Mohs Micrographic Surgery with Dr. Wittenberg

Pre-Surgery

Shower the night before or the morning of surgery – your wound and initial dressing may have to remain dry following surgery.
Wear loose fitting clothing. Do not wear make-up, perfume, or jewelry.
Eat a full meal before your surgery.
Arrange to have a companion drive with you to and from the doctor’s office.
Arrive 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled appointment.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 48 hours prior to surgery.
Do not stop your medications prior to appointment without first consulting with your primary care provider.
If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve replacement, heart murmur, atrial/septal defect or have had a joint replaced within the past 2 years a prophylactic antibiotic will be prescribed for you to take one hour prior to your appointment.
Please notify of any blood thinners you are taking. If you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin) please make sure you have a PT/INR within one week prior to your surgery appointment.

Your pressure dressing should remain in place for 24 hours.
If you have discomfort, take Ibuprofen and/or Tylenol unless you are on a blood thinner or have kidney or liver disease.
Rest. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, stooping, or heavy lifting for a few days following surgery.
Bleeding may be controlled effectively by applying direct pressure to the bandage for 15 minutes. If the incision continues to bleed, call Dr. Wittenberg at (605) 484-3448.
We may ask you to ice-pack the surgery site. If so, we recommend that you do this over the pressure dressing. 10 minutes on and 60 minutes off, 3 to 4 times during the afternoon and evening following surgery.
Sleep with extra pillows or elevate the surgical site to help reduce swelling.
When you remove the pressure dressing in 24 hours, gently cleanse the surgery site with Hibiclens (Chlorhexadine) soap. Avoid getting soap in your eyes and ears. Pat the area dry. Cover the area with a self-adhering Telfa pad or a dressing made from a Telfa pad and paper tape. You do not need to apply Vaseline or antibiotic ointment to the site unless Dr. Wittenberg, or his nurse, ask you to do so.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs, until your stitches are removed.