Wound Care After Mohs Surgery

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Mohs Surgery

Wound Care Instructions After Mohs Micrographic Surgery

How should I care for my surgery site(s)?

Keep initial bandage dry and it in place for 24 hours. You may shower just before removing the dressing and allow it to get wet, which will make it come off easier.
Change bandage daily until stitches are removed.
Wash hands and remove dressing after 24 hours.

After removing bandage, please perform the following:

Gently clean the site with mild soap and warm water and pat dry.
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline or Aquaphor) to the wound with a Q-tip, so that it completely covers the sutures.
Secure a non-stick dressing with tape to obtain an airtight bandage. A Band-Aid DOES NOT provide an airtight bandage.
NO heavy lifting, bending, stretching or exercise until stitches are removed.

QUESTIONS

FAQ after Mohs Surgery

What should I expect after surgery?

If you experience discomfort you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Swelling or redness may occur around the surgical site. Bruising may appear 1-3 days following surgery and resolves within 1-2 weeks.
Your eye may become swollen shut if the surgery was anywhere on your face, this is normal and should resolve within a couples of days to a week.
You may ice any areas of swelling during the first 24-72 hours after surgery for 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Place a towel between the ice and your skin to avoid ice burn.

When should I call the office?

If you experience fever, chills, foul odor, heat, drainage of yellow pus (not clear), or excessive discomfort.
If you have any questions or concerns.

If bleeding occurs, fold firm continuous pressure to the dressing with your fingertips for a full 2o minutes. If bleeding continues, call our office.

Contact

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

856-627-1900 Prompt 3

If you call after hours and need to speak with a doctor, the answering service will take your call and contact the doctor on call. A doctor will return your call as quickly as possible. If it is a true emergency, please contact or go to your nearest emergency room.

Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 856.627.1900