Taking Care of Your Skin After Mohs Surgery
May 02, 2024
Are you scheduled for Mohs surgery? It’s a precise and highly effective treatment for skin cancer that involves progressively removing thin layers of cancerous tissue until only cancer-free tissue remains.
The method minimizes damage to healthy surrounding tissue, but it's still essential to take proper care of your skin during recovery. Our team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, specializes in Mohs surgery and we’re here to help you heal.
Here’s our guide on taking care of your skin after Mohs surgery.
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll go home shortly after it’s done. Before you leave, we give you specific instructions for postoperative care, and it’s essential that you follow these guidelines closely.
Typically, you'll have a bandage covering the treated area. Keep the bandage clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. While you can usually return to light daily activities right away, avoid any strenuous activities and excessive movement that could irritate your skin or make the bandage shift.
It's normal to experience some pain or discomfort after Mohs surgery. We may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options like acetaminophen, depending on your situation.
Take your medications as directed to manage your pain. If you notice any signs of infection, like increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, contact us immediately.
Once you take off your bandage, you need to keep the surgery site clean to prevent infection. In most cases, we recommend gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water, taking care not to scrub or irritate the wound. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
As your skin heals, protect the treated area from sun exposure. New skin is delicate and more susceptible to damage from UV rays, so always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and cover it with protective clothing when you’re outdoors. And even after your skin has healed, keep protecting it from the sun.
Keeping your skin moisturized helps promote healing and reduce the appearance of scarring. We may recommend applying an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly at first. Eventually, you can use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer once the wound has healed. Apply the moisturizer gently, taking care not to tug or pull at the skin.
Like any other surgical procedure, healing from Mohs surgery takes time. Scars may initially appear red and raised, but they will typically fade and flatten over time. Remember to be patient with the process. Attend your follow-up appointments as scheduled, and contact our office if you have any questions during recovery.
This guide can help you take care of your skin after Mohs surgery and promote a successful recovery. For more information or to schedule a Mohs surgery consultation, call us at 201-836-9696 or book an appointment online now.