Nichols Mohs and Skin Surgery » Patient Information

Prepare for Surgery

How long will the surgery last?

Most surgeries will be scheduled early in the day and completed in less than three stages. On average, this should collectively take approximately four hours. However, it is not possible to predict how extensive a skin cancer will be. We suggest that you plan to spend the entire day at our office in case more stages of surgery and repair are required. In any case, we will keep you informed of the progress.

Do I need to stop taking any medications?

If you are taking ANY medications — prescribed, over the counter OR supplements— please notify our office when scheduling your appointment. Some medications, such as blood thinners, require discontinuation 7 to 14 days prior to surgery. Before you stop taking any medication, you should consult the prescribing physician. On the day of your surgery, you will need to notify our staff of any medications you have taken in the past 14 days. This includes naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), etc.

Also, please give us advance notice if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, hip replacement, or any condition that may necessitate prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery. If you routinely take antibiotics before dental or other medical procedures, please notify our staff.

Will I be awake during the surgery?

For most surgeries, only local anesthesia will be used. You may experience minor discomfort when it is injected around the skin cancer. After it takes effect, discomfort is usually minimal, and you will be awake during the entire procedure. If you experience anything more than
slight discomfort during or between surgery stages, please let us know.

Will I be able to eat the day of surgery?

Please eat a normal breakfast on the morning of your surgery. In case your surgery lasts through the lunch hour, we also suggest you bring a snack or light lunch. At our office, we have a refrigerator for patient use. We also provide bottled water, coffee, tea and a few light snacks. If your reconstruction is planned with another physician, please contact the physician’s office regarding eating restrictions.

What should I wear?

Please dress in comfortable layers and avoid items of clothing pulled over the head. For most surgeries, you will not change into a gown, but will be draped for surgery in the clothes that you wear to the office. If the surgical site is on your face, please do not wear makeup.

Should I bring someone with me?

You are welcome to bring a guest with you. If you come alone, please make arrangements to have someone available to drive you home after the surgery.

Anything else I should bring?

You might want to bring a book, magazine, or laptop computer to pass time between surgery stages. You may also bring your cell phone, but will be asked to turn it off while in the waiting area and during surgery.

Please be sure to bring your insurance card, along with the completed New Patient Forms to your appointment.


		Prepare for Surgery How long will the surgery last? Most surgeries will be scheduled early in the day and completed in less than three stages. On average, this should collectively take approximately four hours. However, it is not possible to predict how extensive a skin cancer will be. We suggest that you plan to spend the entire day at our office in case more stages of surgery and repair are required. In any case, we will keep you informed of the progress. Do I need to stop taking any medications? If you are taking ANY medications — prescribed, over the counter OR supplements— please notify our office when scheduling your appointment. Some medications, such as blood thinners, require discontinuation 7 to 14 days prior to surgery. Before you stop taking any medication, you should consult the prescribing physician. On the day of your surgery, you will need to notify our staff of any medications you have taken in the past 14 days. This includes naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), etc. Also, please give us advance notice if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, hip replacement, or any condition that may necessitate prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery. If you routinely take antibiotics before dental or other medical procedures, please notify our staff. Will I be awake during the surgery? For most surgeries, only local anesthesia will be used. You may experience minor discomfort when it is injected around the skin cancer. After it takes effect, discomfort is usually minimal, and you will be awake during the entire procedure. If you experience anything more than slight discomfort during or between surgery stages, please let us know. Will I be able to eat the day of surgery? Please eat a normal breakfast on the morning of your surgery. In case your surgery lasts through the lunch hour, we also suggest you bring a snack or light lunch. At our office, we have a refrigerator for patient use. We also provide bottled water, coffee, tea and a few light snacks. If your reconstruction is planned with another physician, please contact the physician’s office regarding eating restrictions. What should I wear? Please dress in comfortable layers and avoid items of clothing pulled over the head. For most surgeries, you will not change into a gown, but will be draped for surgery in the clothes that you wear to the office. If the surgical site is on your face, please do not wear makeup. Should I bring someone with me? You are welcome to bring a guest with you. If you come alone, please make arrangements to have someone available to drive you home after the surgery. Anything else I should bring? You might want to bring a book, magazine, or laptop computer to pass time between surgery stages. You may also bring your cell phone, but will be asked to turn it off while in the waiting area and during surgery. Please be sure to bring your insurance card, along with the completed New Patient Forms to your appointment.