Be well rested and eat a good breakfast. Take your usual medications, unless directed otherwise. We request that you do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products, such as Anacin or Bufferin, for ten days prior to the surgery. In addition, please do not take Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.), or Vitamin E. These medications may  thinØ your blood and cause more bleeding. You may substitute acetaminophen (Tylenol) if required. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before surgery.

Herbal medicines to be discontinued prior to Dermatologic Surgery Bleeding Complications: Ginkgo Biloba, Ginger, Garlic, Ginseng, Feverfew
Potentiation of Epinephrine: Ephedra-containing products

Shampoo your hair before surgery, as your wound and initial dressing may have to remain dry for 48 hours thereafter. The length of the procedure varies depending on the size and location of the skin cancer and the type of reconstruction to be done. Although the average time is 2-5 hours, you should plan on spending much of the day in our office. We ask that you limit the number of people accompanying you to one other because of the limited space in our waiting room. There is plenty of time spent waiting for the lab work, so bring a book or handiwork if you like.