Mohs Surgery Postoperative Care

Mohs surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that offers the best chance of returning to everyday life after a skin cancer diagnosis.

Following Mohs surgery, most patients experience only mild discomfort. The extent of discomfort will be determined in part by the size and location of your wound.

Your Kelsey-Seybold Mohs surgery specialist will use the postoperative period to plan an ongoing skin cancer detection strategy for the future.

Immediately After Your Surgery

You will be given specific instructions to follow at home by your Mohs surgery specialist and medical team. You must adhere to these recommendations to speed your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome. Instructions may include:

• How to change the bandages at the appropriate times and clean the surgical site
• Drug information about prescription and nonprescription medications, topical ointments, and creams
• A timeline indicating when you'll be able to resume participating in certain activities, such as applying cosmetics or exercise
• A schedule of postoperative visits to remove sutures and monitor your recovery
• Recommendations for treating your Mohs surgery scar to promote its rapid healing and fading

After surgery, some patients may experience mild but typically temporary and manageable discomfort, bleeding, redness, or inflammation.

How Long Does It Take To Heal From Mohs Surgery?

Recovery from Mohs surgery can be a slow process, depending on the complexity of the operation, your overall health, your age, and other variables. Typically, recovery is simple and uncomplicated. Resting as much as possible for the first few days following surgery is recommended.

Although Mohs surgery has an extraordinarily high success rate in preventing skin cancer from reoccurring in the same place, Mohs patients still require close monitoring. When you find that you are predisposed to skin cancer, you must be vigilant in spotting any new lesions that may occur elsewhere on your body.

Your Mohs surgery specialist will plan a series of postsurgical checks that may last for several months. Following postoperative care, you will be advised on when to see your Dermatologist for routine skin cancer screening.

Tips for a speedy recovery:

• Follow any postoperative instructions provided by your Mohs surgery specialist.
• Attend the planned follow-up appointments.
• Avoid touching or scratching the treatment area.
• Do not apply makeup unless your Mohs surgery specialist has approved it.
• Avoid exercise and strenuous activity until your Mohs surgery specialist has cleared you.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid sun exposure and use sun protection.

Is Mohs Surgery Right for You?

Call our Desk Nurse at 713-442-MOHS (6647) to schedule an appointment with our board-certified Mohs surgeons. Our Kelsey Mohs surgery specialists are committed to providing you with the highest quality care. Kelsey- Seybold Clinic in Houston, Texas, is changing the way health cares.