Will Mohs Micrographic Surgery Cure Me? If you have basal cell carcinoma, there is a 99% chance that you will be cured. If you have a squamous cell carcinoma, you can be about 95-97% certain you will be cured. However, follow-up visits to detect the rare recurrence are very important. In addition, once you have developed one skin cancer, it is a sign that your skin has had significant sun exposure and damage. That means you are at risk of developing more skin cancers in the future. Therefore after the initial postoperative period, it is important for you to return to your referring physician for routine skin care and cancer screening. After The Cancer Is Removed Surgically, How Will The Wound Be Closed? Since it is not possible to know the exact size of each wound until all the tumor is removed, we cannot determine in advance how the wound will be closed. Many wounds are superficial and heal on their own with excellent cosmetic results. If a wound requires reconstruction, we will discuss it with you following the complete removal of the cancer. Appropriate recommendations and referrals if necessary will be made at that time. What Can I Expect After Surgery? Your surgical wound will likely require wound care during the weeks following surgery. You will have some swelling, bruising and redness around the wound. This will gradually disappear over 7-10 days. You should plan on wearing a bandage and avoid strenuous physical activity. You may experience a sensation of tightness across the area of surgery. Skin cancer frequently involve nerves and months may pass before your skin sensation returns to normal. In some cases, numbness may be permanent. You may also experience itching after the wound has healed. Complete healing of the surgical scar takes place over 12-18 months. Especially during the first few months, the site may feel swollen or lumpy and there may be some redness. Gentle massage of the area (starting about one month after surgery) and keeping the area covered with a moisturizer will speed the healing process. Bleeding is rare, but if it occurs, apply firm pressure to the site. You will receive written instructions regarding after care of the wound. If a bulky dressing has been applied, do not remove it. Apply direct pressure to the padded wound for 15 minutes, timed by looking at a clock. Do not discontinue pressure to see if bleeding has stopped until the 15 minutes have elapsed. If the bleeding continues, continue to press directly on the wound with an additional clean gauze pad for an additional 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, call our office or go to your local ER. PREVIOUS NEXT