How Long Until I Can Go On Vacation After Moh Surgery?

Question

Nee Moh surgery on the right leg near the ankle. I would like to know how long before I can take a six week trip to South America? I would also like to know the recovery time for the wound to close?

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It depends on what you have done and how big the area is so this is a very personal decision based on your surgeon's recommendations.

Laurie Jacobson, MD · Answer

After surgery in this location, the best advice for an efficient recovery is to keep your lower leg elevated as much as possible following your surgery.  This will diminish risk of swelling and infection and help it heal faster.  Another important issue is to help avoid infection (which is more common in this location) keep the area clean and dry for 2 days following your surgery and clean it thoroughly each day thereafter and keep it covered with a bandage.  Average healing in this location is approximately 3 weeks with a stitched wound and much longer if healing in on its own.  I would probably avoid a trip to South America for at least a month after your surgery--you will have less to worry about and have a better time.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

It is best to discuss this with your Mohs surgeon and the answer depends on the type and size of cancer you have and their surgical preferences. Mohs surgery is very effect and very safe, however, every procedure comes with some risks including bleeding and infection. Personally I like to make sure my own Mohs surgery patients do not travel for 1-2 weeks following surgery so that I can see them if there is a need too.

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

Your best option is to discuss the situation with the doctor who will be performing Mohs surgery. It depends on whether the wound is closed or whether it is allowed to heal in by itself (secondary intention healing). Wounds on the legs tend to heal more slowly. (Blood flows downhill well, but getting uphill back to the heart is more difficult.) If allowed to heal by secondary intention, the wound will likely take 4 or more weeks to heal. If sutured, the sutures are usually taken out within two weeks. Talk to your doctor to make sure that you don't have any problems on your trip. Good luck.

How Long Until I Can Go On Vacation After Moh Surgery?

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Answer: Going on Vacation After Mohs Surgery

Answer: Going on Vacation After Mohs Surgery

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How Long Until I Can Go On Vacation After Moh Surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Going on Vacation After Mohs Surgery

Answer: Going on Vacation After Mohs Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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