MOHS Treatment Instructions

You are being scheduled for the surgical removal of a skin cancer.

Please be advised this is a larger procedure than a standard skin biopsy. The goal of a surgical excision is the complete removal and treatment of a skin lesion.

Pre-Operation Instructions:

• A standard MOHS procedure may take approximately 2=3 hours. Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment.
• Local anesthesia will be utilized. You may drive yourself to and from the appointment.
• It is OK and encouraged to eat a meal beforehand
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc.) the night before your procedure.
• Any medications your other doctors recommend you to take should be continued. Please do not stop any blood thinners unless instructed.
• Please notify the team if you have any allergies, a pacemaker or ICD/defibrillator prior to the procedure.
• It is not recommended to have any major travel planned for 2 weeks following your procedure.
• You will need to follow up in clinic 1-2 weeks post procedure for suture removal in most cases.

General risks of surgical excisions include but are not limited to:

Infection, bleeding, hematoma formation, nerve trauma, recurrence. A scar is the expected outcome of the procedure and will be larger than the original lesion. The expected scar can be modeled for you during your visit.

Post-Operation Instructions:

• Please limit any physical activity to the area for at least 2-4 weeks to ensure the best wound healing. Avoid any heavy lifting (anything more than a gallon of milk, in terms of strain). Heavy lifting risks your stitches popping open and your wound opening up or dehiscing. This may worsen the appearance of the eventual scar and prolong healing time.
• For surgeries on the lower legs, no excessive strain, running, or exercise. Keep legs elevated throughout the day. Compression socks are recommended.
• For surgeries on the scalp: Avoid haircuts, hair dye until 1 week after sutures are removed. Be careful with hair styling/combing/brushes to avoid pulling the sutures. Avoid all heat tools anywhere near the sutures.
• Do not expose your surgical site to a bathtub, pool, ocean, or hot tub while sutures are in place.
• For pain: Tylenol is generally sufficient. If needed, an advil/ibuprofen may be added afterwards.