Mohs micrographic surgery, or simply Mohs surgery, is a precise and effective treatment option for certain types of skin cancers. However, like all surgical procedures, it can leave behind scars. Naturally, many patients ask Dr. Dharia how long scars will take to heal and what they can expect them to look like. In this guide, Dr. Dharia addresses these common questions and concerns to help you know what to expect after Mohs surgery.
Mohs Scar Maturation Time
Although open wounds close and begin to heal fairly rapidly after Mohs surgery, the scar itself will take longer to fully heal and mature. In fact, it can take 18 months or longer for scars to reach full maturity and become much less noticeable on the skin.
That said, most scars will significantly improve in the first 6 to 12 weeks after Mohs surgery. During this time, redness should subside and the scar should begin to flatten and soften. Expect scarring to continue to gradually improve and fade over the next 1 to 2 years.Â
Factors That Affect Healing Time
Not everyone will heal at the same pace, so your experience may be different from a friend or family member’s. The size and depth of the wound, for example, as well as its location on your face or body can affect healing time and scar maturation time.
Areas like the nose or forehead, where the scar is under more tension, may take longer to heal and fully mature than other areas. Similarly, smaller, shallower wounds should heal more quickly than wider or deeper wounds.
Wound Care Tips After Mohs Surgery
How you care for your wound in the early stages of healing will play a major role in the way that your scar matures and looks when fully healed. Below are some general tips you can follow to help optimize the wound-healing process and minimize the appearance of scarring as much as possible after Mohs surgery:
- Keep the wound clean. Dr. Dharia will provide you with detailed instructions on how to clean and dress your wound after Mohs. Follow these as closely as possible to help keep your wound clean and prevent infection and other complications that can slow and hinder the healing process.
- Protect the area from sunlight. UV light from the sun can make scarring and discoloration worse as your skin heals. Stay out of the sun as much as possible while your skin heals after Mohs surgery and use SPF 30 or higher if you do have to be outdoors.
- Avoid picking or scratching at the scab. Resist the urge to pick at or peel scabs as they form. Letting them fall off naturally will help to minimize scarring down the road.
What If I’m Unhappy with My Scar?
It is important to give your skin enough time to fully heal before determining if you are unhappy with the appearance of the resulting scar. But if you are still dissatisfied after a few months, talk to Dr. Dharia about scar treatment options like lasers, steroid injections or silicone sheets.
If you still have questions about healing after Mohs surgery or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dharia, please call us at 805-484-2855 or contact us online.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.
