Mohs surgery is a careful and effective way to treat skin cancer. It has high cure rates because it removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. While the procedure is highly effective, it’s crucial to follow post-surgery guidelines, including avoiding exercise, to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
Quick Summary
- Mohs surgery removes skin cancer layer by layer, leaving a wound that needs rest to heal well.
- Exercise raises heart rate and strain, increasing bleeding, swelling, and bruising at the site.
- Movement can stretch the wound, delay healing, and worsen scarring or cosmetic results.
- Sweating and contact with surfaces can introduce bacteria and raise infection risk.
- Light walking is usually ok; avoid lifting, bending, and strenuous workouts until cleared (often 1–2+ weeks).
This guide explains why exercise should be avoided after Mohs surgery and what activities are safe during recovery.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat various types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The process involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue, which are examined microscopically until no cancer cells remain. This method ensures the complete removal of cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In addition to Mohs surgery, patients may explore other basal cell carcinoma treatment options, such as topical chemotherapy and cryotherapy, depending on the size and location of the tumor. These alternatives can be effective for superficial cases and may minimize scarring. It’s essential for patients to discuss with their dermatologist the best approach tailored to their specific condition.
Importance of Post-Surgery Care
After Mohs surgery, proper care of the surgical site is essential for optimal healing. The procedure can leave a surgical wound that requires careful management to avoid complications like infection, excessive bleeding, or poor wound healing.
The Healing Process After Mohs Surgery
In the initial period following Mohs surgery, the body’s priority is healing the surgical wound. The wound site may be swollen and bruised, and patients might experience pain or discomfort. This stage requires rest and minimal physical activity to allow the body to focus on recovery.
Why Avoid Exercise After Mohs Surgery?
Exercising too soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications. Here’s why exercise should be avoided during the initial healing phase:
- Strenuous exercise can increase the risk of problems after surgery. Heavy lifting or activities that raise your heart rate can strain the surgery area. This may cause bleeding, more swelling, and slower healing.
- Impact on Blood Vessels: Physical activity can impact the delicate blood vessels around the surgical site, increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Scar Tissue Formation: Movement and exercise can stress the healing wound, potentially leading to more significant scarring and impacting the cosmetic outcome of the surgery.
Specific Risks Associated with Exercise Post-Mohs Surgery
Swelling and Bruising
Exercising too soon can exacerbate swelling and bruising around the surgical site, which are common after Mohs surgery. Ice packs and firm pressure are often recommended to manage these symptoms, but physical activity can counteract these efforts by increasing blood flow to the area.
Risk of Infection
The surgical wound needs time to heal and close properly. Exercise can introduce bacteria to the wound site, particularly through sweating or contact with unclean surfaces, increasing the risk of infection.
Delayed Wound Healing
Strenuous exercise can pull or stretch the wound, disrupting the body’s natural healing process. This can lead to delayed wound healing, potentially requiring additional medical interventions like skin grafts or further surgery.
Recommended Activity Levels After Mohs Surgery
Light Activity vs. Strenuous Exercise
During the initial recovery, light activity such as gentle walking is generally considered safe. However, activities that involve heavy lifting, bending, or straining should be avoided until the surgical site has adequately healed, which can take one to two weeks or more, depending on the wound’s size and location.
When to Resume Exercise
Your Mohs surgeon will provide specific guidance on when you can safely resume exercise. This timeline can vary based on factors such as the surgery’s complexity, the location of the cancerous tissue, and individual healing rates. Most patients are advised to wait until the wound is fully healed before returning to normal exercise routines.
Tips for Protecting the Surgical Site During Recovery
Proper Wound Care
- Keep the Wound Clean: Clean the wound with mild soap and water as directed by your healthcare provider. Avoid scrubbing the area to prevent irritation.
- Apply Plain Petroleum Jelly: To keep the wound moist and promote healing, apply plain petroleum jelly or other prescribed ointments.
- Use Protective Bandages: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage to protect it from bacteria and other contaminants.
- Avoiding Direct Sun Exposure: Direct sun exposure can damage the healing skin and lead to pigmentation changes or sunburn. Protect the surgical site by wearing protective clothing, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), and avoiding tanning beds.
Monitoring for Complications
After Mohs surgery, monitoring the surgical site for any signs of complications is crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent more severe issues. Complications can arise despite following post-operative care instructions, so being vigilant is key.
Signs of Complications to Watch For:
- Increased Redness: While some redness around the surgical site is normal, particularly in the early stages of healing, a sudden increase in redness may indicate inflammation or infection.
- Swelling: Mild swelling is expected after surgery, but significant or persistent swelling could signal that the wound is not healing correctly. Swelling accompanied by pain or warmth around the area warrants immediate medical attention.
- Discharge: Any discharge from the wound, especially if it is yellow, green, or has an unpleasant odor, suggests an infection that requires prompt treatment. Clear, minimal drainage can be part of the normal healing process, but a healthcare provider should evaluate changes in color, consistency, or volume.
- Worsening Pain: Pain should gradually decrease as the wound heals. If you experience increasing pain after the initial recovery period, this could be a sign of complications such as an infection or issues with wound healing that need to be addressed.
What to Do If You Notice Complications:
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Do not delay contacting your Mohs surgeon or healthcare provider if you notice any signs of complications. Early intervention can stop minor problems from becoming more significant issues that might harm healing and the final appearance.
- Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere strictly to any additional care instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This may include changes in wound care, starting a course of antibiotics, or scheduling a follow-up appointment for further evaluation.
- Avoid Self-Treatment: While over-the-counter remedies may be tempting, avoid self-treating potential complications unless directed by your doctor. Some treatments might worsen the wound or hide symptoms. This can make it harder for your healthcare provider to assess the situation correctly.
Final Thoughts
Healing after Mohs surgery requires patience and adherence to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Avoiding exercise in the initial recovery period is crucial to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome. During this time, it is important to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness or drainage. Following your Mohs surgery recovery timeline will help you gauge your progress and understand what to expect as you heal. Remember to attend all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can assess your recovery and address any concerns that may arise.
This blog post serves informational purposes only. For a tailored and accurate approach to your recovery, please contact Dermatology of Seattle and Bellevue to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists.
