Preparation For Surgery
If you are coming to the office for Mohs, please click here for our specific instructions for Mohs. While similar, the instructions below are for procedures like cyst and mole removals.
Your doctor or the staff will review with you what to expect on the day of your surgery either in person in consultation or over the phone.
Take all your usual medications on the day of surgery. Importantly, if you suffer from high blood pressure, it must be under good control prior to surgery. Please have it checked and continue your medications the day of surgery.
For aches and pains, we ask that you do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc…), for seven days before your scheduled surgery. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain as needed. You should continue to take aspirin or other blood thinners if prescribed or recommended by your doctor. If you take warfarin/coumadin, try to check your INR within a week of surgery and notify us ASAP if your INR is >3. If you have questions regarding taking any of your medications before surgery, our nurses will be happy to answer them.
Many over the counter supplements, vitamins, and herbals can affect bleeding. Please stop these 10 days pre-op.
To avoid infection, it is important to wash your body thoroughly the night before surgery.
Specifically:
- If your surgery site is on your head, wash your face with standard antibacterial soap AND your hair with soap or shampoo and then avoid putting anything else on your face or hair (like make-up or conditioner).
- If your surgery site is on your neck or body, please buy soap with 2-4% chlorhexidine (common brand name Hibiclens) from your local pharmacy, and then gently lather your body for 3 minutes before rinsing; AVOID applying this on your face since it can be damaging to the eyes and ears.
*If having surgery on your face, please do not wear any cosmetics*
Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, please arrive at Dr. Witheiler’s office at your scheduled time. It is important that you bring with you your medications or a detailed list of all medications that you take, including non-prescription drugs. You should eat normally the day of surgery and take your usual daily medications.
You will be awake throughout the procedure and typically should be able to drive yourself home after the surgery.
Most follow-up visits are within 1-2 weeks of the scheduled surgery date; please be sure you are available for this.
Always remember to bring your primary and secondary insurance cards and any required billing forms. Billing representatives are available Monday through Friday at our office to answer questions. We are pleased to have you as our patient and to be able to offer you this highly effective surgical technique. If you have any questions, please feel free to call before or after your surgery.
Post Operative Wound Care
Specific wound care instructions will be given to you after surgery; however, in most situations, you will need to have the following on hand. All are available at the drugstore:
For Pain
Post-operative pain is usually minimal. If you are given a prescription for pain, follow the instructions on the prescription. If you are NOT given a prescription your pain can be controlled by taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) with or without ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil).
Instructions for OTC pain relief: acetaminophen (extra strength Tylenol) 500mg, two tablets every 6 hours (or every 8 hours if you are over 60) usually relieves any pain you may have. If needed, you can take ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) 200mg, two tablets, every 6 hours; try to take these between your acetaminophen doses so you always have pain control.
Wound Dressing Supplies
- Telfa non-stick pads or similar material
- Gauze
- Paper tape (easiest on most people's skin)
- Ointment - Vaseline or other plain white petroleum jelly; Polysporin, bacitracin or Aquaphor ointments may also be used
- Scissors which have been cleaned with soap and water or alcohol
- Pre-made wound care kits are available to purchase in our office for $20
For Swelling or Bruising
An ice pack is useful in controlling swelling and bruising after surgery you can make an ice pack using Ziploc bags and ice cubes.
Overnight Accommodations
Holiday Inn Market Center
4500 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75219
Phone: (214) 219-3333
Candlewood Suites
7930 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75247
Phone: (214) 631-3333
