During a surgical excision for lower risk skin cancers, the affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic. The doctor then cuts the tumor out. The remaining skin will be stitched together, often leaving a scar the size of the incision.
About This Service
Preoperative Instructions for Mohs Micrographic Surgery or Excisional Surgery
Your surgery will be performed in our office on an outpatient basis.
Eat a light meal before coming in for surgery.
TAKE YOUR REGULAR MEDICINES on the morning of surgery, except as discussed above.
If not provided to us previously, please bring a list of all medicines that you are currently taking.
Avoid drinking alcohol for 2 – 3 days prior to surgery and for 2 days after surgery as this increases the chances of bleeding.
If you are diabetic, please bring a snack. If you have asthma, please bring your inhalers.
We use only local anesthesia, so you will not be put to sleep. A mild sedative (such as Valium) can be provided if desired, as long as you have someone drive you home.
Take a bath or shower using an antibacterial soap on the morning of your surgery. We recommend that you do not apply makeup on the morning of your surgery (if the surgical site is on your face).
Wear comfortable clothes. You will be asked to remove your shirt and a gown will be provided. Button-down shirts are preferable and one-piece garments (i.e., jumpsuits) are discouraged.
We recommend that you bring someone with you or have someone available to drive you home after your surgery, especially if the surgical site is on your face.
If you have questions or want to cancel your scheduled appointment, please call and speak to our surgery coordinator as soon as possible.
Click here for more information about our affiliate – Skin Cancer Specialists Surgery Center, LLC.
