As the surgery is conducted using local anesthesia, it’s advisable to have a regular, nutritious breakfast and/or lunch on the day of the procedure. The only exception would be if you have scheduled your reconstruction with another doctor following Mohs surgery; in that case, please adhere to the specific guidance provided by the other physician’s office.
As alcohol thins the blood and therefore can promote unnecessary bleeding we recommend that you avoid consuming alcoholic beverages a minimum of 24 hours before and after your surgery.
Before your surgery, it’s important to ensure you’ve taken your daily prescription medications, especially blood pressure medications. If you usually take antibiotics before dental or other surgical procedures due to artificial joints or heart valves, kindly let us know when you arrive for your appointment, as we may administer antibiotics prior to surgery.
Patients who have been prescribed blood thinners by a physician should continue following their prescribed regimen. While stopping these medications may reduce surgical risks such as bleeding and bruising, doing so can increase the risk of more serious events like stroke, heart attacks, or blood clots. If you choose to discontinue a blood thinner on your own, please coordinate a plan for resuming the medication after your surgery is complete.
For patients on warfarin (Coumadin), it’s essential to have your INR checked one week before the surgery. If your INR level is greater than 3.0, kindly inform us. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
We strongly advise arranging for a companion to transport you to and from our office on the day of your surgery. This individual is welcome to stay with you during the waiting periods between procedure stages. Furthermore, if someone other than yourself is responsible for post-operative wound care, our nurse can provide them with clear instructions and a demonstration of the proper wound care procedures. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.