POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING EXCISION OF LESIONS

This information will help minimise unnecessary swelling, discomfort, bleeding and aid the healing process with minimal scarring

1. Your dressings over the surgical site must be kept dry and in place.
2. If your dressings become dislodged, within the first day, please ring the centre for advice. Please avoid taking the dressing off.  If the dressing is clear plastic “Tegaderm” which is waterproof, you may have a quick shower and pat the area dry.
3. Avoid strenuous activity, straining or lifting.  Please rest the area as much as possible to avoid excessive bleeding. If medically possible avoid blood thinning medications containing Aspirin or Vitamin E. Use Panadol or prescribed pain relief medication as necessary. You may also be given Antibiotics.
4. Please avoid smoking for 30 days as this interferes with healing.

For the first two weeks to reduce swelling and discomfort keep the surgical area elevated as follows:

For head and neck surgery:
Use two or three pillows to support your head and shoulders when resting or sleeping.  Keep your head up when putting on shoes.

For leg surgery with a skin graft:
Rest with the leg elevated higher than hips until your first post op visit.  Get up to go to the toilet only. Please avoid getting the dressing graft and donor site wet.

For leg surgery without skin graft:
Rest with leg elevated higher than hips for the first 48hrs, then elevate leg as much as possible for the next week and avoid standing for long periods.

For hand surgery:
Keep hand elevated at all times. Use a sling during the day and elevated on a pillow out of sling when sleeping.  For showering cover the hand with a plastic bag and seal well with tape to ensure no water gets inside.

Skin Cancer Surgery Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery after skin cancer surgery depends on the size and location of the lesion and the type of reconstruction performed.

A small skin lesion removed and closed directly may heal relatively quickly, while a larger facial defect reconstructed with a flap or skin graft requires more extensive aftercare.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for your procedure.

Wound Care

Keep the surgical area protected according to your postoperative instructions.

Do not remove dressings or apply creams unless advised to do so.

The current practice provides procedure-specific postoperative instructions and emphasises appropriate wound care and monitoring.

Skin Graft Recovery

Skin grafts require particularly careful early care because the graft needs to establish a blood supply from the underlying wound bed.

The existing skin cancer information describes the use of a bolster dressing to immobilise a graft while it heals.

Your surgical team will explain when the dressing should be changed or removed.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling is common following surgery, particularly when the operation involves the face.

The amount varies according to the procedure.

Keeping the head elevated may be recommended after some facial procedures.

Scar Healing

Any surgical removal of skin cancer can result in a scar.

Scars typically change considerably during the first year.

The final appearance depends on:

Size of the wound
Location
Reconstruction
Skin characteristics
Healing
Individual scar tendency

Sun Protection

Protecting the healing area from excessive sun exposure is important.

Once your wound has healed sufficiently, your surgeon can advise you about appropriate scar and sun protection.

Warning Signs

Contact your surgical team if you develop:

Increasing redness
Increasing pain
Persistent bleeding
Wound separation
Pus or unusual discharge
Fever
Rapid swelling
Other significant concerns

FAQs
How long does skin cancer surgery take to heal?

Healing varies significantly according to the procedure and reconstruction.

Will I have a scar?

Yes. Surgical skin cancer treatment necessarily produces some degree of scarring.

How long does a skin graft take to heal?

Healing depends on the graft and donor site. Your surgeon will provide individual instructions.

Can I exercise after skin cancer surgery?

Activity restrictions depend on the location and extent of surgery.

When should I contact my surgeon?

Contact your surgical team if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge or wound separation.