Please continue to take your normal medications. If you take blood thinner (i.e. Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix) for medical conditions, continue to take the medication. Make-up, moisturizers, perfume, cologne and jewelry should NOT be worn on the day of surgery. Wear comfortable clothing, a shirt or blouse that buttons rather than one that slips over the head is the best. You may want to shower or wash your hair prior to surgery. You may be in the office most of the day; therefore, you may want to bring a snack or sandwich. Once the surgery has begun, you will need to remain in the office.

After all of your questions have been answered and the correct site has been confirmed, photographs are taken of the surgery site, the skin is cleansed and the numbing medicine is injected. After the area is numbed, the tumor will be removed - this usually only takes a short amount of time. After the tumor is removed, a temporary bandage is applied and you will return to the waiting room while the tissue is being processed - this often takes 1-3 hours. If more tumor removal is required, the entire process is repeated. Once your surgeon is certain that the entire tumor has been removed, they will discuss with you what kind of reconstructive surgery, if any, is necessary. If reconstructive surgery is needed, it is usually performed on the same day. Once all surgery is completed, a bandage will be applied and all instructions for care will be explained. You will also be given a typed wound care instruction sheet.

For most cases, the surgery area is cleaned daily with tap water and then covered with Aquaphor ointment or Vaseline (available over the counter in drugstores). It is likely that you will need to refrain from strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks following the surgery. An appointment for follow up and possible suture removal in 5-7 days may be scheduled. If you live out of town, this follow up appointment may be arranged with your local physician. Additional check-ups may be recommended.

If you have additional questions, we will be happy to answer them on the day of your surgery.