Mohs Surgery Aftercare: What To Expect And How To Heal Faster

If you’re about to have Mohs surgery, this article is for you. As you prepare for your surgery, it helps to know exactly what to do with your aftercare. Properly caring for your wound can minimize scarring, reduce your risk of infection, and help you heal faster. 

At West Hills Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are here to support you and answer any questions you have. In this guide, we’ve compiled expert tips to prepare you for every stage of your recovery, so you can heal as smoothly as possible.

Why Aftercare Matters After Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. During this procedure, your surgeon examines each layer under a microscope to ensure all of the cancer has been removed. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of most skin cancers, with to 99% success rate. 

This process leaves behind a wound where the cancer cells were extracted. Fortunately, proper aftercare can accelerate your healing process, prevent infection, and minimize scarring. 

At West Hills Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists can provide you with expert guidance for your post-Mohs surgery recovery to support you with a smooth recovery.

What To Expect Right After Your Mohs Procedure

After Mohs surgery, it’s normal to experience numbness, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort. Your doctor will apply a bandage to your surgical site to reduce swelling and bleeding. Discomfort and bruising are usually most noticeable within the first few days of recovery and peak within 48-72 hours before gradually subsiding.

Common side effects include:

• Mild discomfort and pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Scarring

As with any surgery, this skin cancer treatment carries some risks. However, abnormal side effects from Mohs surgery are rare, including:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Prolonged or severe pain
• Reopening of the wound
• Nerve damage
• Tumor recurrence 

Following your provider’s instructions after Mohs skin cancer surgery can reduce your risk of complications. 

Step-By-Step Mohs Surgery Wound Aftercare Instructions

Knowing how to care for your Mohs surgery wound can help you heal faster. You should follow your provider’s aftercare guidelines, but here’s a general breakdown of what to do:

Day 1: 

After your surgery, your doctor will apply a dressing to the wound. Keep it dry and intact.

Day 2: 

Remove the initial dressing, and gently cleanse your wound with mild soap and water. Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your wound. Then, apply a non-stick dressing like Telfa or sterile gauze pad secured with paper tape. Change your dressing and bandage daily. 

Day 3 and After:

Continue this process of gently cleansing your wound, applying ointment and dressing, and changing your bandage daily. These are important steps to take until your wound heals. Your doctor will tell you how long to continue this process, but 7-10 days are generally recommended.

You should also avoid antibiotic ointments, hydrogen peroxide, and other alcohol-based products because they could irritate your skin. If you’re looking for aftercare supplies, our office in West Hills, CA, is conveniently located within a few miles of Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens.

Managing Pain And Swelling After Mohs Surgery

A combination of the following methods may reduce pain and swelling during recovery:

• Over-The-Counter Pain Medication: Ask your provider which pain reliever is the safest for you. Usually, acetaminophen is recommended to manage discomfort after surgery. 
• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to your wound 10-20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and pain. 
• Rest: Getting rest after your surgery will help you heal. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities for at least 1-2 weeks. 

Call your provider immediately if you experience these severe side effects:

• Excessive bleeding
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, and drainage)
• Increased pain that isn’t relieved by medication
• Opening of the wound or stitches

Mohs Surgery Scar Care: Tips For Minimal Scarring

About 3-6 months after surgery, you can begin scar treatment and can try the following methods:

• Silicone Gel: This treatment hydrates the scar, which reduces redness and the appearance of the scar.
• Scar Massage: Gently massaging the scar can improve blood flow to the affected area. This method may help soften scar tissue.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sun damage, which can keep your scar from darkening.
• Cosmetic Follow-Ups: If your scar is noticeable after a significant amount of time, you can consider a laser treatment to reduce its appearance.

At West Hills Dermatology, our patients may be candidates for laser scar revision or cosmetic dermatology options. Our board-certified dermatologists can recommend a treatment that’s right for your skin.

Mohs Surgery Recovery Time: What’s Normal?

Your recovery time for Mohs surgery will depend on your wound type and location. Typically, small wounds with stitches heal in 1-2 weeks, and larger wounds or surgeries requiring skin grafts or flaps may take at least 3-4 weeks to heal. 

Generally, you should limit activity in your early stages of recovery. Depending on your job and the extent of your surgery, you may be able to return to work in 1-2 days. Your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for 1-2 weeks. Intense activities can elevate blood pressure and risk reopening the wound. Usually, it’s safe to return to light exercises like walking and stretching after two weeks, but make sure you get the go-ahead from your doctor. 

Over time, you’ll see the following milestones as your wound heals. This list provides an overview of what our patients typically experience:

1 week

Pain, swelling, and bruising are common at this stage. It’s important to keep your wound clean and dry, following your provider’s aftercare instructions. Some scabbing will start to appear. 

2 weeks

If stitches were used during surgery, your doctor will usually remove them at this point. The wound will continue to close, and you should notice reduced swelling and bruising. You will likely start to see a scab at the surgery site and should avoid touching it.

1 month

The wound should be further along in the healing process. Your scar may be red, raised, and bumpy, but it should fade over time. You can talk to your doctor about treating your scar with silicone gel and other methods that may reduce its appearance.

When To Contact Your Dermatologist

Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can go a long way to minimizing your risk of complications. However, if you see any signs of infection, call your dermatologist immediately. The earlier you contact your provider, the sooner you can receive treatment and prevent further complications.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects:

• Increased redness, swelling, and warmth
• Worsening pain
• Fever or chills
• Pus or drainage coming from the wound
• Open sores or blistering
• Concerns about the scar or cosmetic outcome

Our team at West Hills Dermatology will support you throughout your recovery. When you contact our board-certified dermatologists, you’ll receive expert care and advice to help your skin heal after surgery.