Patient guide

Healing After Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery clears your skin cancer with the highest cure rate available — then healing begins. Here is what the weeks after Mohs and reconstruction typically look like, from the day of surgery to the mature scar.

Timeline

From Mohs day to mature scar

The day of Mohs surgeryYour Mohs surgery specialist removes the cancer layer by layer until margins are clear. The defect is then reconstructed — often the same day, by Dr Kim, under anaesthesia planned in advance — or dressed securely overnight for repair within a day or two. A dressed Mohs wound is safe for that short wait.
The first weekSwelling and bruising peak around day two to three, then fade — around the eyes and nose this can look dramatic and mean very little. Keep dressings dry, sleep slightly head-up for facial repairs, and avoid bending and straining. Facial sutures typically come out at five to seven days.
Weeks two to sixMost people are socially comfortable within one to two weeks. The repair feels firm and looks pink — flaps can look slightly 'puffy' before they settle. Numbness around the repair is common and usually improves over months.
Months two to twelveThe scar and any flap soften, flatten and blend. Small revisions or refinements are occasionally worthwhile — judged at review, never before three months. Sun protection throughout this period is non-negotiable.

What's normal

And what isn't

Normal: bruising that drifts down the face, temporary numbness, tightness, a firm ridge under the scar, itching as it heals.

Call your surgeon: spreading redness or worsening pain after day three, fever, bleeding not controlled by ten minutes of firm pressure, a darkening or dusky flap, or a wound that opens. Early phone calls make small problems stay small.

Common questions

Questions patients ask

How long off work after Mohs and reconstruction?

Desk work: often two to five days, depending on the site and how visible you need to be. Physical work: usually one to two weeks. Larger repairs take longer — you'll get a specific plan at consultation.

Why does my repair look worse before it looks better?

Healing is inflammation first, remodelling second. Weeks two to eight are the scar's worst; the twelve-month mark is its truth.

Can I fly after Mohs reconstruction?

Usually within days for minor repairs — but tell Dr Kim about travel plans beforehand so surgery and follow-up are scheduled around them.

Will I need more surgery?

Most reconstructions are single-stage. Some repairs are planned across more than one operation, and occasional small refinements are offered after the scar matures — all discussed with you up front.

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Next step

Enquiries & referrals

Consultations in Sydney CBD and North Sydney. Referrals from GPs, dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists welcome. Phone 1300 911 151.

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