Preparing for Mohs surgery might sound a little intimidating, but don’t worry—you’ve got this. This precise procedure is one of the most effective ways to treat skin cancer, and a little preparation can make the experience go even smoother.
If you’re wondering what to expect and what to bring on the big day, we’ve got you covered. At Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, our goal is to keep you informed, comfortable, and confident through every step of your Mohs surgery in Shawnee. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to set yourself up for a stress-free experience.
Understanding Mohs Surgery
If a dermatologist finds skin cancer on your body, surgery will likely be your next step. Mohs surgery is a layer-by-layer skin cancer removal surgery. This procedure excels at preserving healthy skin tissue, while simultaneously retaining a high cure rate for certain forms of skin cancer.
Usually, the surgery can take about 3 to 4 hours, but the time it takes varies depending on the extent of the cancer. For a full breakdown on the surgery procedure, read our detailed overview of Mohs surgery near Overland Park.
Preparing for Your Surgery
To properly prepare for your appointment, take these steps when scheduling and during the days leading up to the surgery. Our team recommends the following:
1. Scheduling Your Mohs Surgery
After your initial consultation at Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, you can schedule your surgery appointment. You can take this time to ask questions you may have about the surgery that you weren’t able to ask at the consultation, as well as inform your dermatologist of any medications, allergies, or medical conditions you may have.
2. Medications to Avoid
Discuss prescribed medications with your provider before your surgery. We recommend discontinuing the use of blood thinners—like aspirin and ibuprofen—for at least 24 hours before your surgery.
If you are prescribed these medications, consult with both your provider at Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, as well as your primary care doctor before discontinuing any medications.
3. What to Eat & Drink Before Surgery
Mohs surgery uses local anesthesia during the procedure, meaning you remain awake during the procedure. Because of this, you do not need to worry about fasting before your surgery day.
We recommend you eat a light, nutritious meal before your surgery. Along with that, try to stay properly hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment, as well as the day of your appointment. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
4. What to Wear on the Day of Surgery
We ask patients to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the treatment area, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, but that is not always required!
Arrive at your appointment free of lotions, perfume, or make-up on the treatment area, especially if your face is being treated
5. What to Bring to Your Appointment
On the day of your surgery, bring any necessary insurance or medical documents. Your provider outlines what documents you should bring with you before the day of your surgery—but you can always call us to verify what is needed at any time.
Because Mohs surgery includes on-site examination and removal of tissue, it’s recommended you bring something to pass the time. That can include a book or magazine, or headphones for your phone so you can watch your favorite shows or catch up on a podcast.
A Smooth Surgery Starts With Smart Preparation
Preparing for Mohs surgery in Shawnee doesn’t have to be stressful—by taking a few simple steps to prepare for your big day, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth procedure and a stress-free recovery.
At Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, we’re here to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident when preparing for your surgery. And always remember, you’re in expert hands with our team at Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center. So take a deep breath, follow the pre-surgery steps, and rest easy knowing you’re on the path to healthy skin!
If you’re needing to schedule a skin screening, or a consultation for this procedure, contact us to begin the process.
