The Ultimate Guide to Mohs Surgery Recovery
According to the American Cancer Society, basal and squamous cell skin cancers affect over 3 million people annually. These cancers require effective and timely treatment. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective techniques for addressing various skin cancers, with an excellent cure rate of 99%.
This procedure involves removing the cancerous tissue and a thin layer around the area to ensure no cancer cells remain. Though Mohs surgery prioritizes tissue conservation, it’s understandable to be curious about the healing process. We’ve answered the most typical questions about recovery from Mohs surgery for people who may need to pursue this option.
1. How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?
The timeline for your surgery will depend on the size of the cancerous growth you have. The nature of Mohs surgery requires surgeons to remove the growth in layers to preserve as much of your healthy tissue as possible, which can take several hours. Reconstructing your skin adds more time to the procedure.
The bigger and deeper your tumor is, the longer the procedure will take. Consult your dermatologist for an accurate estimate of the surgery time frame.
2. What Happens Immediately After Mohs Surgery?
You’ll move into a recovery area once your surgeon has completely removed your skin cancer. Then, your Mohs surgeon will check your vital signs and provide a progress update. You may experience minor postsurgical discomfort, bleeding, bruising or swelling. Avoid touching the wound and keep it elevated if possible to prevent swelling.
3. Does Mohs Surgery Require an Overnight Stay?
Typically, no. Most patients can go home on the same day of their minimally invasive Mohs procedure.
4. How Painful Is a Mohs Procedure?
Most surgeons numb the area with local anesthesia, so you will be awake and conscious during surgery without experiencing pain. However, you may feel a slight needle prick from the numbing medication. Pain after Mohs surgery can be mild or moderate, depending on the size of your wound. The discomfort should gradually decrease over the next several days.
5. How Can I Manage Pain and Swelling After Mohs Surgery?
In most cases, you can minimize pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Some surgeons may prescribe pain medication to relieve discomfort following Mohs surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure. You can also apply a cold compress to the covered site in 15-minute intervals to reduce inflammation.
6. Will I Need Someone to Drive Me Home?
Most patients can drive themselves home after the surgery. However, you could need someone to drop you off and pick you up if the surgical site is close to your eyes and a bandage obstructs your vision. In other cases, your surgeon may administer medications that cause drowsiness during the procedure. Have a trusted adult take you home if you are too groggy to drive.
7. How Long Should I Rest After Mohs Surgery?
The first few days after Mohs surgery require plenty of rest to help your body heal. Your recovery timeline will depend on the specifics of your skin cancer. However, you can expect to resume regular activity between two to six weeks later unless otherwise recommended by your Mohs surgeon.
8. Will I Have Stitches or a Bandage?
After operating, your surgeon may close the wound with adhesive strips, staples or stitches, which you can have removed about a week to 10 days after surgery. They might also bandage the surgical site to keep it clean and allow clotting to occur. This bandage should remain on for at least the first 24 hours, at which point you should replace it or keep the site clean with mild soap and water.
9. What Are the Restrictions After Undergoing Mohs Surgery?
Depending on your tumor’s size and location, you may need to avoid strenuous activities like running or lifting heavy objects until you have fully healed. You should also refrain from swimming or soaking in water to protect your stitches. Always wear protective clothing and sunscreen when going outside to protect your skin from sun exposure.
Wait at least a week before putting makeup or skin care products like perfume, creams and ointments around your wound, as this could irritate the tissue.
10. What Are the Risks of Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is low-risk and minimally invasive. One study found that less than one in every 100 patients who receive Mohs surgery experience significant adverse side effects. However, you must still be aware of potential complications, which can include:
- Infection at the incision site
- Redness
- Swelling
- Drainage from the wound
- Excessive bleeding
- Scarring
- Pain
- Wound reopening
- Delayed healing
- Temporary or permanent loss of nerve function
- Recurrence of skin cancer after removal
Always call your Mohs surgeon if you experience unusual symptoms or effects that do not go away within several days.
11. Should I Take off Work When Recovering From Mohs Surgery?
During your consultation, your Mohs surgeon will explain your surgery’s complexity and recommend how long you should schedule off from work. At the very least, you should take the day of the procedure off and perhaps two to three days afterward for rest and recovery. You may want to take five to seven days off if you have a large area of skin cancer removed.
12. Will I Have a Scar After Surgery?
Yes, you can expect a scar after Mohs surgery for skin cancer. The severity of scarring will vary depending on its depth. The scars should improve as they continue maturing over the next several months or years.
Your scar may be more extensive than the original growth because skin cancer tumors sometimes grow larger and wider in the deeper layers of skin. Your Mohs surgeon will discuss potential scarring to prepare you for healing.
13. Can I Minimize Scarring After Mohs Surgery?
You can optimize the healing process with various treatments, such as:
- Silicone scar sheets or gels
- Steroid injections
- Laser treatments
- Topical creams
- Sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure
In some cases, lightly massaging your scar with your fingertips can improve the healing process and decrease the buildup of scar tissue. Ask your dermatologist to recommend the most effective options based on their expertise.
14. Will I Need Reconstruction on My Wound?
Once your Mohs surgeon has completely removed your skin cancer, they will optimize the functional and cosmetic results to minimize scarring. You may require reconstructive surgery if the wound is on your face or the tumor is more extensive than expected.
Experienced surgeons can perform most reconstructive surgery on the same day as your original procedure. Techniques may include skin grafts or flaps, which involve using skin from another area of your body to cover the wound. You can discuss your options for managing your wound or scar with your Mohs surgeon during a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Experts
The timeline of your recovery process after Mohs surgery will depend on the complexity of your skin cancer. Contact us at Berman Skin Institute to prepare for your procedure with tailored answers to all your questions. We’re a dermatology and cosmetic surgery center with a patient-centric focus and innovative technology.
During your initial private appointment, our Mohs surgeons will perform a physical examination and thoroughly explain the Mohs surgery process, recovery specifics and potential scarring treatment methods. Schedule a consultation with us today!
