Before Your Mohs Surgery

Preparing for your Mohs Surgery

The thought of surgery can be a daunting experience. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety, and make your surgery a success. Here is some information to help you prepare for your Mohs surgery appointment at Healthy Skin Centre.

Supplies

You can purchase the following supplies from us before or on the day of your surgery to take care of your scar:

  • Petroleum Jelly (e.g. 1 tube or jar of Vaseline Jelly Original ointment)
  • Cotton tipped applicators (e.g. 1 box of Q-tips)
  • Non-adherent pads (e.g. 1 box of 3×4” Telfa)
  • Gauze (e.g. 1 box of 4×4” Gauze pads)
  • Paper tape (e.g. 1 roll of Micropore)

Your wound care supplies are necessary to take care of your wound post Mohs surgery. You can buy them individually at a local pharmacy or buy them at our centre on the day of your surgery when you arrive. We have pre-made wound care packs available for $30 with all the necessary supplies to take care of your wound and change the dressing for 7-10 days after surgery.

You will need to bring your wound care supplies with you to the surgery as one of our patient care coordinators or nurses will review how to take care of your wound and change the daily dressing till the stitches are removed.

Diet

  • Make sure to eat breakfast the morning of your surgery
  • Plan to bring water and food that does not require refrigeration as well as all utensils

Habits

  • Avoid nicotine (in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, gum, hookah, patches) and illicit drugs for at least 1 week before and after surgery as these can impair healing. Nicotine and some illicit drugs reduce blood flow to the skin so healing will improve if you cut down earlier and for longer
  • Avoid alcohol for 1 week before and after surgery as it can increase bleeding

Medications

  • Continue taking all prescription medications (including blood pressure pills, diabetes pills/injections, blood thinners) as directed by your GP
  • If you take warfarin (Coumadin), obtain an INR test with a value less than 3.5 anytime in the month leading up to your surgery
  • Ask your GP if you can stop Aspirin for 1 week before and after surgery
  • Avoid Advil, Aleve, Alka-Seltzer, Fiorinal, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, Pepto-Bismol, all vitamins, all supplements and all herbal preparations for 1 week before and after surgery as these can thin the blood, increase bleeding and prolong bruising
  • Tylenol, antihistamines and nasal sprays are OK

Pain

Pain is minimal:

  • You will be awake during your surgery but the skin will be anesthetized with an injection so you won’t feel any pain
  • Pain after surgery resolves in most patients within a few days
  • Relaxing facial muscles with Botox before surgery may help reduce pain after surgery
  • Bring 2 Extra-Strength Tylenol with you on the day of your surgery

Anxiety

  • If you have a phobia of needles or are very nervous about your surgery, consider obtaining a prescription for 0.5mg of Ativan from your GP
  • Have the prescription filled and bring your Ativan with you on the day of surgery, and our nurse will tell you when to take it
  • You will require an escort home and must arrange transportation prior to the day of surgery

Infection

Infections are uncommon:

  • You may receive a prescription for antibiotics or antiviral medication to take before or immediately after surgery if Dr. Nasseri deems it to be necessary for you based on your past medical history or the extent of your skin cancer. Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, which can be alleviated with taking probiotics
  • Good hygiene reduces the risk of infection
    • Wash hair and skin in the shower or bath with shampoo, soap and water the evening before your surgery
    • If your tumor is in a hair bearing area (the scalp and temples, the beard area including the cheeks, around the mouth, chin and neck, the arm pits, the back or chest in men, or the genitals) carefully shave or trim the hair with scissors, electric clippers or over the counter depilatory cream (e.g. Nair) by following packaging instructions and avoiding nicking or injuring the skin, the evening before surgery=
    • If your tumor is on your hand or foot, trim your nails, and remove any artificial nails and nail polish on the affected hand or foot before surgery

Planning

  • Because the length of surgery is unpredictable and depends on the size and depth of your cancer, plan to spend the ENTIRE day with us. Do not make any other plans for the day of your surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
  • Arrange for someone to be available to help for 24 hours after surgery in case of emergency

If you are travelling to see us for your surgery

  • If you are travelling from the island, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta or any of the other provinces to have your surgery, plan to stay nearby the night before your surgery.
  • If you cannot stay with friends or family, you can consider reserving a stay at a nearby hotel: Inn At The Quay, The Met Hotel, Executive Plaza Hotel Metro Vancouver, Best Western Plus Coquitlam Inn Convention Centre) for the night before your surgery.
  • Mention you are having surgery at Healthy Skin Centre as some hotels offer a discounted rate.

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia, Healthy Skin Centre serves clients from Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and the Greater Vancouver Area. Call us at 604.553.7546 (SKIN) to learn more about preparing for your Mohs surgery.

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

I recently had Mohs Surgery on my nose with Dr. Nasseri and staff. Having gone in apprehensively, I was so appreciative of the expertise, professionalism and painless procedure on my nose. Thank you so much Dr. Nasseri and staff for making it such a warm and comfortable experience.

Claudia

I had a basal cell carcinoma on the dome of my nostril. Dr Nasseri and his team scheduled me for an appointment very promptly and removed it using the MOHS procedure. The removal of these lesions can be very destructive to tissues, especially if left unchecked. However, Dr Nasseri surgical skills are so good that 3 weeks later it is barely visible. While in the office for a follow up, they tested and removed a large mole that was problematic. Their excellent care reduced my stress level tenfold. I offer my deepest gratitude to Dr Nasseri, Nurse Hayley and the team at Healthy Skin Centre for the excellent care and skills in their profession. You are in good hands with this team and I recommend them without reservation.

Ash

I had the Mohs surgery at the clinic recently and the care and compassion given by Dr. Nasseri, Hayley and Carin was outstanding. My sincere thanks to all.

Ruth

I am an 86 year old with very sensitive skin and had MOH's surgery on my nose where a cancer spot was growing for a year as I delayed having it addressed. I had enough previous surgery that my face was looking like a Vancouver road map so my Dermatologist recommended trying MOHs, referring me to Dr Nasseri. What a revelation. He is a gem. If you have any real or imagined concerns he addresses them kindly and thoroughly with no reproach. His sensitivity to any pain you might experience is comforting and his surgical touch is precise and seriously impressive. His nurse Haley, is always so calm and cheerful you can't help but relax in her presence. She's a confident medical assistant that lends an invaluable vibe to the team, providing a calmness at initial greeting, through surgery, to explaining the written aftercare. They have my full confidence for what's still to be done, and I can honestly say it's been my pleasure.

Robert
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