Wound care after skin cancer removal: Tips for a smooth recovery

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, making it imperative for patients to not only be proactive in skin cancer prevention but also in their post-surgery care. Skin cancer removal requires diligent wound care to ensure optimal healing and to prevent complications.

Post-surgical care

Our top priority is to support you through your recovery after surgery. Dr Mark Lee will guide you on the best practices for wound care to ensure optimal healing. After the skin cancer has been removed, it is crucial to maintain a strict routine of keeping the wound clean. Dr Mark Lee or one of our nurses will provide detailed instructions on how long to keep the bandage on and any additional care needed. During the recovery period, we strongly advise limiting physical activities to prevent the wound from stretching or reopening.

Once you have been instructed that you can remove the bandage, there are a few key steps we recommend in order to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. To begin, gently wash your wound with mild soap and water, making sure to pat dry before applying petroleum jelly, which provides a barrier to protect from infection. Once it has been applied, we recommend covering the wound with a bandage to protect it from external exposure.

Your wound will begin to heal and scab, which is a sign of healthy healing. Avoid picking at the scab, as this can increase the risk of developing a larger scar from the procedure. As it continues to heal, you may choose to remove the bandage; however, be careful when exposing the wound to sunlight, as sunburn will increase the chance of abnormalities occurring.

Minimising the scar

Once your wound has fully healed and is strong, you can start caring for your scar. Initially, the scar may appear red and raised due to the natural healing process. However, over time, it will begin to fade and flatten, blending more seamlessly with your skin. To help minimise the appearance of the scar, we recommend using the following two products:

Silicone gel

Silicone gel forms a protective barrier over the scar, helping to retain skin moisture and reduce itching, which can aggravate scarring. It also minimises redness and discolouration by calming inflammation and regulating collagen production, promoting an even distribution across the scar. For optimal results, we recommend applying silicone gel twice daily.

Tape

Taping your scar helps reduce the overproduction of collagen by applying gentle pressure, encouraging a more even distribution of collagen and reducing the likelihood of keloids by flattening the scar over time. The tape also acts as a physical barrier, protecting the scar from external elements such as the sun. Shielding the scar from UV exposure decreases the risk of thickening or darkening.

If you have any concerns about your wound healing, please contact Dr Mark Lee today.

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant personal decision. Please remember that all surgical or invasive procedures carry risks.