Bleeding
Some bleeding during surgery is expected. It is uncommon, however, for bleeding to occur after surgery.
Infection
Infection occurs rarely. If it does occur, it is controlled by oral antibiotics.
Numbness and Nerve Damage
Most scars are numb because sensory nerves have been cut. Sometimes adjacent skin is also numb. Rarely is a tumor located around nerves that control movement. In such cases, muscle movement may be impaired as a result of nerve damage caused by the removal of the tumor.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reaction can occur due to the local anesthesia or the bandage.
Pain and Discomfort
There is usually not much pain or discomfort after surgery. In fact, most people return to their normal daily activities the next day, although the site is usually bandaged for two to six weeks.
Scarring
A scar will always result from Mohs surgery. Scars usually mature over several months and become cosmetically acceptable. Some scars will be pink and bumpy for three to nine months. Scars that do not mature well can often be cosmetically altered. If surgery is needed to improve the appearance of a scar, the procedure is usually performed 12 months after the original surgery.
Recurrence
Tumors recur in some patients even after Mohs surgery has been carefully performed. A recurrence will usually look like a small bump or red scaly area on or close to the surgical site. Recurrences are not usually apparent for one to three years. Recurrences are almost always treated again with Mohs surgery because of the technique's high cure rate.
