Mohs Reference

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO PRIOR TO SURGERY?

Please fill out and bring to your appointment the medical information sheet you will be given. You should not take any aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatories for 7 days prior to surgery and for 3 days after surgery (see enclosed aspirin medication sheet). You should obtain the approval of your internist or Primary Care Physician prior to discontinuing these or any medications. You should not smoke for 7 days prior to and after surgery. You should not have any alcohol 3 days prior to or after surgery. You should continue all other medications and eat a regular meal prior to surgery.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT THE DAY OF SURGERY?

You should be prepared to spend the day with us though you may go home sooner. Each round of surgery takes approximately 30 minutes. Preparation and examination of the tissue takes approximately 1 hour; during which you will have a dressing on and you will be waiting in the waiting room. Ninety percent of the patients have all of the tumor removed within 3 rounds or less of Mohs surgery. After the tumor has been removed the reconstructive options will be presented to you. Most reconstructive procedures can be performed in the office during the same session. You should have someone drive you to and from the office or accompany you for the day. You may want to bring a book or other reading materials with you. There is a television with a VCR if you would like to bring a video. There is also a café downstairs or you may bring your lunch.

WILL I HAVE MUCH DISCOMFORT DURING OR AFTER SURGERY?

Local anesthetic will be administered at the time of surgery in which there is generally a minimal or no discomfort. After surgery you may have some discomfort. You can take plain Tylenol or receive a prescription of Tylenol with codeine. Depending on the location of your surgery, you may have swelling and bruising after surgery. You should not take an aspirin or nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory for at least 3 days after surgery.

WHEN WILL I NEED TO RETURN?

Usual initial follow up is in 5 days for suture removal. Further checks are generally at 2 and 4 weeks. Once your condition is stabilized you will return to your doctor for further routine follow ups.

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