Possible Complications After Mohs Surgery and When to Contact a Doctor
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Although the procedure is generally safe, some patients may experience bleeding, infection, scarring, or changes in sensation. Understanding these risks helps patients recognize warning signs and seek medical care when needed.
Common Complications After Mohs Surgery
The risk of complications depends on the wound’s size, location, and the type of repair performed.
- Bleeding: Mild oozing may occur during the first day. Persistent bleeding or blood soaking through repeated dressings needs prompt medical attention.
- Infection: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening pain, or fever may indicate an infection.
- Scarring: A scar usually forms as the wound heals. Its appearance depends on the surgical site, wound size, skin type, and healing process.
- Nerve Damage: Some patients experience numbness, tingling, or altered sensation near the wound. Rarely, nerve injury can cause lasting numbness or muscle weakness.
- Delayed Healing: Wounds may heal slowly, especially when they are large or located in areas with limited blood supply.
- Wound Separation: The edges of a repaired wound may separate, requiring medical assessment and sometimes additional treatment.
When Should Patients Contact Their Doctor?
Recognizing unusual symptoms early can help prevent more serious problems.
- Persistent Bleeding: Apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze for 15–20 minutes without lifting it to check. Contact the surgical team if bleeding continues.
- Signs of Infection: Contact your doctor promptly if redness spreads, pain increases, pus develops, or you experience a fever.
- Increasing Pain or Swelling: Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen rather than gradually improve.
- Changes in Sensation: Report persistent or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness to your surgeon.
When Is Emergency Care Necessary?
Some symptoms require immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Seek urgent care if bleeding remains heavy despite firm, continuous pressure.
- Eye or Facial Problems: New vision changes, severe swelling around the eye, or sudden facial weakness require urgent assessment.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat is a medical emergency.
How Can Patients Reduce the Risk of Complications?
Following the surgeon’s wound-care instructions supports healing and lowers the risk of infection.
- Keep the Wound Clean: Follow the recommended cleaning and dressing schedule.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Limit heavy lifting and exercise for the period advised by your surgeon.
- Attend Follow-Up Visits: Keep scheduled appointments for wound checks and stitch removal.
- Protect the Healing Skin: After the wound closes, use sun protection as advised to help reduce scar discoloration.
Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific instructions because wound care varies with the surgical site and repair method.
