What Should I Do After Surgery?
Key Reassurances
- Wound care is simple: clean, ointment, bandage, repeat daily
- Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal and expected
- Call your surgeon for expanding swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or infection signs after day 3–4
- Most patients return to normal activities within a few days
- Your surgeon’s office is available for questions. Call anytime you’re unsure
Daily Wound Care Routine
Clear, specific wound care is the most important discharge instruction. Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions, but the general protocol is:
| Day | Care Routine |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Leave original bandage in place. Rest. Ice near (not on) wound. Acetaminophen for discomfort. |
| Day 2–7 | Clean gently with mild soap and water. Pat dry. Apply thin layer of petroleum jelly or prescribed ointment. Cover with non-stick bandage. Repeat 1–2x daily. |
| Week 1–2 | Continue wound care until sutures are removed (face: 5–7 days, elsewhere: 10–14 days). Keep wound moist with ointment. |
| Week 2–4 | After sutures out: transition to scar care (silicone, sun protection). Gentle activity OK. |
| Month 1+ | Sun protection on scar (SPF 30+). Gentle massage starting at 2–4 weeks. Normal activity. |
What’s Normal After Surgery
The following are normal postoperative findings and should not cause alarm:
Practical Tips
- Mild swelling and puffiness around the surgical site, especially near the eyes
- Bruising that may spread and change color (purple → yellow/green) over 1–2 weeks
- Occasional light oozing or spotting through the bandage in the first 24 hours
- Mild discomfort or aching, especially as anesthesia wears off
- Numbness or tingling around the wound. This is temporary and resolves over weeks to months
- Itching as the wound heals. This is actually a good sign
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your surgeon’s office if you experience any of the following:
What the Evidence Shows
- Active bleeding that does not stop with 20 minutes of firm, continuous pressure
- Rapidly expanding swelling or firmness under the wound (possible hematoma)
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Increasing redness, warmth, or pus after day 3–4 (possible infection. Note: mild redness in the first 2–3 days is normal healing)
- Separation of wound edges (dehiscence)
- New numbness or weakness that was not present immediately after surgery
Activity Restrictions
Your surgeon will provide specific guidance, but general recommendations are:
| Activity | Restriction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy lifting (>10 lbs) | Avoid for 1–2 weeks | Increases blood pressure and bleeding risk |
| Bending over | Minimize for 1–2 weeks | Increases facial swelling and pressure |
| Exercise | Light walking OK day 1; vigorous exercise after 1–2 weeks | Prevents wound disruption |
| Swimming / hot tubs | Avoid 1–2 weeks | Infection risk from submersion |
| Alcohol | Avoid 24–48 hours | Increases bleeding risk |
| Driving | OK when comfortable; avoid if vision or judgment impaired by medication | Safety |
Medications After Surgery
Managing your medications properly after Mohs surgery helps prevent complications and supports healing.
Practical Tips
- Acetaminophen is usually enough for pain control after Mohs surgery
- Never stop a blood thinner before surgery without your prescribing doctor's approval
- If your surgeon prescribes antibiotics, finish the entire course even if you feel fine
| Medication | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Take as directed for pain. Usually sufficient for most patients. |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | Ask your surgeon first. Some surgeons prefer you avoid NSAIDs for 24-48 hours because they can thin the blood slightly. |
| Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) | Continue taking them as prescribed. Do NOT stop without talking to the doctor who prescribed them. |
| Antibiotics | Only if prescribed by your surgeon. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routine after Mohs surgery. |
| Arnica (supplement) | Some patients find arnica helps with bruising. Evidence is limited but it is generally safe. Ask your surgeon. |
Scar Care Timeline
Your scar will change in appearance over the coming months. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you track normal healing and know when to start scar care.
Practical Tips
- Scars look their worst at about 2-3 months — this is normal and temporary
- Silicone products (sheets or gel) are the best-studied scar treatment
- Protect your scar from sun exposure for at least 6 months — UV light can cause permanent darkening
| Time After Surgery | What to Expect | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Wound closed, mild swelling, possible bruising | Keep wound moist with ointment, change bandages daily |
| Week 2-4 | Sutures removed, scar may appear pink or red | Begin silicone gel or sheets once wound is fully closed |
| Month 1-3 | Scar may become redder and slightly raised (this is normal) | Gentle scar massage 2-3 times daily, continue silicone |
| Month 3-6 | Scar begins to soften, flatten, and fade | Continue sun protection (SPF 30+), silicone as needed |
| Month 6-12 | Scar matures — color fades to blend with surrounding skin | Most scars reach their final appearance by 12 months |