Will
I experience much pain after surgery? |
Most patients have minimal pain after surgery,
and it is usually controlled by taking TylenolŪ
(acetaminophen). Please avoid products
containing aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can
promote bleeding. In some cases, we prescribe
a stronger medication for pain. |
How
do I take care of my wound? |
Our staff explains and demonstrates the
technique to care for your wound immediately
after your surgery. We give you written
instructions that also provide information for
contacting your Mohs surgeon directly, in the
rare case of an emergency. |
Can I resume my normal activities after
surgery? |
In order to protect your wound, we request that
you avoid strenuous activities for at least a week
after your surgery. Be prepared for the possibility
of having visible swelling, redness, and bruising
for one to two weeks after surgery, especially if
your cancer is on the central face (forehead, eyes,
nose, lips). |
Do I have to come back to your office
after the surgery? |
Usually you return in one to two weeks to have
the stitches removed and to ensure that your
wound is healing well. We may request that you
return for an additional visit or two to ensure
that your scar has healed with the best possible
result. Thereafter, it is important for you to return to
the office of your referring doctor for regular skin
checks to look for any new cancers. |
Will
my cancer come back? |
Approximately 1 to 3 percent of skin cancers may
grow back after Mohs micrographic surgery. For
certain high-risk skin cancers, this recurrence rate
may be higher. Since there is a slim chance that your
cancer may grow back, we always recommend that
you monitor your surgical site, as you should all
other areas of your body, for any signs of skin cancer.
You should call us or your referring doctor for evaluation
if you are concerned that your cancer may be
growing back. |
What
can I do to keep my skin healthy in the
future? |
Adopting sun-smart habits and performing regular
self-skin examinations are critical to keeping your
skin healthy.
Sun-smart habits include:
- faithful avoidance of harmful ultraviolet rays from
the sun (or from tanning salons), especially
between the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
- sensible coverage with clothing, including a
broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants,
whenever possible; and,
- daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen
(UVA/UVB protection) with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of 30 or higher on areas of your skin not
covered with protective clothing.
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