Post-Mohs Surgery Specialist

 What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia to remove skin cancer. During this type of operation, a Mohs-trained doctor removes very thin slices of tissue from a cancerous tumor. After removing a slice of tissue, they look at it under a microscope. They repeat this process several times until there are no more visible cancerous cells.

Because this type of surgery only removes thin layers of tissue, it’s excellent at preserving your normal, healthy skin. Mohs surgery also offers a high cure rate and successful patient outcomes.

How does healing take place post-Mohs surgery? 

Mohs surgery leaves an open wound. To prevent infection or other complications, your doctor recommends a custom healing regimen. There are two ways to do this:

Allow the wound to heal on its own

If your wound is small or in a location where it doesn’t negatively affect your confidence or self-esteem, you may benefit from this option. However, it’s important you clean and care for the wound on a daily basis. Small wounds caused by Mohs surgery usually take four to six weeks to heal. 

Close the wound with stitches

If your wound is too large to benefit from your body’s natural healing process, you need stitches. Reconstructive surgery usually takes place on the same day as your Mohs operation. After removing the cancerous lesion, your doctor closes the wound with sutures, or, if necessary, takes skin from another area of your body and creates a graft.

What should I expect in the first few days post-Mohs surgery?

Following Mohs surgery, your doctor provides you with a list of recovery instructions and tells you how to take care of your surgical wound. Wound Care Associates can help you adhere to these recommendations, ensuring the healing process goes smoothly. 

For the first 24 hours following your operation, make sure to keep the wound dry. You should also avoid strenuous movement for at least two days, as exercise and other activities like lifting or bending can increase your risk of bleeding. 

How do I know if my Mohs surgery wound is healing properly?

Only a qualified wound care specialist like Dr. Rodriguez can determine if your wound is healing how it should. A variety of indications may point to an infection, including:

• Redness around the surgical site
• Colored or cloudy drainage
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Worsening pain

If you experience these or other similar symptoms, let Dr. Rodriguez know right away. He can develop a custom wound care plan that encourages healing and lowers your risk of scarring. 

To schedule a post-Mohs surgery appointment at Wound Care Associates, call the office or book a consultation online today.