The Day of Mohs Surgery
What to Expect the Day of Your Mohs Surgery at Apex Skin Center
Preparing for Mohs surgery is important to ensure a stress-free visit and a successful outcome. At Apex Skin Center, we want to ensure that you clearly understand what to expect on the day of your surgery.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Medications: The team at Apex Skin Center will review all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. They will advise you on which medications to continue taking and which to avoid before the procedure. Unless directed otherwise, please take all routine medications prescribed by your health care team like any other day.
- Food and Drink: You may eat and drink whatever you please unless you have plastic or oculoplastic surgery scheduled on the same day. We encourage you to eat prior to your procedure.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable attire on the day of your surgery. Avoid clothing that is tight or difficult to remove, as you may need to change into a hospital gown.
- Transportation: Arrange for someone to take you home after your procedure, as you may need help driving yourself, especially if you have a large cancer or one around your eyes or nose. In most cases, this is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.
- Breathe: You’re in excellent hands. There’s an old saying: “Minor surgery is surgery that someone else is having.” We understand that skin surgery procedures can be stressful and sometimes even scary. Rest assured, you will have an experienced surgeon and team caring for you.
- Arrival: Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment.
- Length of Time: Plan to be at our clinic for several hours. The length of your procedure will depend on several factors, including the extent and location of the skin cancer being treated. If you have multiple sites or large and complex tumors, you should expect to be at our clinic for an extended period.
- Consultation with your Mohs surgeon: Before your Mohs surgery begins, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. This consultation is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to ensure that you clearly understand the procedure.
- Waiting Times: While we strive to keep wait times to a minimum, it is common for there to be some wait time between stages of the Mohs procedure, as the tissue is prepared in the lab and evaluated by your fellowship trained Mohs surgeon under a microscope. Bringing a book, electronic tablet, or another form of entertainment to help pass the time is helpful.
- Complimentary Snacks and Beverages: We offer complimentary snacks and beverages in our waiting area to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
- Guest Wi-Fi: We provide access to guest Wi-Fi so you can stay connected while you wait.
- Guest Accompaniment: Feel free to bring a guest or family member with you. In most cases, we ask that your guests remain in the waiting room during the actual procedure portion of the visit.
- Breathe: Again, you just had a procedure performed and deserve some rest.
- Post-operative instructions: After your Mohs surgery is complete, you will receive detailed post-operative instructions from the team at Apex Skin Center. These instructions have been developed to ensure that you heal properly and avoid any complications.
- Recovery: In general, you can expect mild discomfort, swelling, and redness in the area where the skin cancer was removed. Your Mohs surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the wound, including how often to change the dressing and how to keep the area clean. You may also be advised to avoid certain activities or to take certain medications to manage pain or prevent infection.
- Restrictions: As outlined in the instructions you receive after your procedure, we recommend limiting any strenuous physical activity after your procedure; generally, for one week. With rare exception, most individuals can go to work one or two days after their procedure.
- Follow-up: The degree and frequency of follow-up visits after your Mohs surgery is determined by your preferences, the characteristics of your cancer, and the nature of your wound repair. Independent of follow-up for your surgical site, we encourage you to have routine skin cancer screening exams with your primary dermatology provider. Compared to patients without prior skin cancers, individuals who have been treated for one skin cancer have an increased risk of having future skin cancers. If another physician is performing the repair portion of the Mohs surgery, such as an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon, they will be your point of contact for follow-up care and any questions you may have about your recovery.
At Apex Skin Center, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and support throughout the entire Mohs surgery process. We are here for you and your skin. Our team will work with you to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and the team at Apex Skin Center in Fuquay-Varina look forward to serving you. Contact Apex Skin Center to schedule a consultation or book your visit online in a few easy steps.
At a Glance
Dr. Thomas Knackstedt
- Double board certified in dermatology and Mohs Surgery
- Over ten years of experience providing evidence-based care
- Nationally renowned physician leader with numerous publications, lectures, and academic affiliations
- Learn more
