Comprehensive Pre-Mohs Surgery Guidelines: Essential Preparation for Your Procedure

Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Successful Skin Cancer Treatment

Pre-Mohs surgery instructions are designed to help you prepare properly for a successful procedure and optimal healing. Your dermatologist will provide personalized guidelines about medications, eating, and what to bring on surgery day.

Preparing for Mohs surgery can feel overwhelming, but with proper guidance, you can ensure the best possible experience and outcome. 

At Dermatology and Skin Health, our team led by Dr. Gary Mendese is committed to guiding you through every step of this highly effective skin cancer treatment procedure. 

Following these pre-surgery instructions will help minimize complications and promote optimal healing.

Schedule your pre-surgery consultation today to discuss your personalized Mohs surgery plan.

Understanding Your Mohs Surgery: What to Expect

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized, precise surgical technique used to treat certain skin cancers. Unlike standard procedures, Mohs involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin one at a time, with each layer examined under a microscope immediately after removal. This meticulous approach ensures all cancer cells are eliminated while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

The procedure is particularly effective for treating basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face or in locations where skin cancer has recurred.

What Happens on Surgery Day?

On the day of your procedure, you'll check in and be brought to a treatment room where your surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue will be removed. This tissue is processed and examined while you wait, typically for 45-60 minutes.

If cancer cells remain, additional layers will be removed from specific areas where cancer is still present. This process continues until all cancer cells have been removed. Depending on how many layers need examination, your Mohs surgery may take several hours, so plan to spend most of the day at our facility.

Why Does Pre-Surgery Preparation Matter?

Proper preparation before Mohs surgery is crucial for several reasons:

• It minimizes the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding during and after the procedure
• It ensures the most accurate examination of tissue samples
• It promotes optimal healing once the surgery is complete
• It reduces anxiety by helping you feel confident and prepared

Essential Pre-Mohs Surgery Instructions: Your Patient Checklist

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of a successful Mohs surgery experience. The following comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to know and do before your procedure to ensure the best possible outcome and recovery.

Consult with our specialists at least two weeks before your surgery to receive personalized pre-surgery guidance tailored to your specific health needs.

1. What Medications Should You Temporarily Discontinue?

Blood-Thinning Medications:

• Aspirin and aspirin-containing products (7-10 days before surgery)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) (7 days before surgery)
• If you take prescribed blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or similar medications, do not stop these without explicit instructions from both your dermatologist and the prescribing physician. Our team will coordinate with your other doctors to create a safe plan.

Supplements and Natural Remedies:

• Vitamin E supplements (7 days before)
• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements (7 days before)
• Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, and St. John's Wort (7 days before)

2. Which Medications Should You Continue Taking?

• Blood pressure medications
• Heart medications
• Seizure medications
• Psychiatric medications
• Thyroid medications
• Most other prescription medications

For diabetic patients, continue taking insulin or oral medications, but you may need to adjust dosing if you'll be fasting. Discuss this with your primary care physician and our team.

3. Nutrition Guidelines: Food and Drink Recommendations

Eating Before Your Procedure

Unlike major surgeries requiring general anesthesia, you typically don't need to fast before Mohs surgery. We recommend eating a normal, light breakfast on the morning of your procedure to help maintain your energy throughout what might be a long day.

Alcohol Restrictions

Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours before your surgery. Alcohol can increase bleeding during the procedure and may interact with medications used during your treatment.

Smoking Considerations

If you smoke, try to stop or significantly reduce smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. Smoking restricts blood flow and oxygen to your skin, which can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery.

4. How Should You Prepare Your Personal Care and Hygiene?

What to Wear on Surgery Day

Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that:

• Is easy to put on and remove
• Won't put pressure on your surgical site
• Allows for bandages and dressings
• Accounts for the location of your surgery (button-down shirts are ideal for head, neck, or upper body procedures)

If your surgery is on your face, avoid wearing earrings, necklaces, or other jewelry that might interfere with the surgical area.

Skin Care Before Surgery

On the day of your surgery:

• Take a shower or bath to ensure the area is clean
• Do not apply makeup, moisturizers, sunscreen, or other products to the surgical area
• Leave the surgical site and surrounding area completely natural
• You may continue your normal skin care routine for areas away from the surgical site

5. What Logistics and Practical Considerations Should You Keep in Mind?

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Pack a small bag with:

• Photo ID and insurance card
• Complete list of current medications
• Snacks and water (our procedures can take several hours)
• Reading materials, fully charged electronic devices, or other quiet activities
• A light jacket or sweater (our surgical rooms are kept cool)
• Any medications you need to take during the day

Transportation Arrangements

We strongly recommend arranging for someone to drive you home after your Mohs surgery, especially if:

• Your surgery is near your eye or affects your vision
• The procedure is on your hand, arm, or foot
• You expect to receive any medication that might cause drowsiness
• Your surgery will be extensive or require reconstruction

Final Appointment Confirmation

Contact our office at Dermatology and Skin Health if:

• You have any last-minute questions about your preparation
• You need to update your medical history or medication list
• You develop any new symptoms like a fever or illness before surgery
• You need to reschedule for any reason

What to Expect After Your Mohs Surgery

While detailed post-operative instructions will be provided after your procedure, here's a brief overview of what to expect:

• You'll leave with a bandage covering your surgical site
• Some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal
• You'll receive specific wound care instructions based on your particular surgery
• Most patients can resume light activities the next day, with certain restrictions
• Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed for suture removal or wound checks

Your Partner in Skin Cancer Care

At Dermatology and Skin Health, we understand that facing skin cancer surgery can be stressful. Following these pre-surgery guidelines will help ensure your Mohs procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Dr. Mendese and our entire team are committed to providing exceptional care throughout your treatment journey.

Remember that these instructions are general guidelines. Your specific preparation may vary based on your individual health needs and the location of your skin cancer. Always follow the personalized instructions provided by your dermatology team.

If you have questions about preparing for your upcoming Mohs surgery at any of our convenient locations throughout southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to support you every step of the way toward healthier skin and peace of mind.

Take the first step toward effective skin cancer treatment by requesting a consultation with Dr. Mendese at any of Dermatology and Skin Health's convenient locations throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts