Before Mohs Surgery
Preparing for Mohs Surgery: What You Need to Know
A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but choosing Mohs micrographic surgery is a significant step toward restoring your health. This precise, effective procedure offers the highest cure rate for many types of skin cancer. Understanding what to do before Mohs surgery is essential for a smooth and successful experience. As your dedicated dermatology team in Fort Collins, CO, we are committed to ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way. Our team at Divine Dermatology will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for your appointment, from dietary questions to medication adjustments. Our goal is tHo answer your questions and help you feel fully prepared for the day of your procedure and the healing process that follows.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique for removing skin cancer. It involves progressively removing thin layers of skin and examining them under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This method allows the surgeon to remove all the cancerous cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The meticulous, layer-by-layer approach results in a high cure rate and can minimize scarring, which is crucial when considering the before and after of Mohs surgery.
What to Do Before Mohs Surgery: Key Preparations
Proper preparation can significantly impact your comfort and the outcome of the procedure. We have compiled a list of important steps to take in the weeks and days leading up to your scheduled surgery. Following these guidelines can helps minimize risks and supports optimal healing:
Two Weeks Before Your Surgery
Your preparation begins about two weeks before your appointment. During this time, it’s important to review your current medications and supplements with our team.
- Avoid Certain Medications: Unless prescribed by a physician for a medical condition, you should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These over-the-counter pain relievers can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Pause Specific Supplements: Many common vitamins and herbal supplements can also have a blood-thinning effect. It is best to stop taking Vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng. If you are unsure about a supplement, please discuss it with us.
- Continue Prescribed Blood Thinners: If you take prescription blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix, Eliquis, or Xarelto, do not stop taking them unless specifically instructed by your prescribing doctor. We will take all necessary precautions during the surgery.
The 48 Hours Before Your Surgery
As your appointment gets closer, there are a few final but important things to keep in mind.
- Avoid Alcohol: Please refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours before your surgery. Alcohol can interfere with anesthesia and increase your risk of bleeding.
- Get a Good Night’s Rest: A restful night can help you feel more relaxed and prepared on the day of your procedure.
- Arrange for a Companion: While not always required, you may feel more comfortable having a friend or family member drive you to and from the appointment, especially if the surgical site is near your eyes. They can also provide support during the waiting periods.
On the Day of Your Mohs Surgery
You’ve reached the day of your procedure. Knowing what to expect can help ease any remaining nerves. Here is a checklist for the morning of your surgery:
- Can I eat before Mohs surgery? Yes. We encourage you to eat a normal, healthy breakfast. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so there is no medical reason to fast. Having a meal will help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.
- Take Your Daily Medications: Continue to take all your regularly prescribed medications as usual, with the exception of any you were specifically told to pause.
- Skip the Cosmetics: If your surgery is on your face or neck, please arrive with clean skin, free of any makeup, moisturizers, or lotions.
- Shower and Dress Comfortably: Please shower or bathe on the morning of your surgery to ensure the area is clean. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If the surgery is on your head or neck, avoid shirts that need to be pulled over your head. A button-up shirt is an excellent choice.
- Plan Your Day: Mohs surgery can take several hours. The process involves removing a layer of tissue and then waiting while it is analyzed in our lab. This cycle may repeat several times. Plan to be at our Fort Collins, CO, office for a significant part of the day. Bring a book, tablet, or another quiet activity to help pass the time.
What to Avoid Before Mohs Surgery
To summarize, here is a quick list of what to avoid before Mohs surgery:
- Don’t take non-prescribed blood-thinning medications or supplements for two weeks prior.
- Don’t consume alcohol for 48 hours before your appointment.
- Don’t apply makeup, lotions, or moisturizers to the surgical area on the day of the procedure.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your comfort and understanding are our top priorities.
After Your Surgery
Once the procedure is complete, we will provide you with detailed instructions for wound care. These instructions are vital for proper healing and achieving the best possible cosmetic outcome when looking at before and after Mohs surgery results. We will review how to change your bandage, clean the wound, and apply any recommended ointment. Most patients can return to their normal daily routines, but we advise avoiding strenuous exercise or activities that could stretch or impact the wound for about one to two weeks.
Your Partner in Skin Health
At our practice in Fort Collins, CO, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert dermatological care. From your initial consultation through your final follow-up, our team is here to support you. We understand that preparing for surgery can be stressful, but knowing what to expect can empower you to take an active role in your care.
Are you ready to take the next step or have more questions about Mohs surgery? Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. We are here to provide the guidance and care you deserve.