Any form of surgery will leave a scar. By removing only the tissue involved with cancer and preserving as much normal tissue as possible, the Mohs procedure tends to minimize scarring. We will make every effort to obtain the best cosmetic result for you and may work in conjunction with other surgical specialties such as facial plastics, oculoplastics, otolaryngology (ENT) and general plastic surgery. As new skin grows over the wound it may contain more blood vessels than the skin that was removed, particularly as it is healing. This results in a red scar that may be sensitive to temperature changes. The redness of the scar gradually improves with time. However, we have a specialized vascular laser that can be used to target and treat the redness in your scar. This will help the redness to go away more quickly.
- Anytime the skin barrier is broken, there is a chance for infection. In Mohs surgery, this possibility is very low. If you have certain medical conditions that make you higher risk for infection, you may be given antibiotics prior to surgery. In addition, depending on the location of your tumor or the type of repair, you may be given antibiotics after surgery. Please call the clinic immediately after surgery if you experience any increasing redness, pain, swelling, or discharge.
- In addition, there is also a possibility of bleeding after surgery. This risk increases if you take any blood thinners. The most common blood thinners are aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin (Warfarin), NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen, etc.). Several herbal medications can cause thinning of the blood. Please let your Mohs surgeon know if you are taking any herbal medications or supplements. In addition, alcohol can thin the blood – please avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure and 48 hours after the procedure.
- After surgery, you may experience a sense of tightness as the wound heals and this is normal. In addition, you may experience itching. Petrolatum jelly or Aquaphor can help relieve the itching. It is normal to experience some numbness or tingling as your wound heals. It might be one or two years before your sensation returns to normal. In rare cases, this numbness may be permanent. For large tumors, there is rarely a possibility to damage a motor nerve that can affect movement of your muscles. This possibility will be discussed in detail the day of your surgery if present.
- While Mohs surgery has a very high cure rate, there is always a risk for recurrence of the tumor. It will be important to be regularly seen by your dermatologist or Mohs surgeon in three months, six months, and one year after surgery and at least annually thereafter for fives years. Studies have shown that once you develop a skin cancer, there is a possibility that you will develop others in the years ahead. We recommend that you see a dermatologist annually for the remainder of your lifetime. Should you notice any suspicious areas, it is best to be seen immediately, even if it is between regular appointments.