What to Expect... When You're Expecting Skin Surgery

Lump, bump, or skin cancer? You need treatment and find yourself on our surgery schedule… now what? Here are some things you can do to prepare on the day of your procedure and what to expect during your time of recovery.

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• Eat a normal breakfast/lunch and take your regularly prescribed medications the day of the surgery.
• Stop smoking or reduce smoking 1 week prior and 2 weeks after surgery.
• Please plan to be in our office for 1 hour for excision or 2 to 4 hours for our Mohs procedure.
• You may want to bring a book, sweater, or tablet.You will have sutures placed at time of procedure.
• Please plan to reduce or stop all strenuous physical activity for 2 weeks following procedure to limit risk of repair complications.
• You will not be able submerge the area in any body of water for 2 weeks.
• You will be able to shower once our pressure dressing is removed after 48 hours.
• Please bring a driver if the procedure site is near your eye, as you may have significant eye swelling or a bandage that impairs your ability to drive.
• Eye swelling/bruising is not uncommon if we are performing any procedure on the face.
• This may worsen 3 days post-op and last 7 to 10 days. Please plan accordingly.
• If we are working on your lower leg, we may apply a bandage or soft cast that will remain in place for 1 to 2 weeks that will not be able to get wet. We will suggest purchasing a plastic cast cover at a local pharmacy for you to shower normally.
• We ask you to have simple bandaging materials at home ready to use for your convenience. These would include a non-stick pad, paper tape, and Vaseline. We also suggest you have over-the-counter Tylenol/acetaminophen and Advil/ibuprofen on hand for any discomfort.
• Our scheduling team will determine if you need any prescription antibiotics prior to surgery.

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If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure or would like to learn more, please contact us at 941.921.4131.