If you recently underwent Mohs surgery on your face, you may be wondering what to expect during recovery.
Recovering from Mohs surgery on the face requires patience, care, and attention. However, with proper wound care and post-operative instructions, most patients can fully recover from their surgery without experiencing significant discomfort or visible scarring.
In this article, we will discuss some tips for healing after Mohs surgery on the face that can help speed up the recovery process while ensuring optimal results.
Mohs surgery is a surgical technique used to remove non-melanoma skin cancer from the body. It involves removing thin layers of skin until there are no more cancer cells detected.
It is particularly useful in removing challenging or hard-to-treat skin cancers such as those on the face or areas with little natural body fat. In traditional surgery, the surgeon removes visible cancer tissues along with some healthy tissue to ensure the complete removal of the tumor.
Mohs surgery, in contrast, aims to retain as much healthy tissue as possible while cutting out only the cancerous lesion. This results in a higher cure rate.
Although effective, the procedure can leave patients with noticeable scarring and discomfort.
After undergoing Mohs surgery, patients can expect to complete their recovery within two weeks. Fortunately, most patients do not experience significant pain after Mohs surgery and many patients are able to return to work just one day after the procedure.
Although healing is relatively straightforward following the procedure, scarring from Mohs surgery can be an issue. Below are 5 tips for healing after Mohs surgery to help prevent scarring.
For at least 48 hours after your surgery, make sure the wound site is kept clean and covered with a bandage. Bandages will keep excess dirt and bacteria out of the wound which can help prevent infection. Keeping it covered will also catch any excess blood or fluid that may seep out from the surgical site.
Different types of bandages can be used for this purpose. Silicone pads are one option – they are comfortable and adhere well without causing irritation or damage to the skin surrounding the wound.
Oil emulsion-impregnated gauze is another choice – these are non-stick dressings that do not adhere directly to a wound or create friction when removed, reducing potential pain or trauma during dressing changes.
Sun exposure can lead to the darkening of scars, making them more noticeable and potentially affecting their overall appearance. Not only that, but excessive sun exposure puts you at risk for developing skin cancer, further complicating the healing process after a Mohs surgery.
Avoid tanning beds altogether as well as minimizing sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade whenever possible.
Also, make sure to use sunscreen regularly to protect delicate scar tissue from harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can significantly reduce the risk of darkening scars while also helping to prevent the development of additional skin cancers.
Diet is an important component of the healing process after any surgery or injury. Your body uses the nutrients from your food to heal and repair damaged skin tissue. Without proper nutrients, the healing process can take longer.
Eating a wide variety of healthy foods, particularly plant-based foods, will help you get the vital nutrients your body needs. Additionally, multivitamin supplements like WoundVite can make getting essential nutrients more convenient.*
WoundVite is a multi-nutrient supplement formulated with ingredients that support wound healing.*
Keeping track of your nutrition through diet and supplements ensures you are getting the nutrients you need for a speedier recovery.*
It's important to take care of your wound post-Mohs surgery to decrease your risk of scarring. Keeping your wound moist is one of the most important wound care practices because it promotes healing and decreases the risk of scarring. Keep your wound moist by regularly applying wound care ointments like Aquaphor, vitamin E oil, or silicone scar gel.
Healing takes time and can't be rushed. Full recovery from Mohs surgery can take up to 6 months for some people. While there are things you can do to speed up the process somewhat, patience is necessary. Your body needs time to repair itself and the best thing you can do is let it.
Continue practicing proper wound care, getting proper nutrients, protecting it from the sun, and getting plenty of rest. These things in combination with one another are the best things you can do for Mohs surgery recovery. Give your body time to do what it needs to do.
Overall, with proper care and attention during recovery (including adequate rest and excellent post-operative care at home) most people make a quick recovery after undergoing Mohs surgery.
However, patience is key when it comes to healing. Nutrition, skincare, and rest can all make a difference when it comes to reducing your risk of scarring. Take care of yourself and don't rush the process for the best results after Mohs surgery.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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