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Thank you for scheduling your Mohs micrographic surgery with us. Please review the following
instructions carefully to help ensure your procedure and recovery go smoothly.
Before Your Surgery
Medications
• Continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
• If you take prescription blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Coumadin/warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto), do not stop them without clearance from the prescribing doctor. Most of our patients remain on their blood thinning medications.
• Avoid over-the-counter supplements that increase bleeding risk (such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, or turmeric) for 10 days prior, if approved by your physician. This includes 81mg Aspirin that you take for prophylactic purposes.
Alcohol & Smoking
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before surgery and minimize smoking, as both can delay healing.
Illness
Please notify our office if you develop a cold, cough, fever, or other illness before your surgery.
Transportation
The procedure can take several hours (often more than 3 hours). Arrange for a ride home if your surgical site is near the eyes.
Day Of Surgery
• Eat a normal breakfast and take all usual morning medications (unless told otherwise).
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. If your surgical site is on your face, wear a shirt that buttons or zips in the front.
• Do not wear makeup, lotions, or sunscreen near the surgical area.
• Bring something to read or do — plan to be in the office for most of the morning or afternoon, as we process tissue between stages.
What To Expect
• The area will be numbed with local anesthesia.
• The surgeon will remove a small layer of tissue, which is processed and examined same day under the microscope.
• If cancer remains, additional layers are taken until clear margins are confirmed.
• Bring something to read or do — plan to be in the office for most of the morning or afternoon, as we process tissue between stages..
After Surgery
• You’ll receive detailed written wound care instructions before you leave.
• Expect some swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort for several days. We recommend having Tylenol and Ibuprofen and reusable gel ice packs available at home for the post-operative period.
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for up to a week after surgery.
• Keep your dressing clean, dry, and intact until your follow-up visit or as directed.