After spending the last twenty years struggling with my skin, I decided that it was time to make some powerful changes. For starters, I went in and met with a dermatologist, who was very upfront with me about the nature of my skin. It was really interesting to talk with him about my treatment options, and before I knew it, I was getting treatments to help the problem. Within a few months, my skin looked brand new, and I knew it was all because of the help of my doctor. I wanted to spread the word about the power of dermatology, so check out my blog!
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Mohs surgery is a common procedure used in the treatment of skin cancer. During this surgery, the dermatologist keeps removing layers of cancerous skin until only cancer-free layers are left. While most patients recover well, there are certain things that should be done postoperatively to help ensure that your recovery is uneventful. Here are some postoperative care tips to consider after your Mohs surgery.
Wound Care
Before you are discharged from the outpatient surgical center, your surgeon will give you an instruction sheet on proper wound care. Your incision will be covered with a pressure bandage for the first day to help enhance clotting so that the risk for blood loss decreased.
Keeping your incision dry for one day postoperatively also helps lower your risk for infection. Your doctor will tell you when you can shower or bathe, which is usually the day following your procedure. Avoid physical activity and lifting heavy objects for a couple of days after your surgery to lower your risk for wound separation and bleeding. If your wound starts bleeding, apply pressure over the area for a few minutes, or until it subsides.
Treat Inflammation
Inflammation is not uncommon after Mohs surgery. It typically subsides after the first few days. It is often accompanied by itching and redness, and while it often takes months before the redness fades, over time, the discoloration will significantly diminish. To reduce inflammation, apply a cold pack over the affected area as directed by your physician. Never apply ice directly to your skin because it may cause a burn or frostbite. If the swelling fails to subside, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Monitor For Signs Of Infection
Following your physician's orders by maintaining wound cleanliness and keeping the incision covered with an appropriate dressing reduces your risk for infection. If you notice discolored drainage leaking from your surgical site or if redness covers large areas of your skin beyond your incision, call your dermatologist because these are signs of an infection.
Other signs of a postoperative infection after Mohs surgery include enlarged lymph nodes, an increase in pain, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. If you have a bacterial infection of your incision, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire prescription because if you don't your infection may not resolve completely.
To learn more about postoperative care after Mohs surgery, talk to your surgeon. When you follow your post-operative instructions, you are less likely to develop excessive bleeding, wound separation, or infection.
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