“How to prepare for Mohs surgery?”

It is important that you talk to your surgeon regarding if there are any medications he or she wants you to stop and how long prior to the surgery. I think mentally preparing for the chance that you May be there all day and will have to take it easy afterwards for a bit. Each surgery is different and can range from minor to extensive so preparing for that based off of your personal set of circumstances may also be a good idea as well.

Gina M. Caputo, D.O.

Shower well the night before surgery. Have a light breakfast the day of surgery. Take your normal dose of medicine that you would regularly take in the morning. I would consider re-washing the area of surgery with soap and water (usually the face but any area) and relax!! The surgical area will be anesthetized and you should have little or no pain. The Dr. may prescribe pain pills afterward if necessary, but I have frequently used a small icepack or a few cubes in a plastic bag directly on the surgical area if painful. Realize that this is the very best of surgical procedures to ensure complete removal of the cancer.

Your doctor should let you know if they want you to stop any blood thinners, vitamins, or aspirin. Prepare to be there for the fill day.

Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD, FAAD