Mohs Pre and Post Op Instructions

Overview

Mohs surgery is a procedure used to treat skin cancer. This surgery involves cutting away thin layers of skin. Each thin layer is looked at closely for signs of cancer. The process keeps going until there are no signs of cancer.

Prior to your Mohs Surgery

To help you prepare for your Mohs surgery, we recommend visiting our Mohs Surgery page, where you'll find helpful resources explaining the procedure and what to expect.

Your Post-Op Course

For medical emergencies, please call 911

Some bleeding can be expected following Mohs surgery. As local anesthesia wears off following your surgery, small blood vessels may reopen and result in bleeding. Postoperative bleeding can be typically managed with thirty minutes of uninterrupted pressure with your hand over the surgical bandage. This can be repeated, ice can be applied over the pressure bandage, or the bandage reinforced if persistent bleeding occurs.

‍Mohs Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

Proper wound care is key to healing well and minimizing scarring after Mohs surgery. Here’s what you can expect and how to care for your surgical site:

First 48 Hours

• Keep the original pressure bandage clean and dry.
• If it becomes wet or loose, change it earlier as needed.
• Rest at home and limit activity to reduce bleeding risk.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling (keep the bandage dry) for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Daily Wound Care (After 48 Hours)

These instructions apply only to straightforward linear closures. If you had a flap, graft, or a more complex reconstruction, please consult your physician or surgeon for specific guidance.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently clean the wound with soap and water using a cotton ball or Q-tip.
3. Pat dry and apply a generous layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor.
4. Cover with a non-stick dressing and secure with tape.
5. Repeat daily until healed or until your follow-up visit.

💡 Tip: Keep the wound moist. Avoid scabs — moist wounds heal faster and with less scarring.

General Guidelines

• You may shower after 48 hours, but avoid direct water pressure on the wound.
• Elevate the surgical area (especially face, limbs) to reduce swelling.
• Avoid smoking — it delays healing.
• Pain is usually mild and can be managed with Tylenol.

Activity Restrictions (if you have stitches)

For 2–3 weeks, avoid:

• Heavy lifting (>10 lbs)
• Exercise, sports, and vigorous chores
• Sleeping directly on the sutured area
• Any motion that pulls or stretches the surgical site

What’s Normal vs. When to Call

Normal:

• Mild oozing, bruising, swelling, or numbness
• Redness or bumpiness at the scar for several weeks

Call Us If You Notice:

• Persistent or heavy bleeding (after 30 minutes of direct pressure)
• Signs of infection: Around 3-4 days after the surgery, increased redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or foul-smelling drainage
• Concerns about healing, scarring, or unusual discomfort

Long-Term Healing

• Scars evolve over time and often improve significantly over 6–12 months.
• Sun protection is crucial — UV exposure can darken scars.
• Massage may help after one month (ask your doctor first).

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always follow the instructions given by your dermatologist and contact your clinic with any concerns.