procedure that removes basal or squamous cell cancer lesions. Skin tissue will be removed until the remaining skin is free from the cancer, leaving patients with the peace of mind that their skin health has been restored. 

Before you can celebrate having cancer-free skin, you’ll need to undergo the Mohs surgery recovery process. Recovery will look different for every patient, depending on the size of their wound and the extent of their surgery. In general, patients can expect recovery to involve wound care, pausing strenuous physical activity, and sun protection. 

Caring for Mohs Surgery Wounds 

After Mohs surgery, patients can expect to have a wound where the cancer lesion was removed. This wound will be wrapped in a dressing by your surgeon to keep it protected. It is essential to properly care for this wound throughout the recovery process to promote healing. 

Your surgeon will provide aftercare instructions for cleaning and protecting the wound. These instructions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Leave the bandages/dressings on the wound for 24–48 hours (depending on your surgeon’s instructions). Keep the area dry, and do not touch it. You may not be able to shower during this time to protect the wound from getting wet. 
• Apply ice to the wound in 20-minute increments every 2 hours to help reduce swelling and bleeding.
• The wound will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. A mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the area. Once clean, pat the wound dry and apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or another surgeon-approved ointment. This will keep the wound moisturized and protected.  Always wash your hands before cleansing and applying ointment. 
• Sleeping with the wound region in an elevated position will help reduce postoperative swelling. Stack pillows to prop up the body area with the wound. 

The specifics of your wound care may vary based on the extent of your wound. Always be sure to follow your surgeon’s particular recovery instructions to ensure a smooth healing process. 

Tips for Recovery 

Other helpful tips for Mohs surgery recovery include: 

• Refrain from intense exercise and heavy lifting during recovery, as significant sweating can negatively affect the healing stitches. 
• Protecting your wound from the sun is essential for proper healing and minimizing scar discoloration. Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats when applicable. Additionally, wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is crucial whenever the skin is exposed to the sun. 
• Eat a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods to help promote your body’s natural healing process. 
• Stay on top of your follow-up visits with your surgeon. Always notify your surgeon of any warning signs that may show up. 

Have More Questions About Mohs Surgery in Scottsdale and Maricopa, AZ? 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with basal or squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery may be one of your best treatment options. Contact our Scottsdale or Maricopa offices to learn more about Mohs surgery and your unique treatment plan. To schedule a consultation with Skin & Cancer Center of Scottsdale, call (480) 596-1110. You can also fill out our online contact form today.