Mohs Surgery (cont.)
How do I take care of my surgical area after Mohs surgery?
It is generally required
to check with your surgeon for their specific wound-care instructions just after
surgery. Often, you will be asked to go home and take it east for the rest of
the day. A few patients like to return to work and resume
their work the day after surgery. It may be advisable to avoid heavy lifting and
exercise, especially the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Your physician will
usually give you more detailed instructions depending on the area and size of
the surgery. You will have usually have a bulky "pressure" dressing on the
surgery area for one day. You may be asked to keep the area dry for 24 hours.
Swimming pools, oceans, and Jaccuzis are usually not permitted while the
stitches are in. These may increase your chance of infection. Many physicians
allow you to shower the next day after surgery. Wound care may require cleaning
the wound with soap or hydrogen peroxide two to three times a day and applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area. Mild swelling is not uncommon the
first day or two after surgery and can be lessened by use of an ice-bag
application, ice cubes or chips in a small Ziploc baggie, or frozen peas in
their bag. Leaving the dressing in place, use cold pack application every five
to 15
minutes every hour for the first eight to 24 hours after surgery. Swelling is more
common around for surgeries around the eyes or lips. Sleeping propped up on a
few pillows or in a reclining chair may help decrease swelling after surgery of
the head and face area.
The surgical area may ooze a little blood or clear liquid especially in the
first few hours after surgery; activity may aggravate this. Hot drinks or
bending over at the waist can also initiate or worsen bleeding of face wounds.
If bleeding occurs, firm pressure applied directly to the site for 10-15 minutes may be helpful. Most bleeding will stop if you apply enough
pressure. Your surgeon should be notified if bleeding that persists. Rarely, a
visit to the hospital emergency room may be necessary for severe bleeding.
Your surgeon will need to know if pain is increasing after one to two days after
your surgery or if you are having fever or other concerning symptoms. In such
cases, you may need to be seen at the surgeon's office. The surgical area may
need to be promptly checked for bleeding or infection. Limiting hot foods, hot
drinks, and heavy chewing for 48 hours may help decrease the chances of
postoperative bleeding for wounds around the mouth or cheek areas. Your
physician will let you know their recommended wound care.
Most patients are advised to try to avoid applying
makeup or powder directly on a fresh wound unless the surface is fully healed.
Skin-colored tape strips called Steri strips are available to minimize wound
leakage and help cover up a visible wound. It is important to follow your own
physician's instructions for wound care.
Next: What is the chance that my cancer will recur? »
- Plastic Surgery (Cosmetic Surgery) - Plastic surgery is becoming more popular for people of all ages. Plastic or cosmetic surgery may give you a sense of well-being and self-confidence.
- Skin Cancer - Learn the types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Get the facts about sun exposure and sunscreen.
- Melanoma - Get information on melanoma signs, diagnosis, staging, prognosis and symptoms. Learn about early detection, treatment side effects, prevention and see pictures of this form of skin cancer.
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS