Bleeding and infection rates are approximately 1%. Post-operative bleeding is most likely within the first two days following surgery. Dressings, posture, and activity restrictions minimize bleeding risk. Infection most commonly arises 5-7 days following surgery. New-onset progressive pain and swelling are typical features an infection. All patients are provided the direct personal cell phone numbers of the operating Mohs surgeon to maximize accessibility.
While most reconstructions ultimately mature and remodel to become inconspicuous, there is no surgery method that is scar-free. Immature reconstructions (months 1-3) are typically obvious, with firm underlying tissue and redness. Reconstructions can take 18 months of progressive improvement to fully mature. Minor scar revisions, such as dermabrasion, may be offered at no procedural costs to the patient.
Tumor recurrence rates for primary (never been treated) and recurrent cancers are 1% and 5%, respectively. Metastasis is recurrence of cancer not at the original surgical site, but within regional skin, lymph nodes, and distant locations. Metastatic risk is independent of local surgery-site control and is related to the characteristics of the original cancer. Basal cancer has extremely remote metastatic risk as do the majority of small, superficial squamous cell carcinomas. Patients with cancers having metastatic risk factors may be referred to other medical specialists for adjuvant treatment or synchronous post-operative monitoring.
