Mohs Surgery Recovery in Georgia
Healing After Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery in Athens, Commerce, Lake Oconee, Elberton & Winder, GA
You may experience a sensation of tightness across the area of your surgery. Skin cancers frequently involve small superficial nerves, and months may pass before your skin sensation returns to normal. A numbness sensation may be expected over the area. This is common and usually expected but is something that with time will return to normal. In very rare instances, the numbness may be permanent.
Healing after Mohs micrographic surgery is a gradual process that requires time, patience, and proper wound care. Because Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue with high precision while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, recovery is typically smooth and predictable. Our team provides personalized guidance to support your healing and comfort following your procedure.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery Recovery
Following your Mohs surgery, you will leave the office with a bandage over the surgical site. Most patients will need to continue wearing a bandage for 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and location of the procedure. We will provide detailed instructions on caring for your wound at home, including when and how to change your dressing, how to minimize swelling, and how to protect your skin as it heals.
During the first 48 hours after surgery, avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, bending, and exercise that significantly raises your heart rate. These activities may increase swelling, bleeding, or discomfort. Some patients, depending on the size and location of the surgical site, may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for up to one week. Your surgeon will discuss your individualized recommendations before you leave your appointment.
Normal Sensations During Healing Post-Mohs
It is very common to experience tightness around the surgical site, especially during the first several weeks. Skin cancers can involve small superficial nerves, and removing cancerous tissue can sometimes temporarily affect sensation. As a result, numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation in the treated area is expected. Most of these sensations improve gradually over several months as the nerves repair themselves. In rare cases, numbness may be long-lasting, though this is uncommon.
Some patients may also notice firmness or a raised feeling along the incision as tissues heal and collagen forms. This often softens naturally over time. If needed, we can discuss options to enhance scar healing once the surgical site has fully matured.
Supporting a Smooth Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Rest is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a comfortable healing experience. Giving your body time to recover can reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Elevating the area when possible and avoiding unnecessary pressure can also help with comfort and swelling control.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, including new swelling, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, increasing pain, or questions about your bandage, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team is here to guide and support you at each stage of the healing process.
Supporting a Smooth Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Rest is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a comfortable healing experience. Giving your body time to recover can reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Elevating the area when possible and avoiding unnecessary pressure can also help with comfort and swelling control.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, including new swelling, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, increasing pain, or questions about your bandage, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team is here to guide and support you at each stage of the healing process.
Your Comfort and Care Matter to Us
Our dermatologic surgeons and dedicated clinical team are committed to providing care that is not only medically effective but also compassionate and reassuring. Healing is both a physical and emotional process, and we are here to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
To schedule follow-up care or ask questions during recovery, contact us using the online form.
Committed to Providing Excellent, Efficient, and Compassionate Care
Mohs Surgery Post-Op Instructions
Post-Op Surgery Instructions – Skin Grafts
Recovery from Mohs Surgery
Complete healing of the scar takes place over 3-12 months. Especially during the first few months, the site may feel “thick, swollen or lumpy”, and there may be some redness. Gentle massage of the area (starting about one month after your surgery and excluding grafts) will speed the healing process.
The defect created by the removal of the skin cancer may be larger than anticipated. There is no way to predict prior to surgery the exact size of the final defect.
There will be a scar at the site of removal. We will make every effort to obtain optimal cosmetic results, but our primary goal is to remove the entire tumor. Again, Mohs surgery will leave you with the smallest wound, thus creating the best opportunity for optimal cosmetic results.
In some cases, there may be poor wound healing. At times, despite our best efforts, for various reasons (such as bleeding, poor physical condition, smoking, diabetes, or other diseases), healing is slow, or the wound may re-open. Flaps and grafts used to repair the defect may at times fail also.
Although these instances are not common, they are to be expected with the instances listed above. Under these circumstances, the wound will usually be left to heal on its own, and in some cases after healing, certain procedures may be done to improve the cosmetic appearance of the area.
Finally, while the Mohs technique offers the highest cure rates, no technique offers a 100% chance of a cure. There is a small chance, at least 1-2%, depending on tumor type and location, that the skin cancer will recur. Previously treated tumors and large, longstanding tumors have the greatest chance of recurrence.
FAQ About Mohs Surgery Recovery
How long does it take to heal after Mohs surgery?
Most patients recover within several weeks, though scar maturation can continue for several months. Bandages are typically worn for 10 to 14 days.
Is numbness normal after Mohs surgery?
Yes. Temporary numbness or altered sensation is common and usually improves as nerves heal over several months. Permanent numbness is uncommon.
When can I resume exercise after Mohs surgery?
Light activity may resume after 48 hours unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for several days to one week.
Will there be a scar after Mohs surgery?
Some scarring is normal, though Mohs surgery minimizes tissue removal to preserve as much healthy skin as possible. Scars generally improve over time.
