Your surgical wound will likely require care during the weeks following surgery. Detailed
written instructions will be provided. You should plan on wearing a bandage and avoiding strenuous
physical activity for a week. Most of our patients report minimal post-operative
pain which responds readily to medicines prescribed at the time of discharge. You may experience
a sensation of tightness across the area of surgery. Skin cancers frequently involve nerves and
months may pass before your skin sensation returns to normal. In rare
instances, the numbness may be permanent. You may also experience itching as your wound
is healing. Complete healing of the surgical scar takes place over 12-18 months. Especially
during the first few months and numbness, the site may feel thick, swollen, or lumpy, and there may be
some redness. Gentle massage of the area (starting about 1 month after the surgery) will
speed the healing process.
An indefinite follow-up period of observation is necessary after the wound has healed.
You may be asked to return in six weeks and one year following the procedure. For skin care patients studies have
shown that once you develop a skin cancer, there is a strong possibility of developing other
skin cancers in the future. Should you notice any suspicious areas, it is best to check with
your physician for a complete evaluation. You will be reminded to return to your dermatologist
on a frequent basis for continued surveillance of your skin.