If your dermatologist recently discovered a patch of skin cancer on your face and you need to have it surgically removed, then your doctor will likely remove it using a common procedure known as Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs is a special surgical technique that uses a microscope and microscopic tools to remove all of the cancer cells without removing any healthy cells. This type of surgery is ideal for skin cancer lesions on your face because it results in the least amount of scarring possible. However, since the cancerous cells are removed, there is still a possibility you may have some scar formation after the skin cancer treatment. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to lessen any scarring that may develop, including each of these tips.

Tip: Use the Scar Gel Exactly as Prescribed by Your Dermatologist

To lessen the formation of scar tissue, your facial surgical site needs to stay moist. If the area is left to dry in the air and forms a scab, then it will form a larger scar and take longer to heal. To keep the site moist under your bandage, your dermatologist will give you a prescription for a scar gel. The scar gel will likely be a medical grade vitamin E or silicon solution, and you should apply it to your surgical site as directed by your doctor. 

Tip: Wear Your Compression Bandages as Long as Your Dermatologist Instructed

Many times after you have Mohs surgery, your doctor will fit you with a specialized compression bandage. While you may prefer not to wear the bandage after you start to feel better, you must wear it as long as your dermatologist has instructed you to do so. The compression of the surgical site by the bandage will help it heal more cleanly and will decrease any scarring. If you remove the bandages too soon, then the site may spread and this will cause a larger scar to form.

Tip: Make It a Point to Attend All of Your Scheduled Follow-Up Appointments

Finally, it is very important that you attend your follow-up appointments with your dermatologist post-surgery. Your doctor needs to monitor your healing, and making it a point to go to your follow-ups ensures you get the best healing possible. This will also help lessen the scar formation on your face if your dermatologist is able to catch any minor infections or other post-surgical problems.