How to Prepare for Mohs Surgery
Preparing ahead of time can help make the day of Mohs surgery smoother and less stressful.
Mohs surgery is performed in stages, and the length of the procedure depends on how many stages are needed to completely remove the skin cancer. While some cases finish quickly, others may take several hours.
Before surgery:
- Continue important medications unless specifically instructed otherwise
- Avoid alcohol for at least 2 days beforehand
- Reduce or stop smoking if possible, as smoking may slow healing
- Eat a light breakfast the morning of surgery
Many patients also find it helpful to bring:
- A snack or light lunch
- A book, tablet, or headphones
- Comfortable clothing
If surgery is performed near the eye, someone may need to drive you home afterward.
Mohs surgery offers one of the highest cure rates for many skin cancers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
If you have questions before your procedure, contact us and our team will be happy to help guide you through the process.