>> [Background Music] Now that you've completed your treatment at UW Health Mohs Surgery Clinic,
it's time for the next phase to begin wound care and pain management.
This video contains general information that's common to most cases,
but there may be additional instructions from your care team depending
on individual circumstances such as size of the affected area, location of the lesion,
type of wound closure and patient health.
While many of the instructions given here are common sense, we find that some patients listen
to friends or neighbors about how to handle recovery.
While these people are trying to help, their situations are likely quite different
and following their advice could have a negative impact on the healing process.
We strongly emphasize the value of following the steps indicated in this video
to streamline recovery, minimize complications and provide the best outcomes.
Three key points to remember are, healing occurs both internally and externally and is likely
to take a year or more, all forms of skin surgery leave a scar of some kind,
and most patients will have restrictions on activity for a specific length of time.
To avoid infection and ensure the best outcome, please follow these simple steps
which will help both immediate wound care and general wound maintenance.
Here are some general instructions about postsurgery wound care.
Acetaminophen-based medications such as Tylenol are recommended for pain.
If stronger medications are needed, please discuss with your physician.
Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen-based medications such as Aleve are options
if Tylenol is not effective or is not tolerated.
Don't get the wound wet during the first 48 hours.
In general, avoid lifting, pushing or pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds,
about the weight of a gallon of milk.
To avoid the risk of the wound opening, stretching,
swelling or bleeding during recovery, please limit your exercise
to light walking for the first one to two weeks.
Avoid cardio workouts and weightlifting during this time.
For daily maintenance after the first 48 hours following your treatment,
follow these general instructions and refer to the Health Facts
for You printed document for more specifics.
Carefully remove the old bandage.
Shower daily with the bandage off or clean the area under running water.
Rinse gently with water everyday.
If a crust or scab develops, wash gently with mild non-scented soap and water.
No other cleaning agent is needed.
For wounds near the eye, allow a gentle splash or spray of water
to cleanse the area for 20 seconds.
You can also use sterile contact lens saline solution to rinse the area.
Rinse and then pat or blot the affected area dry.
Avoid rubbing.
Keep the area moist by applying a thin layer of Vaseline,
Aquaphor or other white petroleum jelly with a clean cotton swab.
Cover with a Telfa pad or a standard bandage which should also be changed regularly.
The proper bandaging process is shown in detail on our printed Health Facts for You.
Continue until sutures are removed or as directed.
For wounds near the eye, do not let the Telfa dressing rub your eye.
If you can't close your eyelid all the way,
use a sterile lubricating ointment specifically designed for the eye.
Artificial tears products are best, but an ointment is recommended rather
than drops because it'll last longer.
Check with your Mohs clinician for further clarification if needed.
If your wound was left open to heal, gel foam may have been used to stop bleeding.
It will slowly come off as the wound is cleaned.
There's no need to remove it.
Many wounds may show some swelling or bruising in the first one to two weeks.
As with all face and head wounds, here are some ways to help the healing.
Sleep on your back with your head raised on two pillows to reduce swelling.
Avoid bending with your head below heart level.
Expect the swelling around the head and neck is normal and may be worse in the morning.
Chances of infection are small with this type of surgery, but here are some signs to watch for.
The area starts becoming more tender
or red after the first few days rather than decreasing in tenderness.
Some redness is normal.
Increased drainage or weeping, increased pain or swelling.
You will experience a fever greater than 101 degrees.
Call the clinic immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
We're also available to answer any questions you may have during the recovery phase.