Mohs Surgery

Before Your Mohs Surgery

Preparation ensures a smooth surgical experience:

1 Week Before Surgery:

• • Review your medications with your provider. You may need to temporarily discontinue blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, clopidogrel, etc.), but ONLY do so if instructed by your physician.
• • Discontinue herbal supplements that may increase bleeding: vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, ginseng.
• • If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or prosthetic joint, notify our office.
• • Arrange for a driver if you are having surgery near the eye or on a large area.

Day Before Surgery:

• • Shower and wash your hair (you may not be able to get the area wet for several days after).
• • Get a good night's sleep.

Day of Surgery:

• • Eat a normal breakfast or lunch (do not fast unless specifically instructed).
• • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid turtlenecks or clothing that must be pulled over your head if surgery is on the face or head.
• • Leave valuables at home.
• • Bring reading material, a phone charger, snacks, and water (surgery may take several hours).
• • Do not wear makeup, lotions, or hair products on or near the surgical site.
• • Take your regular medications with water unless instructed otherwise.
• • Bring a list of all current medications.

Important: Plan for the entire day. Mohs surgery is performed in stages, and the total time required cannot be predicted in advance. Most patients are at our office for 2-4 hours, but complex cases may take longer.