Skin cancer removal can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, taking some time to research about what to expect post-op can ease your mind. Dr. Vernon Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology, serving Peoria, AZ, and the nearby region, offers this procedure and will educate you about aftercare more comprehensively for your specific surgery and situation. But, in the meantime, it helps to research for yourself.
Wound Care
You'll need to follow your wound care instructions exactly to ensure the treatment area heals properly. If not, you'll be more prone to scarring and have a number of other risks, such as infection.
But, the wound care isn't difficult. It may consist of cleansing the region and changing any dressings any necessary. You'll also need to apply any topic ointments as directed.
Light Activity Only
Until you're fully healed, you'll need to reduce your activity to light. This prevents you from injuring the area or damaging it as you're performing any moderate to strenuous physical activity.
Our Peoria, AZ, doctor will let you know when it's safe for you to resume your normal daily activities, like exercise. Usually, this takes about two weeks, to give you an idea.
How the Area Will Look
You'll notice that the area where the surgeon removed the skin cancer may be red or sore. You may notice some drainage.
New skin cells will start to form, and where the removal was will gradually shrink in size until it heals as close to fully as possible.
Signs of Infection
With proper care and the skill of our surgeon, the chances of infection are low but still there. Therefore, watch for signs of infection after your procedure. Some of them include:
- Increasing pain
- Pus
- Cloudy discharge
- Enlarge lymph nodes near the surgical site
Stitches
If you had regular stitches, you'll need to return for another appointment after your surgery to have them removed. With dissolvable, this isn't necessary. Keep in mind that some patients get multiple layers of stitches that may include both types. Therefore, make sure you know what kind of stitches you had.
Nutrition
After you get skin cancer surgery, you need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to optimize healing. For instance, your body needs enough vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
At Advanced Desert Dermatology, Dr. Mackey gives people in Peoria, AZ, and the general vicinity, a few options for skin removal. Though every skin cancer case is different and how to care for the site, these are some basics to help you prepare and reduce your nerves in the process.
Book an appointment by dialing (623) 977-6700 today. We'll plan and execute the right treatment for you.