After determining that Mohs surgery is the best method of skin cancer removal for you and your procedure has been scheduled, you may be wondering what you will need to do to prepare. Dr. Weyer’s team of medical assistant will give you a thorough list of things you will need to know, but the following is a brief list that you may find helpful as you move towards your surgery.
Things To Know
It is important that patients share a list of all the medications they take, both prescribed and over-the-counter. Dr. Weyer’s team will explain if any need to be discontinued prior to surgery. For example, any prescribed blood thinning medications and over-the-counter medications containing ibuprofen or naproxen will need to be discontinued 7 days before surgery.
Patients will also need to inform the doctor about any artificial joints so that preventative antibiotics may be prescribed before the surgery.
The Week of Mohs Surgery
During the week before Mohs surgery, patients will need to do several things:
- Clear your schedule for the day of surgery. Since one layer of tissue is removed and examined at a time until all the cancer cells have been removed, patients will need to allow ample time in their day to complete the treatment.
- Find a companion. It is recommended that patients find a companion to accompany them to the procedure. This person can drive you to and from the appointment as well as help you pass the time between phases of the surgery while the doctor is examining the tissue for cancer cells.
- Stop using ibuprofen and naproxen seven days before surgery.
- Stop drinking alcohol 3 days before surgery as alcohol increases bleeding risk.
The Day of Mohs Surgery
On the day of surgery, patients will need to do the following:
- Eat a good breakfast, unless you are specifically told not to do so. The procedure takes time as each layer of tissue is removed and examined, so eating breakfast will help you avoid becoming uncomfortably hungry.
- Take all medications that you have been prescribed unless you are specifically told not to.
- Bring snacks and items to help you pass the time. Many patients bring books, electronic tablets, mp3 players with earphones, or surf the internet on their phones.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You will want to wear loose fitting clothing, especially if the area that you are having treated is in a place that is covered by clothing. This will help you avoid excessive rubbing near the treatment site. You will also want to be comfortable during your time in the office having the procedure performed.
- Plan to relax at home after the Mohs surgery. The doctor will provide you with a list of all of your post-operative directives, including when you can return to work, exercise and other daily routines. It is best to plan to relax at home immediately following your surgery.
These are just some of the things that you will need to do to prepare for your Mohs surgery. Dr. Weyer will give you a complete list to prepare for your specific treatment and will be able to answer all of your other questions.
Take The Next Step
It is important to schedule a consultation so that you can begin your journey to healthy skin. Dr. Christopher Weyer of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon. He would love to have you schedule a consultation with him regarding whether or not Mohs surgery is right for you.
You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Weyer by calling his Tucson office at 520-207-3100 or his Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. You may also schedule an appointment by completing the form on this page. His offices are conveniently located at 698 East Wetmore, Suite #310 in Tucson, Arizona and 150 South Coronado Drive Suite #110 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.