Pre-Surgery and Pre-Procedure Instructions:
- DO NOT WEAR any scented products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented hairspray, gel, etc.
- Be sure to eat normally beforehand. Fasting or skipping a meal can trigger greater anxiety and/or lightheadedness during and after the procedure.
- Take all of your normal prescribed medications unless specifically asked by Dr. Miller to avoid or modify their administration.
- Feel free to ask questions!
During Surgery
All surgical procedures are done using local or local nerve block anesthesia, meaning that you will be awake…unless you choose to take a snooze, which is fine too! No drowsiness inducing medications will be used.
Post-Surgery and Post-Procedure Instructions:
- Specific instructions will be given to you after surgery.
- If stitches are placed, you are likely to be asked to keep the surgical site dry for two days
- For facial surgery, there may be limitations on wearing glasses
- Physical activities such as sports may need to be limited for up to two weeks following surgery
- Any other special instructions will be discussed at the time of surgery.
MOHS SURGERY
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing skin cancer and meticulously checking whether the cancer is all out while you are still in the office. This is an exacting, time-consuming procedure that requires the in-office services of both a physician who cuts out the cancer and a technician who processes the excised tissue and makes microscopic slides of the tissue.
The tissue slides are made in a specialized fashion that allows for an examination under the microscope of the edges of what has been cut out. Dr. Miller evaluates the slides under a microscope to determine whether any cancer remains at the edges of what has been cut out. Any remaining cancer is further cut out, microscope slides made again, and examined. The process is repeated until the edges of the excise appear clear of cancer.
At this point a decision is made about how to best repair the surgical defect. In most instances, the surgical repair of the hole produced by Mohs surgery is done on the same day.
What are the advantages of Mohs surgery?
There is a very high cure rate and low chance of the tumor reappearing when Mohs surgery is performed.
Is Mohs surgery best for all skin cancers?
Absolutely not. This procedure is recommended selectively for the treatment of more aggressive skin cancers, some recurrent (regrown) and previously treated skin cancers, and skin cancers located in cosmetically and/or functionally crucial areas, e.g. nose, ear, eyelids, and lips.