Skin Cancer FAQs

If you are having Mohs surgery or an excision, it is always beneficial to have the day of surgery and the day after surgery off if possible. The risk of bleeding after surgery is higher in the first 48 hours and it is recommended to take it easy. If you have a desk job or low-activity job, some people can return to work the day after surgery but you may have noticeable swelling or bruising if your surgery is on your face. You will also have a larger bandage for the first 48 hours. Depending on other factors such as the size of your cancer, taking blood thinners, or higher activity level jobs, we may recommend longer periods of time off of work.

After a biopsy, wound care typically consists of Vaseline and a bandaid for at least a week or until the site is healed. If you are having an Excision or Mohs, we will generally provide you with the materials you need to care for the wound immediately after surgery.

Mohs surgeons are specially trained in cancer removal and reconstruction following removal of the cancer. This usually involves sutures and can involve more complex reconstructions such as skin grafts or skin flaps. The majority of time this is performed by your Mohs surgeon the same day. Prior to being scheduled for surgery, your surgeon will determine if they think involving another specialist for closure (such as a Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic Surgeon) may be beneficial and will make that recommendation and coordinate that with a trusted colleague.  If it is your preference to have your closure performed by a Plastic Surgeon, please let our staff know prior to being scheduled for surgery and we would be happy to coordinate that.

Most patients can easily control post-operative pain with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen and ice. Your physician will determine if you may require prescription medications to control the pain.

A driver is usually recommended for any surgeries on the head or neck. You will have a large pressure bandage that can often obstruct your vision or the fit of your glasses. In the event that you had some bleeding on the way home, having someone else in the car with you is preferable.

GentleCure does not require cutting or surgical removal. It uses targeted radiation therapy to treat certain early-stage basal and squamous cell skin cancers.

Learn more about GentleCure →

Medicare and many private insurance plans cover GentleCure treatment. Coverage may vary based on your plan.

All sessions are performed in our office. No hospital visit is required.

GentleCure uses real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the tumor and adjust treatment throughout care.

We don’t require a referral to schedule an appointment—unless your insurance plan requires one. Most HMO plans do require a referral, and if yours does, it must come from the primary care physician listed on your insurance card. To avoid any delays in care, please have the correct PCP send the referral to us before your visit.

Mohs surgery typically takes 2–4 hours, though the exact time varies depending on how many stages are needed and the type of repair performed.

Patients should plan to be with us for most of the morning or afternoon, and occasionally up to 5–6 hours.

Most people feel “back to normal” after Mohs surgery in about 1–2 weeks, but it depends on the size/location and how it’s repaired.

1. First 48 hours: swelling, tightness, and bruising are most noticeable.

2. 1–2 weeks: the wound is usually sealed enough for most daily activities; Stitches usually come out in this window, though dissolving sutures are often possible.

3. 3–6+ weeks: the scar continues to soften and redness gradually fades.

4. Several months to a year: final scar maturation.

For planning: most patients take it easy for at least 48 hours, and we usually restrict heavy lifting/strenuous exercise for about 1–2 weeks (longer for larger repairs or higher-tension areas).

Gentlecure is mainly used for non-melanoma skin cancers, especially:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — typically in situ and many low-risk invasive SCCs

3. Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease)

It’s not typically used for:

1. Melanoma (or melanoma in situ)

2. Aggressive/high-risk SCC (poorly differentiated, perineural invasion, rapidly growing, deeply invasive)

Melanoma, aggressive tumors such as certain Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, locations that have been previously radiated, skin cancers directly over a pacemaker site. If you are interested in Gentle Cure, you will have a consultation with the Physician and Radiation Therapist. They will review any contraindications to radiation prior to proceeding.

At your first appointment, you’ll complete medical intake forms and sign our general consent paperwork, so please arrive 15 minutes early to allow enough time. Please also bring your ID and insurance cards. 

If you are coming in for surgery, your provider will review the treatment plan in detail, including the procedure, alternative treatment options, risks, benefits, and aftercare. If you’ve already had a biopsy and a photo of the area, many patients can be scheduled directly for surgery. If you have not had a biopsy or photo, you may be asked to come in for a consultation first so we can evaluate the spot and determine the best next steps. 

If you prefer an initial consultation regardless, please request that at the time of scheduling. 

If you’re interested in having Plastic Surgery involved for your reconstruction, please let us know at the time of scheduling so we can coordinate and plan in advance.

Annual skin cancer screenings are recommended for most adults. If you have a personal history of skin cancer, your provider may recommend more frequent visits such as 2-4 times a year, depending on your history. To schedule a screening or learn more about what to expect, visit our skin cancer dermatology services page.

Yes—we treat patients from outside of Bangor. We see patients from most areas of Maine, especially the northern half of the state and occasionally from Canada.