Nichols Mohs and Skin Surgery » Post Surgery Recovery

Post Surgery Recovery

Will I have a scar?

Yes. As with all forms of surgery, a scar will remain after the surgical area has healed. However, of the many types of skin cancer removal available, Mohs surgery will leave the smallest possible defect or scar. Dr. Nichols is fellowship-trained in BOTH Mohs surgery and reconstructive surgery.

How will my wound be repaired?

After the skin cancer is removed, some wounds are allowed to heal on their own for a positive result. Others require more complicated repairs. Dr. Nichols will evaluate the wound and discuss with you the repair techniques he can use to achieve the most desired outcome. Four of the most common repair (reconstructive) scenarios include: 1) close the wound with stitches, 2) let the wound heal in time by itself, 3) cover the wound with a skin graft or flap, 4) referral to another reconstructive surgeon for repair. The final decision is yours. Most sutures are removed in 7-14 days and the scar will continuously improve over the initial 1-2 months. With all repairs, allow 6-12 months for total healing time and scar maturity. Some repairs will also require a follow-up procedure to further improve appearance.

How do I care for my wound?

Our staff will explain and demonstrate the technique to care for your wound after your surgery. We will also provide information for contacting Dr. Nichols, in the rare case of an emergency. Please click here to download a PDF with post-operative wound care instructions.

Will I need any supplies to care for my wound?

There are some supplies that you will want to have on hand so that you don’t have to go out immediately after your procedure. 1) Aquaphor or Vaseline, 2) Q-Tips or gauze, 3)Non-stick “Telfa” pads, 4) Hypoallergenic “paper” tape, 5) Ice pack, and 6) Extra-strength acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).

Will I need pain medication?

Most patients report some pain on the evening following the surgery. If there is discomfort, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is most often recommended for pain relief. Stronger pain medications are available, and Dr. Nichols will prescribe those when needed.

Will I need a follow-up visit?

All patients are required to schedule a follow-up appointment. Depending on the size of your wound and extent of the repair, Dr. Nichols will see you for at least one additional visit to remove your stitches and evaluate your recovery. Please continue to see your referring dermatologist or general physician for skin checks at least once a year. Studies have shown that if you develop one skin cancer you are at a higher risk for developing more in the years to come.

Will I need to take time off from work and activity to recover?

In order to protect your wound, we request that you avoid strenuous activities for at least one week after your surgery. Certain physically strenuous professions may require a leave of absence for a few days depending on the extent of the surgery. Be prepared for possible swelling, redness, and bruising for one to two weeks after surgery. Elevating your heart rate before one week of recovery can cause these side effects to be more severe, and increases the chance for excessive scarring.

Will my cancer come back?

Because Mohs surgery is the most effective type of skin cancer removal, the chance of recurrence is not likely (only 1 to 3%). However, we suggest that you monitor your surgery site, as you should all areas, for possible signs of skin cancer. If you suspect any recurrence, please contact your referring physician for further evaluation.


		Post Surgery Recovery Will I have a scar? Yes. As with all forms of surgery, a scar will remain after the surgical area has healed. However, of the many types of skin cancer removal available, Mohs surgery will leave the smallest possible defect or scar. Dr. Nichols is fellowship-trained in BOTH Mohs surgery and reconstructive surgery. How will my wound be repaired? After the skin cancer is removed, some wounds are allowed to heal on their own for a positive result. Others require more complicated repairs. Dr. Nichols will evaluate the wound and discuss with you the repair techniques he can use to achieve the most desired outcome. Four of the most common repair (reconstructive) scenarios include: 1) close the wound with stitches, 2) let the wound heal in time by itself, 3) cover the wound with a skin graft or flap, 4) referral to another reconstructive surgeon for repair. The final decision is yours. Most sutures are removed in 7-14 days and the scar will continuously improve over the initial 1-2 months. With all repairs, allow 6-12 months for total healing time and scar maturity. Some repairs will also require a follow-up procedure to further improve appearance. How do I care for my wound? Our staff will explain and demonstrate the technique to care for your wound after your surgery. We will also provide information for contacting Dr. Nichols, in the rare case of an emergency. Please click here to download a PDF with post-operative wound care instructions. Will I need any supplies to care for my wound? There are some supplies that you will want to have on hand so that you don’t have to go out immediately after your procedure. 1) Aquaphor or Vaseline, 2) Q-Tips or gauze, 3)Non-stick “Telfa” pads, 4) Hypoallergenic “paper” tape, 5) Ice pack, and 6) Extra-strength acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). Will I need pain medication? Most patients report some pain on the evening following the surgery. If there is discomfort, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is most often recommended for pain relief. Stronger pain medications are available, and Dr. Nichols will prescribe those when needed. Will I need a follow-up visit? All patients are required to schedule a follow-up appointment. Depending on the size of your wound and extent of the repair, Dr. Nichols will see you for at least one additional visit to remove your stitches and evaluate your recovery. Please continue to see your referring dermatologist or general physician for skin checks at least once a year. Studies have shown that if you develop one skin cancer you are at a higher risk for developing more in the years to come. Will I need to take time off from work and activity to recover? In order to protect your wound, we request that you avoid strenuous activities for at least one week after your surgery. Certain physically strenuous professions may require a leave of absence for a few days depending on the extent of the surgery. Be prepared for possible swelling, redness, and bruising for one to two weeks after surgery. Elevating your heart rate before one week of recovery can cause these side effects to be more severe, and increases the chance for excessive scarring. Will my cancer come back? Because Mohs surgery is the most effective type of skin cancer removal, the chance of recurrence is not likely (only 1 to 3%). However, we suggest that you monitor your surgery site, as you should all areas, for possible signs of skin cancer. If you suspect any recurrence, please contact your referring physician for further evaluation.