Preparing for Your Visit

•Eat a normal breakfast or lunch on the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

Medications and Supplements

• Take your regular prescribed medications (including blood thinners) unless we specifically tell you to stop them.

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, or non-prescribed supplements for 24 hours before your procedure unless medically necessary.

What to Wear
• Loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment site.

• A shirt that buttons or zips if your procedure is on your head or neck.

What to Bring

• A list of your medications and allergies.

• Any paperwork or insurance cards requested by our staff.

• Something to pass the time (book, tablet, or headphones).

Transportation and Support
• Most patients can drive themselves home after Mohs surgery, but if your procedure involves the eye, ear, or extensive repair, arrange for a driver.
• Plan to spend several hours in our office — Mohs surgery is performed in stages, and we take the time to ensure every cancer cell is removed before reconstruction begins.

Check-In and Paperwork

• You’ll be greeted by our staff and guided through any remaining consent or insurance forms.
• We’ll review your medications, allergies, and procedure details one final time.

Local Anesthesia & Comfort Measures

• All Mohs and surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia. You’ll be awake but comfortable, and we’ll monitor you throughout the process.

Waiting Between Stages

• Mohs surgery is performed in stages. Each layer of tissue is removed, carefully mapped, and examined under the microscope by your surgeon until the margins are clear.
• Between stages, you can relax in a private waiting area while slides are processed.

Wound Repair & Bandaging

• Once the cancer has been completely removed, your surgeon will discuss the best reconstruction for both function and appearance — such as a flap, skin graft, or layered closure.
• A sterile dressing will be applied, and written wound-care instructions will be provided before you leave.

Immediate Care

• Keep your initial dressing clean, dry, and intact for the first 24 hours (or as instructed).
• A small amount of oozing or spotting on the bandage is normal.

Swelling & Discomfort

• Mild swelling, bruising, or tightness are expected and usually peak within 48 hours.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth for 10–15 minutes every hour while awake on the first day.

Activity

• Rest the day of your procedure.

• Avoid bending, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for at least 48 hours to minimize bleeding.

• Sleep with your head elevated for surgeries on the face, nose, or ears.

Pain Control

• Most patients do well with acetaminophen (Tylenol) alone. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin unless directed, as they may increase bleeding.

General Care (All Wound Types)

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.

• Remove the outer bandage after 24 hours (unless we instruct otherwise).

• Clean gently with mild soap and water or diluted hydrogen peroxide using cotton swabs.

• Pat dry — do not rub.

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or antibiotic ointment.

• Cover with a non-stick dressing (Telfa pad) and secure with paper tape or a small bandage.

• Change the dressing once daily or more often if it becomes wet or soiled.

Sutured Wounds

• Keep sutures covered and moist with ointment.

• Sutures are typically removed in 5–14 days depending on location.

• Do not apply makeup, sunscreen, or creams until sutures are removed.

Skin Graft Sites

• Grafts may appear pale or slightly gray initially — this is normal.

• Keep the pressure dressing in place until your follow-up visit unless instructed otherwise.

• Once approved to change the dressing, follow the general wound-care routine above.

• Avoid trauma or stretching to the graft area for 2 weeks.

Flap Repairs

• Flap sites may look bruised or swollen for several days.

• Avoid pressure or sleeping directly on the area.

• Clean gently along suture lines with a cotton swab and reapply ointment daily.

Natural Healing (Secondary Intention)

• These wounds heal gradually from the base upward.

• Keep the wound moist with petroleum jelly at all times; never allow it to dry or crust.

• Expect gradual contraction and color change over several weeks.

Days 1–2

Mild bleeding or drainage, controlled with pressure. Swelling begins.

Days 3–5

Peak swelling and bruising. Some tightness or throbbing is normal.

Days 7–10

Sutures may be removed; redness present but healing well.

Weeks 2–4

Early scar formation; firmness decreases gradually.

Months 3–6

Redness fades; scar softens and blends with surrounding skin.

Months 6–12

Final scar maturation; area continues to remodel.