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Preparing for Mohs Surgery

Even though Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure, it still requires you to take certain precautions and steps to prepare. Following our guidelines – from two weeks before surgery to the day of – will help ensure the best outcome possible.

2 weeks before surgery

Smoking interferes with wound healing, so we ask smokers to refrain at least two weeks before surgery and two weeks after.

1 week before surgery

If not prescribed, please avoid certain drugs for at least one week before surgery and two days after due to the risk for excessive bleeding:

• Aspirin, or products that contain aspirin (e.g., Alka-Seltzer, Excedrin)

Extra-strength Tylenol, or its generic form, acetaminophen, are okay to take if needed (in fact it would be a good idea to have this available at home as this is what we usually recommend to help with post-surgery discomfort.)

Some herbal supplements can also increase the risk of bleeding or raise your blood pressure.Ìý We ask that one week before your surgery you stop taking:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil
• Saw Palmetto
• Other herbal supplements

48 hours before surgery

To protect against raised blood pressure and increased bleeding, we ask that you not drink alcohol at least 48 hours before and after your surgery.

Day of surgery

On the day of surgery, we strongly recommend that you:

• If your surgery site is located near the eye, we recommend bringing a relative or friend who can drive you home.Ìý There are times where surgery on or near the eye will require a driver, or may limit your options for reconstruction
• If you feel that you will request a medication that may help you relax for the surgery, we require that you bring a relative or friend who can drive you home
• Take a bath or shower, shampooing your hair and soaping the general surgical area to reduce the risk of infection
• Avoid makeup if the surgery is on your face
• Take all scheduled, prescribed medications (unless otherwise directed by our nurses) including blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol drugs (please bring a day's supply of each to your appointment if they will be needed)
• Eat a normal breakfast. If you typically do not eat in the early morning, we encourage you to eat a small snack or bring something to eat
• Wear warm, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Be prepared to spend at least 5-6 hours through the morning and afternoon, though the procedure length depends on the tumor's size, location and complexity.Ìý Please do not make any additional plans, like other meetings or appointments on the day of your surgery
• Most of the time will be spent waiting while we process and study your cancer under the microscope.Ìý Please bring snacks sand something to read to have while you are waiting
• Avoid strenuous exercise, sports, or work such as heavy lifting, bending or straining in the week following surgery
• Please ask us any questions you have about your surgery.Ìý We want you to be as comfortable and informed as possible.