MOHS surgery

Medications:

1. Most people should stop all aspirin, aspirin-containing medications (Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, etc), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Naproxyn, Clinoril, etc) for 14 days prior to your scheduled surgery. You may take Tylenol for pain, VERY IMPORTANT: if you take aspirin because you have had a stroke or heart attack, please continue your aspirin.
2. If you are on special blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Heparin, or Dipyridamole, please contact your primary care doctor to see if you can discontinue these medications. If you have had a stroke, heart attack, or have an irregular heartbeat, your doctor will probably want you to continue your medication; we can still do your surgery. You just may have more bruising.
3. If you usually require antibiotics prior to dental work, please let the office know at least 24 hours prior to your surgery. Medical conditions which sometimes require preoperative antibiotics include artificial heart valves, heart murmurs, artificial joints, and related problems. We will give you different medication than the dentist, so please contact us for the correct antibiotic.

Transportation:

1. We do not administer sedatives or IV anesthesia in the office, so your ability to drive should not be impaired unless, of course, your eye has to be bandaged or if you have surgery on your foot or hand. If in doubt, please call the office. It is often reassuring and comforting to have a companion with you. He or she is quite welcome to wait in the office during the surgery. Please note that for safety reasons, only the patient is allowed in the surgery room. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in advance by the doctor. Thank you for your cooperation.

Appointment time:

If you need to cancel your appointment please give 48 hours’ notice .

What to expect:

1. You must plan to spend the entire day with us! Most of the day will be spent waiting, so bring some things to read, or other activities. You may want to bring a snack or lunch, although you will have time to go and get some lunch during the day.
2. We will explain the surgery and you will have the opportunity to have all of your questions answered.
3. We administer an injection of local anesthetic, usually with lidocaine (Xylocaine) and a tiny amount of epinephrine to help make the anesthetic last longer. If you are allergic to lidocaine or epinephrine, please let us know. The only discomfort you should feel during the entire procedure will be the administration of the local anesthetic, which is very brief. Your skin will be completely numb to pain but you will be able to feel light touch or pressure.
4. The surgical procedure should be painless. The anesthetic usually lasts for about 2 hours and we give you more medication as needed. Rarely do patients require pain medications after skin surgery. Should you experience pain after the surgery, plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually adequate. Stronger pain medications will be prescribed if necessary.
5. Wound care instructions will be given to you at the time of surgery. In general, wounds must remain bandaged and dry for 48 hours after surgery, so please plan accordingly. You will need a supply of hydrogen peroxide, sterile gauze, and a non-prescription ointment such as Aquaphor/Vaseline. (NO NEOSPORIN, NO POLYSPORIN).
6. Follow-up appointments for wound checks and suture removal vary considerably but usually occur one or two weeks after the surgery. If you will be traveling out of the area the week or two after your surgery, please let me know.
7. Take it easy for 2 days after surgery. Do not plan any vigorous physical activities or major social engagements. If surgery is around your mouth area, you may need to eat soft foods, such as soup, milkshakes, yogurt, etc. for 24 hours.

If you have any questions regarding the above material or about your surgery please call us.