Mohs micrographic surgery
- What is skin cancer?
- What are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas?
- What about melanoma?
- How successful is the treatment of skin cancer?
- What is Mohs surgery?
- How do I prepare for the day of surgery?
- What happens the day of surgery?
- What can I expect after the surgery is complete?
- Will I develop more skin cancers?
- Patient questionnaire (PDF file) -
Please print, fill out, sign and bring with you to your surgery appointment.
Dr. Neil Swanson, Dr. Anna Bar
and Dr. Ken K. Lee
What can I expect after the surgery is complete?
Pain Most people are concerned about pain. The majority of people will experience remarkably little discomfort after surgery. Due to its potential to cause bleeding, we request that you do not take aspirin for pain, but use Tylenol or a Tylenol-like pain killer. In some cases a stronger pain medicine be prescribed.
Bleeding
A small number of patients will experience some post-operative bleeding. It can usually be controlled by the use of pressure. You should take a gauze pad and apply constant pressure over the bleeding point for 20 minutes. Do not lift up or relieve the pressure at all during that period of time. If bleeding persists after continued pressure for 20 minutes, repeat the pressure for another 20 minutes. If this fails, a physician can be reached 24 hours a day by calling (503) 494-9000, and asking for the dermatologist on call. If necessary, visit a local emergency room for assistance. Your wound care instructions will also list phone numbers if you have questions.
Complications
There are some minor complications which may occur after Mohs surgery. A small red area may develop around your wound. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate infection. However, if the redness does not subside in two days or the wound begins to drain pus, you should notify us immediately.
Itching and redness around the wound, especially in areas where adhesive tape has been applied, are not uncommon. If this occurs, ask your pharmacist for a non-allergenic tape and let us know about this complication on your return visit.
Swelling and bruising are very common following Mohs surgery, particularly when performed around the eyes and mouth. This usually subsides within four to five days after surgery and may be decreased by the use of an ice pack in the first 24 hours.
Numbness
At times, the area surrounding your operative site will be numb to the touch. This area of numbness may persist for several months or longer. In some instances it may be permanent. If this occurs, please discuss it with your physician at your follow-up visit.
Although every effort will be made to offer the best possible cosmetic result, you will be left with a scar. The scar can be minimized by the proper care of your wound. We will discuss wound care in detail with you and give you wound care information, which will explicitly outline how to take care of whatever type of wound you have.