​Post Operative Instructions for MOHS patients:

ENSURE YOU READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Care for SURGICAL SITE​ (or graft donor site) After Stitches are Removed
  1. Continue daily wound cleaning and ointment application for 1 week (unless your wound was covered with Steri-strips and you were not instructed to perform daily cleaning prior to this).
  2. In 1 week, soap and shampoo may be used to clean the site.
  3. Soap and shampoo running over this site is fine.
  4. In 1 week, makeup and sunscreen (UVA/UVB blocking, SPF 45 or greater) can be used over the surgical site.
  5. In 1 week, you can start general exercise.
  6. Exercises that stretch the wound should be avoided for an additional 5 weeks.
  7. In 2 weeks, you can shave over the surgical site.
  8. In 2 weeks, the scar can be immersed in water (swimming, bathing, etc.).
  9. Massage of surgical site required?
    1. If yes, begin scar massage in 2 weeks.  Massage the scar with moderate pressure in a circular fashion for 10 minutes, twice a day, for 3 months.
    2. Hypoallergenic moisturizing creams are fine. Do not use Vitamin E creams. 
  10. The scar will improve in colour and appearance over 12 months. Be patient.

Care for GRAFT Site After Stitches are Removed
  1. Gently clean the graft with salt water and cover with ointment twice a day.
  2. DO NOT let the graft dry out.
  3. Continue care for 2 more weeks.
  4. You may shower.  Do not let the graft soak (bathing, swimming) for 2 more weeks. Avoid water spray directly on the graft.
  5. Soaps and shampoos running over the graft are fine.
  6. Do not scrub or rub the graft. Pat the graft dry. BE GENTLE!
  7. Do not clean the graft with soap for 2 weeks.
  8. Keep the graft out of the sun for 2 weeks.
  9. After 2 weeks, you may use cover-up makeup and sunscreens (SPF 45 or greater).
  10. After 2 weeks, use Vaseline on graft twice daily (unless near eye).
  11. After 4 weeks, use moisturizers on dry “flaky” grafts as needed.
  12. Do not use Vitamin E creams or ointments.
  13. The graft will improve in durability, colour and appearance over 12 months. Be patient.​

The Recovery Process After Mohs Surgery
To learn more about the recovery process after Mohs surgery watch this informational video with Dr. Cowan
| download a PDF copy of the post operative patient form complete with instructions and recommended care below |​
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