Mohs Surgery is performed in stages, so please allow two to five hours for your visit. We recommend avoiding travel for at least one week after surgery in case follow-up care is needed. Plan to avoid strenuous activity, exercise, or heavy lifting for two to three weeks to promote proper healing and minimize complications.
Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch before surgery.
Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol the day before, the day of, or the day after surgery, as alcohol can increase bleeding and impair healing.
Do NOT take over-the-counter NSAIDs: Do NOT take over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, etc), herbal medications, vitamin E, or fish oil for seven days before your surgery, as these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.
Do NOT smoke before and after surgery. Smoking impairs blood flow and can significantly delay wound healing.
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for paperwork and to use the bathroom.
Take all prescribed daily medications (including blood thinners) unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If you are on Coumadin, please bring a copy of your most recent INR.
Arrive with a clean face: Please do not apply makeup, lotions, creams, or sunscreen on the day of surgery.
There will be a wait as your tissue is prepared for microscopic examination (typically 60 to 90 minutes) for each Mohs stage. Depending on your tumor, multiple layers may be required. Please bring books, electronic devices (we offer Wi-Fi in our clinic), a good conversationalist, or other things to help pass the time.
Please purchase Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) in advance for pain relief after surgery.
If your surgical site is below the knee, we strongly recommend wearing knee-high compression socks (20-30 mmHg) after your procedure to reduce swelling and expedite wound healing. Compression socks can be purchased before your surgery at your local drugstore, medical supply store, or online. Bring your socks with you to your appointment.
If you have questions about your diagnosis, recommended treatment, or an upcoming procedure, contact our team at Capital Skin and Laser prior to your appointment. We are available to provide additional context, review instructions, and help ensure you feel fully informed before your visit.
Explore before-and-after images that highlight outcomes from real patients treated in our practice. Each result reflects an individualized treatment plan developed by a board-certified dermatology team, with a focus on safety, skin health, and natural-looking improvement.
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“Dr. Spring was just fabulous to deal with. She listened intently and had a great personality to boot. I’m almost 82 years old, and my initial visit with her was one of the best experiences I have EVER had with any physician. I feel privileged to have her as my doctor, and I highly recommend her!!!”
“Dr. Spring was amazing. She explained everything thoroughly and respected my concerns.”
“Dr. Spring and her staff were upbeat, attentive, and caring. They saw my anxiety prior to my procedure and took an extra moment to talk through it with me, which made me feel like they care about me as a whole person. I’ve never felt anxious prior to treatment before so this extra step really hit home.”
“Kudos to Dr. Spring. She has the Eye of an Eagle, the Heart of a Lion, yet the Hand of a Woman! Best surgeon ever!”
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