How to Speed Wound Healing After Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a procedure that removes both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, which are different types of skin cancer. During your surgery, your dermatologist will meticulously remove a layer of skin and examine it for cancer cells. If the layer still has cancer cells in it, another layer will be removed. This process will continue until there is no evidence of cancer in the last layer of skin that has been removed. Mohs surgery is typically performed on the hands and face, and after your surgery, you will have a wound at the surgical site. Here are some ways to speed wound healing and reduce the risk of scar formation after your skin cancer surgery.
Perform Wound Care
Before your dermatologist discharges you home, he or she will give you a sheet of instructions on how to care for your surgical wound. You will be instructed to keep your surgical site covered with a pressure dressing for an entire day to protect it from bacteria and excess bleeding.
You will also need to keep your wound dry for at least a day, which will decrease your risk of infection. You may be allowed to shower or bathe the day after your surgery, however, you'll need to avoid heavy lifting or engaging in strenuous physical activity because doing so may cause your wound to open up. If this happens, you may need to undergo a second procedure, which may raise your risk for scarring. If your wound starts bleeding profusely or if you notice unusual drainage, call your doctor and then apply pressure over the area until the bleeding or drainage stops.
Use Ice Packs
It is normal to experience minor swelling after Mohs surgery for a couple of days after the procedure. You may also notice increased redness over your surgical site, however, this will fade over time.
To minimize swelling, promote circulation, and speed healing, apply an ice pack to the affected area for at least a few minutes every hour or so for the first day following your surgery. Never apply ice directly to your skin and be sure to leave your pressure bandage on while icing the area.
If your swelling does not subside, call your dermatologist because this could mean that your wound is infected. If your surgical site becomes infected, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Be sure to finish your prescription, because failure to do so may result in a resistant infection.
If you undergo Mohs surgery, be sure to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions. This will help ensure that you remain free from infection and unusual scarring.
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