Mohs Surgery | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
Hearing that you need Mohs surgery can be a relief, as you look forward to treating your skin cancer. However, most patients undergoing Mohs surgery are also curious about what to expect from healing and recovery after the procedure. How will the wound look? How long will it take to close? What kind of restrictions might be required? In this blog, we’ll go over what to expect from your Mohs surgery recovery to help make the experience less intimidating and help you prepare for a smooth recovery.
4 Min. Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is Mohs Surgery?
- Factors That Affect Mohs Surgery Healing Time
- Mohs Surgery Healing Timeline
- Activity Restrictions After Mohs Surgery
- Potential Complications After Mohs Surgery
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to remove skin cancer layer by layer to eliminate the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. After each thin layer is removed, Dr. Hung examines it under a microscope to ensure no cancer cells remain, allowing him to stop precisely when he reaches a clear margin. This meticulous approach leads to the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment and is especially beneficial for treating cancers in cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas, such as the face, nose, lips, and ears.
Factors That Affect Mohs Surgery Healing Time
Healing after Mohs surgery varies widely; however, understanding the factors that influence your recovery can help you get a general sense of what to expect.
- Size and Depth of the Surgical Area: Larger or deeper wounds naturally take longer to close and remodel.
- Reconstruction Method: Healing varies depending on whether your wound is stitched, left open to heal naturally, or repaired with a flap or skin graft.
- Location on the Body: Areas with thinner skin or greater movement (such as the nose, eyelids, or lips) may heal more slowly.
- Your Health and Age: Smoking, diabetes, circulation issues, and other health factors can slow your recovery after Mohs surgery.
- Post-Operative Care: Proper wound care, limiting tension on your stitches, and your adherence to Dr. Hung’s post-operative instructions all influence healing time and results.
Mohs Surgery Healing Timeline
Day 1: Immediately After Surgery
You’ll leave Dr. Hung’s office wearing a pressure bandage to minimize bleeding and swelling. Mild discomfort, bruising, or tightness is normal.
Week 1
If stitches were used, swelling and redness typically peak within the first few days of recovery and gradually improve. Stitched wounds usually remain covered and require daily wound care. Many patients have their sutures removed between days 5 and 10; however, this may vary depending on your specific needs.
Weeks 2–4
Once your stitches are removed, the wound continues to remodel. Redness fades even further, and the incision line begins to smooth out. Wounds healing without stitches (known as secondary intention) continue to contract and fill in from the bottom up during this time.
Weeks 4–8
By this point in your Mohs healing journey, most wounds are fully closed, though color changes may still be noticeable. Dr. Hung may recommend introducing scar-care strategies, such as silicone gels or strips, and gentle massage to help lessen their appearance.
Months 2–6
Your Mohs scar is now in its remodeling phase—softening, flattening, and blending with the surrounding skin. This is a gradual process, so your final cosmetic results can take several months to a year to develop.
Activity Restrictions After Mohs Surgery
Short-Term Activity Limits (First 48 Hours)
Rest is essential immediately after your Mohs surgery. Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in any activity that increases blood flow to the head, as this can trigger bleeding. Keep the surgical site elevated when possible to minimize swelling.
Restrictions With Stitches (First 1–2 Weeks)
Continue to avoid strenuous exercise or activities and anything that strains your incision. Sweating can irritate the wound and increase your risk of infection, so gentle movement is encouraged until Dr. Hung clears you for more.
Returning to Regular Activities
Most patients can resume their regular routines within one to two weeks after Mohs surgery, depending on the size and location of the wound. Larger reconstructions may require additional downtime or activity modifications. Dr. Hung will let you know what to expect according to your specific surgical plan.
Potential Complications After Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is considered a safe and effective procedure (especially when performed by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Hung), but as with any surgery, certain complications can occur, including:
- Minor bleeding or oozing
- Infection (marked by increasing redness, warmth, or pus)
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Scar thickening
- Delayed healing
- Contour irregularities
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact Dr. Hung immediately to ensure that healing is progressing as expected and that any complications are quickly addressed.
Learn More About Mohs Surgery in Pasadena
When you’re undergoing Mohs surgery, you want a surgeon with the highest level of training and experience. Dr. Vincent Hung is the only plastic surgeon in the U.S. who is triple-trained in internal medicine, dermatology, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Combining his advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery with decades of expertise in skin cancer treatment and reconstruction, Dr. Hung provides his patients with precision, safety, and gorgeous aesthetic outcomes. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hung, contact our office today at (626) 432-5032 or fill out our contact form.
