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Every medical procedure, no matter how big or small, has a potential for complications. Although Mohs surgery is considered a minimally invasive, extremely accurate and precise method for removing malignant tumors from the skin, unwanted outcomes can from time to time occur.
“The complication rate for Mohs surgery is actually extremely low,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon in Austin, Texas. “For the majority of patients we see, this procedure is very straightforward, with a smooth and relatively painless recovery.”
Still, it can be quite frightening to think that you may have a complication after Mohs surgery. Bleeding, in particular, seems to be one of the bigger concerns that patients have.
“Bleeding is actually quite rare after surgery,” says Dr. Mamelak. “Patients can often get some bruising after Mohs, especially when the surgery is performed on the lower forehead or around the eyes. Blood thinners such as Asprin, Ibprofen, Coumadin, Warfarin and Plavix, can all thin the blood and also predispose to bruising after surgery.
It should be noted that Dr. Mamelak recommends all patients check with their surgeon prior to their procedure to determine if they need to stop their blood thinners. Sometimes, the risk of bruising is considered better than what can happen when patients are not on their medications.
If bleeding does occurs, if you notice an ooze or a drip, or your bandage starts becoming red, Dr. Mamelak recommends following these simple steps:
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