DOES MOHS LEAVE A SCAR?
What can you expect?
Mohs surgery is a surgical procedure performed by dermatologists to remove certain types of skin cancer. After the cancer is removed, a surgical defect remains that usually needs to be repaired. Mohs surgery will likely leave a scar, like any other surgery for skin cancer. Surgeons remove as much cancer as possible while preserving as much healthy skin as they can. The focus is to remove the cancerous tumor completely, and then to repair the surgical area for the best functional and cosmetic outcome.
After surgery
After surgery, you can expect a scar that will change over time. It may appear reddish, as new blood vessels form, during the healing process. This is only temporary and should improve over time. The healing process may cause temporary bumps and/or hardening of the scar, especially within 4-6 weeks of surgery. These changes are often temporary, and the scar usually softens and improves over time. You can review steps that you can take after surgery, to aid in healthy healing here.
Also, after MOHS surgery, a plastic surgeon is often recommended by your dermatologist to perform reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery is needed after Mohs surgery in about 15% of cases. If needed, a plastic surgeon is often recommended by your dermatologist to perform your reconstructive surgery. This is because the initial procedure can leave a large wound that requires closure. Reconstructive surgery can involve tissue grafting or flap techniques. The procedure can take place on the same day as the Mohs surgery, or within a short time after, and is usually performed in a separate office from your dermatologist. The recovery time is usually one to three weeks.
Another thing to consider
Another thing to consider when asking “Does Mohs leave a scar?” is if you’ve had issues with abnormal scarring in past experiences involving your skin. Issues such as hypertrophic scarring and/or keloids, for example. If there are concerns about the healing process, your doctor may use injections or other treatments to achieve the best cosmetic result. Your Mohs surgeon can address any concerns you may have during the healing process.