Mohs surgery removes skin cancer in areas where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is crucial, such as the face. If you’re considering Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer, you may be wondering about the recovery process. Here’s everything you need to know about post-surgery.
At MacInnis Dermatology, Dr. Colleen MacInnis and Dr George vonHilsheimer are board-certified in Dermatology and MOHS; they are highly trained Mohs surgeons and have successfully performed over 10,000 skin cancer cases, specializing in delicate areas such as the face, ears, and nose. With their exceptional expertise and caring approach, each MOHS surgeon offers the highest quality of care in skin cancer treatment, ensuring optimal results and minimal recovery time.
Immediate Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Immediately after Mohs surgery, most patients experience minimal pain. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you’ll remain awake but numb in the treatment area. Right after surgery, you may feel some pressure or swelling, which is normal.
You can expect the surgical site to be bandaged, and you’ll be given specific aftercare instructions. Patients will return home on the same day as their surgery. After the surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities for 7-14 days to prevent additional swelling, dependant upon the location.
Short-Term Recovery
In the days following your surgery, you may have redness, swelling, or bruising around the treatment area. These effects usually peak in the first 48 hours and gradually subside within a week. You should keep the surgical area clean and follow your doctor’s guidelines for wound care to reduce the risk of infection.
You can likely resume light activities, such as walking, within a day or two. However, you should wait a week or two before partaking in any strenuous activities or exercise.
Full Recovery Time
The full recovery period for Mohs surgery can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the area treated. If a skin graft or closure was necessary, it may take longer for the wound to heal fully. While many people are back to their usual routine within one to two weeks, complete healing can take three to six months, even one year for the tissue remodeling procces to complete.
Get Precise Skin Cancer Removal with Mohs Surgery in Leesburg, Mt Dora or the Villages, FL
If you have questions about the recovery process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon. If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer and w would like a consultation with one of our MOHS surgeons, call us at 352-350-5230 to schedule a consultation.