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Patient Resources

PATIENT RESOURCES

Preparing for Mohs and Reconstructive Surgery

The following guidelines will help you prepare for your surgery:

Before your surgery

  1. Avoid smoking. Smoking interferes with wound healing, so we ask smokers to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery and after surgery.

  2. Hold 24 hours prior to your surgery:
  • Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Pradaxa (dabigatran)
  • Savaysa (edoxaban)
  • Arixtra (fondaparinux)

On the day of your surgery

  • Take a shower or bath.
  • Avoid makeup if the surgery is on your face.
  • Take all scheduled, prescription medications, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
  • Eat a normal breakfast.
  • Bring your own lunch.
  • Wear warm, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Bring food or snacks and activity to pass the time. We offer a variety of snacks and beverages for our patients and offer free WIFI in a comfortable VIP waiting room.
  • Bring a relative or friend.

Post operation information

  • After your operation we want you to rest for the next 48 hours.
  • Avoid spicy and hot temperature foods.
  • Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours.
  • For 1 week, do not lift anything over 10 pounds, exercise, or do any cardio activity that would cause you to sweat or increase blood pressure.
  • For 1 week, do not bend over with your head lower than your heart level. Bend at the knees to stoop down.
  • You will have two layers of bandaging when you leave our facility. The layer that is in contact with the skin is a waterproof bandage. Over the top of that, you will have a bulky pressure bandage that is white in color that will help contain your bleeding. The pressure bandage is not and will need to be kept dry. After 24 hours, you may remove the white pressure bandage and leave the waterproof bandage in place and shower.

Daily Care

  • It is normal and expected to have some bleeding under your waterproof bandage the first 48 hours after surgery. If there is any bleeding that cannot be contained by the bandage, apply firm, direct pressure for 30 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, reapply pressure for an additional 30 minutes. If bleeding persists call our office.

    If the waterproof bandage has blood underneath it but is still intact and not lifting up, leave it in place. You may add additional tape or band aids over top to cover up the bloody appearance of the bandage. If your bandage becomes completely soaked with blood and starts to lift up, you may remove the bandage and begin daily care to the area.

    Residual numbness is normal and it could take up to a year to get full sensation back. 

If you have any questions or concerns about healing, please call the office or email a picture to adssurgerycenter@gmail.com

or text it to 913-389-2613 with your name, date of birth and surgical location. If it is an urgent concern call our office.

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