If you have questions or concerns about your diagnosis or the procedure, please call us in advance of your appointment to discuss.
- Please eat before surgery (unless you are scheduled to go to the operating room and have been told otherwise)
- If you are prescribed daily medication, please TAKE them before your surgery unless otherwise instructed. It is not necessary to fast unless you have a closure/repair scheduled for that day which you will be otherwise instructed
- Arrive for your surgery 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time for paperwork and to use the bathroom
- Please note that it is strongly recommended to have someone drive you to and from your procedure, especially if the location of the lesion is near the eye and/or if you receive certain medications
- There will be a wait as your tissue is prepared for microscopic examination, typically 60 to 90 minutes for each Mohs stage. Depending on your tumor, there may be several excisions and microscopic exams performed in one day with waiting periods. The average number of surgical stages for most skin cancers is two to three. Please feel free to bring books, electronic devices, or other things to help pass the time. We have Wi-Fi in the building. While you are waiting, you may be able to go for some refreshments or walk around a bit (unless you are told otherwise by the doctor or clinical staff). Please leave a good contact number for the day of surgery so that we may call you when your results are ready in the event that you are not in the waiting area.
- DO NOT take over the counter NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc.), Multi vitamin, fish oil, herbal medications, vitamin E, or other blood thinners for 7 to 10 days before your surgery. If your doctor prescribed aspirin or another blood thinner (eg: for a heart condition), please continue taking this medication.
- If you normally take Coumadin, Plavix, other blood thinners, let us know at the time you schedule. A recent INR level may be required. PLEASE DO NOT STOP THESE MEDICATIONS.
- You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) for pain or inflammation.