Mohs micrographic surgery: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding that will not stop, fainting, severe trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your healthcare team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pain; pus-like drainage; fever; wound edges opening; or a graft or flap becoming dark, pale or unusually cold.

   Contact the team urgently if bleeding continues despite firm, uninterrupted pressure for the recommended time.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Questions about dressings, stitches, expected bruising or routine wound checks can usually wait for normal clinic hours unless symptoms are worsening.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mohs micrographic surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.