When the surgery is complete, there will be a defect or open wound in the area that the skin cancer occupied. This wound may be smaller or larger than you had anticipated. There are then three alternatives:

• The wound can be allowed to heal by itself. The time of healing depends on the size of the defect. In some areas of the body, wounds allowed to heal by themselves produce very acceptable cosmetic results.
• In most areas of the face, the wound is often closed with sutures to avoid distortion or unacceptable scarring of the skin. Occasionally, a small graft of skin from an inconspicuous site or a transfer of excess skin from a location near the wound (a flap) is required to produce the most medically and cosmetically appropriate healing. These procedures can typically produce excellent cosmetic results.
• If the wound is very extensive, you may be required to obtain consultation with other physicians in order to ensure the most appropriate reconstruction of your wound. Our office will arrange these consultations in the very unlikely event that they are necessary.

Read about how to care for your wound.

Discomfort, if it should occur with this procedure, is usually very mild and can be managed with ordinary Tylenol. A prescription pain medication is also frequently provided to make certain that you are comfortable in the initial hours following your surgery. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products (Excedrin, Anacin, etc.) for post-operative pain relief, as they can promote bleeding.

A pressure dressing applied to the wound should be left on for one day to minimize swelling and bleeding. Although some minimal bleeding is typical, brisk bleeding after surgery is infrequent.

If brisk bleeding occurs, lie down, take some gauze or a dry washcloth, and apply firm pressure on the wound for 20 minutes. Do not remove the pressure prior to this period of time. If the bleeding persists, go to the nearest emergency room and call your physician.

Other problems that are infrequent include black and blue marks and swelling. These problems can particularly occur around the eyes, and they may last up to two to three weeks.

On rare occasions, if the skin cancer involves nerves of the skin, surgical removal can lead to numbness or muscle weakness in the area. This usually resolves within eight to 12 months, but the numbness may occasionally be permanent.

Remember, every surgical procedure produces scarring of some type. Although every attempt will be made to minimize and hide the scar, the extent of scarring depends on the size and depth of the cancer.

Please remember: this information provides a general guide to skin cancer and Mohs surgery. Please consult your physician if any questions arise.

Read more about Mohs surgery:

• What is Mohs Surgery?
• What Does Mohs Surgery Involve?
• Mohs Pre-Surgical Checklist
• How to Care for Your Wound After Mohs Surgery