How long will my face be swollen after Mohs surgery?

It is important to keep in mind that although much of the swelling resolves over the first several weeks after surgery, it takes 12 to 15 months for all of the swelling in the nose to resolve. However, most patients have a good appearance even 2-3 weeks after the operation.

Is swelling normal after Mohs?

Swelling and bruising are common following Mohs Surgery, particularly when surgery is performed around the eyes. This usually occurs within five to seven days after surgery and may be decreased by the use of an ice pack during the first 24-48 hours. At times, the area surrounding your wound will be numb to the touch.

How long does it take to recover from Mohs surgery on face?

Mohs surgery recovery is typically completed within two weeks post procedure, with patients required to rest and avoid heavy activity. Many return to work the next day. Most patients do not require pain medication but may experience sensitivity around the affected area.

How long should you rest after Mohs surgery?

Most patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities in the first 1-2 weeks after a Mohs procedure. This helps avoid postop wound reopening, which may lead to bleeding, infection and significant scarring.

How can I take care of my face after Mohs surgery?

Postoperative Care for Mohs Surgery

How long should I use Vaseline after Mohs surgery?

How long should I use Vaseline® after Mohs surgery? You should cover your wound with petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) at least until your sutures are removed (one to two weeks). At this follow-up visit, your surgeon will take a look at the area to see how your wound is healing.

How long does it take for Mohs scar to flatten?

Once the Mohs surgeon has completely removed your skin cancer through Mohs surgery, reconstruction that optimizes the final functional and cosmetic result becomes the highest priority. Generally, a post-surgical scar improves with time and can take up to one year or more to fully mature.

When does swelling go down after Mohs?

It is important to keep in mind that although much of the swelling resolves over the first several weeks after surgery, it takes 12 to 15 months for all of the swelling in the nose to resolve. However, most patients have a good appearance even 2-3 weeks after the operation.

Why am I so tired after Mohs?

It's normal to have some tiredness and fatigue the day of and even a few days after surgery. Although many patients are back at work the day after surgery, some patients need more time to rest and recover. Patients should minimize physical activity for about a week after Mohs surgery.

Is Mohs surgery a big deal?

Mohs surgery is so effective because it evaluates the tissue surrounding the cancer more thoroughly than traditional skin cancer surgery techniques. As a result, it is considered the gold standard treatment for high-risk skin cancers, such as those located on the head and neck or those with aggressive growth patterns.

What are the side effects of Mohs surgery?

How long after Mohs surgery can I shower?

After 48 hours, you may shower with the dressing in place, then remove. Apply Polysporin ointment and a loose dressing using a Band-Aid or Telfa (nonstick pad) and paper tape. Remember to keep the surgery site protected with antibiotic ointment (i.e., Polysporin or Bacitracin).

How long does swelling last after skin surgery?

The inflammatory phase begins immediately following your surgical procedure and is characterized by swelling, redness, and pain. This stage can last from a few days up to six weeks, and it is during this time that your body is doing all it can to protect the affected area.

What are signs of infection after Mohs surgery?

Patients may experience fever and local symptoms such as redness, pain, warmth, swelling, and drainage of pus or cloudy fluid at the wound site within several days of their procedure.

Do I need to take antibiotics after Mohs surgery?

Will I need antibiotics after the surgery? Infection occurs rarely with Mohs surgery (less than 2% of cases). Most people that have Mohs surgery do not need any antibiotics. However, if the reconstruction is complex, you may need to take an antibiotic for a few days.

Why can't you drink alcohol after Mohs surgery?

Alcohol should be avoided for three days following surgery as it dilates the blood vessels and could lead to bleeding problems in the wound.

Why can't you exercise after Mohs surgery?

The longer it takes a wound to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar, and resuming physical activity too soon could also slow the healing process. “You don't want to overdo it because you can pop a suture or stretch the wound site,” said Dr. Platzer.

Why is the incision so long for Mohs surgery?

Patients see the diameter of the lesion and assume the incision won't be much bigger than that. But because the lesions are generally circular, surgeons need to extend the incision so the skin will lie flat when the edges are closed.

When do you stop covering a Mohs wound?

You should plan on keeping the area covered until your stitches are removed, 1- 2 weeks after surgery. A wound left to heal naturally may require 4-12 weeks of bandaging based on their size, location, and your own body's ability to heal.

Will my nose be disfigured after Mohs surgery?

However, even using the advanced Mohs micrographic surgery technique, your face may be disfigured after the procedure, especially if the tumor was large and deep.

Do you need plastic surgery after Mohs?

Mohs surgery was originally created to help minimize the risk of scarring and the need for additional plastic surgery after cancer removal. However, a percentage of people who get Mohs do require plastic surgery after their skin cancer removal.

What is the best scar cream for face after Mohs surgery?

Popular ointments for keeping the wound moist and soft include Aquaphor®, Bio Oil®, Mederma®, BIAFINE®, vitamin E oil, and silicone scar gel. They can also help reduce skin irritation as the incision line heals.

How do you hide Mohs scars?

Silicone strips or gel can help dull the appearance of surgical scars. Silicone strips are reusable bandages that should be worn 12 hours a day for at least three months. Silicone gel is applied directly to the scar to reduce the pigment. Recovery with these products can begin once the incisions have completely healed.

When can I stop putting Vaseline on biopsy?

Wounds (with or without stitches) covered with aquaphor or vaseline will heal better than wounds exposed to air, that are allowed to scab over. Continue the wound care for 1-2 weeks until biopsy sites are completely healed.