What Should I Bring to My Mohs Surgery?
Key Reassurances
- Being prepared helps the day go smoothly and reduces stress.
- Most patients say the waiting is the hardest part — the surgery itself is well-tolerated.
- Your surgical team will walk you through every step when you arrive.
- Thousands of Mohs surgeries are performed safely every day — you are in good hands.
What to Bring
Having these items ready the night before will help your morning go smoothly.
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Required for check-in at most clinics. |
| Insurance card | Needed for billing and co-pay processing. |
| Medication list | Your surgeon needs to know everything you take, including vitamins and supplements. |
| Phone charger or book | There is waiting time between stages — entertainment helps the time pass. |
| Snacks and water | You may be at the clinic for several hours. Light snacks keep your energy up. |
| A driver | Especially if the surgery is near your eyes, or if you feel nervous about driving afterward. |
Medications
Unless your surgeon gave you different instructions, take all of your regular morning medications as usual on the day of surgery. If you take blood thinners, your surgeon will have told you ahead of time whether to continue or pause them.
Practical Tips
- Take your regular medications with a small sip of water as usual
- Bring any medications you normally take during the day — you may be at the clinic through lunch
- If you are unsure about a medication, call your surgeon's office before surgery day
- Do not stop blood thinners on your own without being told to by your surgeon
What to Wear
Comfort is the goal. You will be lying or sitting for extended periods, and the clinic can feel cool.
Practical Tips
- Wear a button-front or zip-up shirt if your surgery is on your face, scalp, or neck — you will not want to pull a shirt over a bandage
- Choose comfortable, flat shoes
- Dress in layers — procedure rooms and waiting areas can be cold
- Leave jewelry at home, especially anything near the surgical area (earrings, necklaces)
- Avoid makeup or lotion on or near the surgical site
What to Expect Time-Wise
Mohs surgery is done in stages. Your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, checks it under the microscope, and repeats only if cancer cells remain at the edges. This means there is waiting time between stages while the tissue is processed.
Practical Tips
- Plan to be at the clinic for 3–6 hours, even though the actual surgery time is shorter
- Each stage takes about 45–60 minutes, including processing and waiting
- Most cases are finished in 1–2 stages
- Bring something to pass the time — your phone, a book, a tablet, or a podcast
- You will be awake and comfortable during the waiting periods
Food & Drink
Eating before your appointment is a good idea. Mohs surgery is done under local anesthesia (numbing), not general anesthesia, so you do not need to fast.
Practical Tips
- Eat a good breakfast before you come in
- Bring snacks and a bottle of water for the waiting periods
- Avoid alcohol the day before and the day of surgery — alcohol increases bleeding
- Coffee and tea are fine in normal amounts
Bringing a Companion
You are welcome to bring someone with you. A companion can sit with you during waiting periods and drive you home afterward.
Practical Tips
- A driver is strongly recommended if surgery is near your eyes or if you tend to feel anxious
- Your companion can wait in the waiting room and will be updated on progress
- A driver is not required for every case — ask your surgeon's office if you are unsure
- If you come alone, make sure someone can pick you up if needed