May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – and for many individuals, that means making an appointment with a dermatologist to examine any unusual lesions or moles that might have appeared or changed shape. Based on this examination, your dermatologist may decide to biopsy a mole or lesion to determine if it’s a tumor.
At Laser Skin Care Center in Long Beach, CA, we use the Mohs surgical method to remove skin tumors. This surgical procedure is different from traditional excision in that it removes less overall skin tissue from the extraction site. Doing so helps minimize any scars, which is particularly important for lesions that are removed on visible areas of the body (such as the face). The Mohs surgical method also removes a greater amount of the tumor from the skin, ensuring the most successful outcome.
Mohs surgery requires a specific recovery process, so it’s important to follow these steps immediately after your surgery:
- For the first 48 hours, avoid any strenuous activity that could raise your blood pressure. It’s also recommended that you take this time off of work, particularly if you’re in a high-stress occupation. It’s vital to keep your blood pressure as low as possible in order to facilitate an excellent recovery.
- Sleep with the area elevated on a pillow or cushion. Doing so can help alleviate any bruising or swelling associated with the surgery. Bruising and swelling tend to last for a couple of weeks.
- Ice the excision area on a regular basis. One recommended procedure includes icing every 5 to 10 minutes on the hour.
- Do not swim or shower for at least 24 hours after your surgery, as this helps reduce the risk for infection.
For more information about Mohs surgery and its recommended recovery session, schedule a consultation at Laser Skin Care Center in Long Beach, CA today! Call (562) 997-1144 today!
