How Long Does Skin Cancer Surgery Take to Work for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

The surgeon removes the tumour and a surrounding margin chosen for its site, size, and features. Depending on the wound, closure may use stitches, a flap, a graft, or guided healing. The tissue is assessed in a laboratory to check the edges. Clear edges can mean the planned removal is complete, while involved edges may lead to discussion of additional treatment. Tenderness and swelling often ease first; scar colour, firmness, and sensitivity can take longer to settle.

Keep the dressing in place for the advised period and wash the area only as directed. Do not pick a scab or apply household remedies. Avoid movements that pull on the wound, keep follow-up appointments, and take prescribed medicines exactly as instructed. Once the wound has closed and your clinician approves, shade and sunscreen can help reduce darkening of the scar.

Call the clinic for persistent bleeding, worsening pain, increasing redness or warmth, pus, fever, wound edges opening, or a dressing that becomes soaked. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, marked swelling, or faintness. A sore that does not heal, a new thickened area, or a growing lump around the scar should be examined rather than watched at home.

Ask when the pathology report will be available, whether the margins are clear, how to change the dressing, when stitches come out, and which exercise or work activities to pause. Ask how often the treated area and nearby skin should be checked.