Exercising After Mohs Surgery: What You Need to Know

Mohs surgery is a relatively common procedure used to treat various skin cancers. Depending on the type of cancer and its location, Mohs surgery can involve removing a small area of skin or even an entire organ.

Following the surgery, patients need to give their bodies time to heal properly to reduce the risk of infection or other complications.

While it may be tempting to get back into your regular exercise routine right away, there are some things you should consider before doing so.

When Can I Exercise After Mohs Surgery?

The time it takes for you to recover depends on the size and depth of the wound, as well as other factors such as age and overall health.

Recovery can take anywhere from 5 days to several weeks or even months. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a more specific timeframe based on your case.

What Kind of Exercise Should I Do After Mohs Surgery?

Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead, it is important to start slowly when getting back into exercising after Mohs surgery.

Start with light activities such as walking or stretching and gradually increase intensity over time. 

Avoid any exercises involving contact with the skin (like running) until your doctor has said it is safe for you to do so.

It is important to avoid activities requiring extreme flexibility or range of motion to prevent further injury or pain in the affected area.

Specific Types of Exercise

The best exercises after your procedure are low-impact activities that don’t put too much strain on the affected area.

Walking, swimming, yoga, and stretching are excellent ways to get back into shape while ensuring that you don’t overexert yourself.

These activities help improve blood circulation and increase flexibility without putting too much stress on the wound site.

Pain Management

Following Mohs surgery, it's important to pay attention to how your body feels while exercising and adjust accordingly.

Applying ice packs during recovery may be helpful, and using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen if needed. 

At any point you experience unusual or severe pain, stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor.

How Long Until I Can Resume Normal Exercise Routines?

The healing process after Mohs surgery usually takes six weeks. You can start jogging or weightlifting again when your doctor says it's safe. It’s important to take things slowly at first and listen to your body.

Some patients may require over six weeks to recover, so you should consult your doctor before returning to your routine or exercising too hard.

Conclusion

Resuming physical activity after Mohs surgery is not a one-size-fits-all process, but some general guidelines can help ensure a successful recovery.

The recovery plan following Mohs surgery will vary depending on the patient, so speak with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.Your next steps are important, and at Dermatology & Skin Health, we’re here to help you through them. We want to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your journey.