What to Expect After Your Mohs Surgery Procedure

When you have a concerning bump or lesion checked out, you always hope the results come back clear. However, if a biopsy confirms skin cancer, it’s important to know effective treatments are available to help you move forward.

Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Ruben Moreno, MD, specializes in advanced skin cancer removal techniques at Florida Dermatology Associates. Our team provides expert guidance and care every step of the way, from screening to surgery and beyond.

Considered to give the best cosmetic results for skin cancer treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the gold standard for removal, offering a 99% success rate. In this post, we discuss what to expect after your procedure and ways to ensure a smooth and stress-free recovery.

The first 24 to 48 hours

During MMS, Dr. Moreno removes layers of tissue one by one, examining each under a microscope, until no cancerous cells remain. If the “roots” of the tumor have grown beyond the top layers of skin, the surgical site may be larger or deeper than the original lesion.

Once the site is clear, we close the wound with stitches, a skin graft, or allow it to heal naturally, depending on its size and location. We also place a pressure bandage to minimize initial bleeding and swelling. Keep this dressing dry and undisturbed for the first 24-48 hours, or as directed by your provider.

As the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the treatment area. These symptoms are a temporary part of the healing process and are typically manageable with ice and/or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Daily wound care

After the first few days, you can carefully remove the bandage and begin your daily cleaning routine.

Gently wash this area with fragrance-free soap and water. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh chemicals, like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage healing tissue. 

Pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze, then apply a generous amount of ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to keep moisture in and bacteria out. Keeping the wound hydrated accelerates the healing process and reduces the risk of noticeable scarring.

UV protection is also crucial from the first day. Cover the area and use a high-SPF sunscreen once the wound heals — unprotected sun exposure can cause the scar to darken permanently.

Your healing timeline

The pace of your recovery largely depends on the size and location of the treatment area. Areas with good blood flow and looser skin, like the face, tend to heal quickly. Locations where skin is tight or has less circulation, such as the scalp and lower legs, often take longer.

While every patient is different, you can typically expect the following over time:

1-2 weeks

In the first two weeks, the surface skin closes, and you can return to our office for suture removal if we provide stitches. Some minor swelling, tenderness, or itching is normal, but contact us if you experience heavy bleeding, worsening pain, fever, or spreading redness.

1-6 months

During this phase, the body works to strengthen the wound from the inside out. The developing scar may be pink or red and feel firm or lumpy to the touch as new collagen builds.

6-18 months

Over the next year, the excess collagen breaks down and softens, causing the tissue to flatten and fade. It may take up to 18 months for the scar to fully mature. If you’re unhappy with the final result, we can explore cosmetic procedures to refine the skin’s surface.

Monitoring your progress

Our team monitors your recovery through regular follow-up appointments to ensure the wound is healing as expected. Because patients with skin cancer have a higher risk of developing new lesions, we may also recommend more frequent full-body screenings.

If you have questions about your recovery or need to schedule your next skin check, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations across Brevard County, Florida.