Miami Mohs Surgery doctors

I am often asked, "What can I expect after Mohs'?"  The simple answer is that everyone will get a scar as any time that the skin is cut, a scar will result. Sometimes it heals so well the scar is barely noticeable, while at other times it is very obvious.  Mohs' surgery is a method of tumor removal only. In some cases, the wound may be left to heal without any stitches, which takes anywhere from several weeks (for small thin lesions on the face) to three or more months (for larger wounds on the legs). Most patients choose to have the wound closed using Plastic Surgery. The final result is very dependent upon the surgeon, as well as many other factors. Choosing a reconstructive surgeon is an extremely important variable in determining one's cosmetic outcome.

For any closure one can expect some, all, or none the following:

• mild discomfort
• mild bruising
• mild spotting of blood on the bandage

For wounds left to heal without stitches, one can expect the following:

• mild to moderate discomfort
• healing that may take 3 weeks to over 3 months requiring daily wound care
• the wound will usually fill in from the bottom and close in from the sides
• a scar that usually will become white with time
• mild to moderate swelling (especially with leg wounds)

For skin grafts, one can expect the following:

• the graft is usually bandaged in a way that it must remain dry for one week
• the graft will sometimes look like a patch on a tire, although often the results can be very acceptable depending upon many factors which are too numerous to discuss here, but should be discussed with your surgeon.
• Less pain compared to second intention, if the donor site (where the graft is taken from) is closed using stitches.
• mild to moderate discomfort at the donor site if stitches are not used
• There is always a risk that the graft will not survive, which may result in more scar.

Mohs' surgery is a method of removal of cancerous tissue in the skin. It is not a method of reconstuction. In nearly all cases, some form of reconstruction is performed to close the wound after the cancer is removed. This can be extremely simple, such as putting in a few stitches, or very complex requiring more than one surgery. Depending upon the reconstruction that is performed, one will expect different results and different after care.

In any case, your surgeon should discuss with you what is expected and what not to expect after surgery. Anything that is "not expected" should be reported to your surgeon.

That being said, the following list below constitute a general list of side effects that should not substitute the instructions given to one by their surgeon. These are listed for illustrative purposes only.

Common expected side effects of any surgery include:

• minor bruising
• mild pain at the surgical site
• mild spotting of blood at the surgical site
• mild swelling

Other side effects that should be reported to one's surgeon:

• allergic reactions to tape and bandages --itching at the site with red rash and/or small blisters
• any bleeding
• infection--redness, warmth, drainage, discharge
• moderate or severe swelling.
• Separation of the wound or stitches falling out.

You seemed to have answered your own question. If you feel you are too old for a nasal flap or worried about the skin grafts appearance, than by all means allow the wound to heal by secondary intention. Than you can decide if the appearance of the scar is acceptable to you. If you are not happy you can always have surgery.

Regards from Miami