Essential Tips for A Smooth Mohs Surgery Recovery
Mohs surgery is a precise skin cancer treatment designed to remove cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. At Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, Board-Certified and Cosmetic-Fellowship trained dermatologists focus on comfort, safety, and clear communication from consultation through follow-up. Before starting Mohs surgery, the Los Angeles practice recommends that patients first have a consultation to confirm candidacy, review medical history and medications, and discuss expectations for skin cancer removal, reconstruction, and recovery.
For nearly a decade, Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills has provided comprehensive skin cancer treatment to patients across Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills and surrounding communities. The practice is known for delivering advanced medical care with a personalized approach tailored to each patient’s needs.
The physicians at the practice are board-certified in dermatology and have completed fellowship training in both cosmetic dermatology and dermatologic (Mohs) surgery. Their extensive training allows them to perform highly precise procedures while prioritizing both medical effectiveness and aesthetic outcomes.
[[MORE]]Who Performs Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Why Training Matters
A Mohs physician, such as Skin Care and Laser Physicians’ Dr. Naissan Wesley and Dr. Cory Kosche, is specially trained in dermatologic surgery, pathology, and reconstruction—uniquely qualified to map and examine 100% of the surgical margin during the procedure. The team at Skin Care and Laser Center of Beverly Hills includes Board-Certified and Cosmetic Fellowship-Trained Dermatologists with advanced training in Mohs micrographic surgery. Their surgeons have completed rigorous, American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS)-approved fellowship training and additional hands-on experience at nationally recognized programs, ensuring proficiency in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, complex repairs, skin grafts, and skin flaps.
Dr. Wesley completed a post-doctoral fellowship approved by the American College of Mohs Surgery, with advanced training in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, including grafts and flaps.
Dr. Kosche completed a Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. A fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, he specializes in skin cancer removal, reconstruction, and cosmetic outcomes.
This integrated expertise supports both effective cancer clearance and natural-looking reconstructive outcomes.
Day-Of and First 48 Hours: Rest, Elevation, And Dressing Care
During the first forty-eight hours of recovery, the Skin Care and Laser Physicians team recommends the following:
• Rest the day of surgery and keep the wound elevated (for facial sites, sleep with the head elevated on extra pillows). Elevation helps minimize throbbing and swelling after Mohs surgery.
• Keep the pressure dressing clean and dry as instructed. Do not remove it early unless directed. A small amount of spotting is common; steady, firm pressure for 20 minutes can help in the event of oozing.
• Use cold compresses intermittently (10–15 minutes on, 10–15 minutes off) to reduce swelling—avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
• Take prescribed or approved over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Many patients do well with acetaminophen; avoid medicines and supplements that increase bleeding risk unless the physician says otherwise.
Wound Care, Grafts/Flaps, And Scar Optimization
• Cleanse the site as directed—often with gentle soap and water starting 24–48 hours after surgery. Pat dry.
• Keep the site moist with plain petrolatum unless otherwise directed; reapply as needed to prevent scabbing and support healing.
• If Steri‑Strips are used, let them fall off naturally.
• For skin grafts or flaps placed after Mohs surgery for skin cancer, protect the area from pressure and friction. Follow specific taping, bolster, or dressing instructions carefully.
• Avoid smoking and nicotine, which can impair blood flow and slow healing.
• After the wound has sealed (usually after suture removal), ask about silicone gel/sheets and gentle scar massage. These measures, plus strict sun protection, can improve scar maturation over time.
• Expect the scar to evolve over several months; initial pinkness and firmness typically soften and fade.
Follow-Up, Sun Protection, And Long-Term Skin Cancer Care
Ongoing care
• Attend all follow-up appointments for wound checks and suture removal. With Mohs micrographic surgery, margin analysis is performed during the procedure, which helps confirm complete skin cancer removal before reconstruction.
• Practice daily sun protection: broad-spectrum SPF 30+, protective clothing, hats, and shade-seeking habits. UV precautions support scar quality and reduce future skin cancer risk.
• Perform monthly self‑skin exams and schedule regular dermatologist visits (often every 6–12 months, or as advised) for ongoing skin cancer diagnosis and treatment surveillance.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoidance of tanning beds and nicotine.
Would you like more information about Mohs surgery in the Los Angeles area with the physician-only team at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills? Explore different types of skin cancer treatments and find out what they involve. Call 310.246.0495 or submit a contact form to request a consultation. Each procedure is performed personally by one of their Board-Certified physicians to ensure a high level of expertise, precision, and individualized patient care.













