With about 9,500 diagnosed with it every day, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Mohs surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery removes thin layers of skin with cancer and checks them until the maximum possible cancer-containing skin is gone. It causes minimal damage to the healthy skin tissues.
However, it also has certain risks and negative side effects, such as pain at the surgery site, bleeding, numbness, infections, weakness, itching, and scarring. It is essential to have proper and effective care of the wounds after the surgery to minimize side effects. Dallas post-Mohs surgery wound care can help in faster healing.
Aftercare Tips:
- Wound Care
After Mohs surgery is performed to treat cancer, wounds of various intensities might form on the surgery site. Minor wounds are usually left alone to heal on their own, and more extensive areas are closed with stitches, skin grafts, or skin flaps.
Proper wound care enables reducing any post-surgical risks. Comprehensive treatment plans are formed based on the nature of your wounds, their severity, and complications.
Some common care plans include:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy- It involves the inhalation of pure oxygen with increased air pressure. The extra oxygen in the body helps fight the bacteria in infected areas and promotes growth in injured tissues resulting in accelerated recovery. The number of sessions depends on the severity of your wound.
- Debridement of the wound- The process removes infected or dead tissues to help the wound heal, especially when they are stuck in the initial stages of healing. Not only does it reduce the possibilities of an infection, but it also promotes the healthy growth of tissues and minimizes scarring.
- Elevation
Keeping the site of your surgery elevated reduces bleeding and swelling in the area. Applying constant pressure for mild bleeding can also help.
- Bandages
Do not remove the bandages for 48 hours after the surgery. Ensure that it does not get wet. After 48 hours, you can start changing the bandage daily with washed hands, cleaning the area thoroughly, and applying a soothing ointment before reapplying the gauze. Keep the wound covered at all times to prevent the entry of bacteria. Ask your doctor for exact details regarding your wound.
- Rest
Avoid any strenuous activities for at least a week or more, depending on the condition. Get sufficient rest to give your body time to heal.
In case the pain persists, contact your doctor for medication prescriptions to manage it.
