What is the prep for Mohs surgery?

Eat a normal breakfast. Wear warm, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bring food or snacks and something to pass the time such as a newspaper or book — be prepared to spend at least 3-4 hours through the morning and early afternoon, though the procedure length depends on the tumor's size, location and complexity.

What does a surgeon do before Mohs surgery begins?

The surgeon starts by first cutting out the visible skin cancer. Next, the surgeon removes a thin layer of surrounding skin. You're then bandaged so that you can wait comfortably. While you wait, the Mohs surgeon looks at the removed skin under a microscope.

Can you eat or drink before Mohs surgery?

For many surgeries, you're advised to stop eating or drinking at midnight of the day before. Not so for Mohs. Because Mohs surgery uses local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, you're allowed—and encouraged —to eat breakfast the morning of surgery.

Is the Mohs procedure painful?

Though undergoing surgery of any kind can be nerve-racking, a Mohs procedure shouldn't involve a huge amount of pain or inconvenience.

Can I drink coffee before Mohs?

You do not need to fast and you can take your daily medications normally unless otherwise advised by the doctor. Instead, eat a nutritious and filling breakfast to help avoid lightheadedness during the procedure. Do not drink excess coffee. You may also bring food or snacks with you to the office as well.

Mohs Surgery: What to Expect

What should you not do before Mohs surgery?

Why am I so tired after Mohs?

It is common for patients to feel tired by the end of the surgery, particularly if multiple stages have been taken, or if there was an involved repair. We do recommend that you have a driver available to take you home. Most of our patients prefer not to work in the afternoon of surgery.

How do you sleep after Mohs surgery?

If the surgical site involved your face or scalp, sleep in a recliner or with your head elevated on at least two pillows for 2-3 days after surgery. Periodically apply an ice pack to the skin surrounding the surgical site. Avoid sleeping on the side of your body that was operated upon.

Can I drive home after Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery recovery is generally very quick due to the highly localized and generally non-invasive nature. Barring any disorienting medication, such as pain medication that might be administered, and depending on the location of the surgery, you can drive home after.

How long does Mohs surgery usually take?

Clear your schedule for the day.

It's not possible to predict how long Mohs surgery will take. For most people, the procedure takes less than four hours. But your surgeon may advise you to plan as though surgery will take all day, since there's a very small chance it could take that long.

What can you not do after Mohs surgery?

We recommend you limit vigorous physical activity, excessive bending over or exercise for seven days after your Mohs surgery to allow your wound to heal and prevent bleeding or damage to your stitches. Sutures are usually removed five to 10 days after surgery.

What is recovery time for Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery recovery is typically completed within two weeks post procedure, with patients required to rest and avoid heavy activity. Many return to work the next day. Most patients do not require pain medication but may experience sensitivity around the affected area.

How long do I wear a bandage after Mohs surgery?

WOUND CARE Keep the bandage dry until 24 hours after surgery. Thereafter, change the bandage once a day until sutures are removed. You may soak the bandage to help it peel off. Gently clean the wound with water and then gently pat the wound dry.

Is Mohs surgery a big deal?

Since its development, Mohs surgery has been refined into the most precise and advanced treatment for skin cancer, yielding success rates up to 99 percent. Mohs surgery is so effective because 100 percent of the surgical margins are evaluated, compared with less than 5 percent by traditional techniques.

Is Mohs surgery just for the face?

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including those in cosmetically and functionally important areas around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals.

What are the side effects of Mohs surgery?

Can you work the next day after Mohs surgery?

Most patients are able to return to work or school the next day after Mohs. Avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise for seven to 21 days may be required depending on the area of surgery.

How long will my nose be swollen after Mohs surgery?

It is important to keep in mind that although much of the swelling resolves over the first several weeks after surgery, it takes 12 to 15 months for all of the swelling in the nose to resolve. However, most patients have a good appearance even 2-3 weeks after the operation.

How long after Mohs surgery can I shower?

You must keep the bandage and wound completely dry for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, after removing the bulky bandage, the wound can get a little wet in the shower, but do not allow direct water on the wound and do not allow the area to be submerged in water.

How do you wash your hair after Mohs surgery?

Upon removing the initial dressing, you may shower and allow the wound to get wet. If the wound is on your scalp, you may wash your hair with a baby shampoo to avoid any irritation.. A little bit of redness around the wound is normal.

Do you need stitches after Mohs surgery?

To have the fastest healing time and achieve the best cosmetic result, your Mohs wound likely will require stitches. You will return to your doctor in approximately 7-14 days to have your stitches removed. Occasionally, dissolvable stitches are used.

Will I get a black eye after Mohs surgery?

Swelling and bruising are common following Mohs surgery. A black eye is common with surgery around the eye or on the forehead and can be reduced by sleeping with your head elevated and using an ice pack. You should plan on wearing a bandage and avoiding strenuous physical activity for several weeks.

Why can't I drink alcohol after Mohs surgery?

Alcohol should be avoided for three days following surgery as it dilates the blood vessels and could lead to bleeding problems in the wound.

Are antibiotics necessary after Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a sterile procedure and is safe for most people, but patients with high risk for infection may require antibiotics.

What are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma?