Mohs Micrographic Surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves several steps:
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Before Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Before scheduling surgery, you may have a preoperative visit. This visit gives you the opportunity to meet your doctor and the medical staff, and learn more about Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Your Doctor will examine your skin cancer, obtain your medical history, and determine the most appropriate way to treat your skin cancer.
During the preoperative visit, your doctor will discuss reconstructive options that may be appropriate for you. Often, the best reconstructive method can only be determined at the actual time of your surgery. It can be difficult to fully determine the tumor size and extent of damage until it has been analyzed under the microscope on the day of the surgery.
We want you to be as comfortable, relaxed, and informed as possible. Therefore, we recommend you do the following:
- Read the handouts you have been given
- Ask any questions you may have
- Take your usual medications unless directed otherwise
- Take any new medications prescribed for you
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to surgery
- Continue to refrain from alcoholic beverages for 48 hours following the procedure
- Shampoo your hair the night before surgery. Your wound and initial dressing have to remain dry for at least 24 hours after surgery
- Be well rested by getting a good night's sleep
- Eat a good breakfast
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid any "pullover" clothing
- Plan on spending 2-3hrs.in our office for the procedure. However, the actual duration varies depending on the size and location of the skin cancer and the type of reconstruction
- Consider bringing someone to drive you home
- Because we have limited space in our waiting room, please bring only one person
Please advise us as soon as possible if you must cancel or change your appointment so we may accommodate another patient.