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DR. SKELSEY
We now have a cure rate
of up to 99 percent for basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms
of skin cancer. What makes this possible is my specialization in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
I have
had an intensive year-long fellowship beyond dermatology
residency in Mohs micrographic surgery. This involved advanced training in surgery,
pathology and reconstruction. |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT WITH MOHS SURGERY |
PREPARATION FOR SURGERY
- Notify Dr. Skelsey if you regularly take coumadin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and follow recommendations on discontinuation.
- Discontinue aspirin and related products (Anacin, Bufferin) for 2 weeks before surgery, if approved by your regular physician.
- Discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen-containing products such as Advil, Motrin, Celebrex, Motrin, Naprosyn or Vioxx) 3 days before surgery.
- Discontinue Vitamin E for 1 week.
DAY BEFORE SURGERY
- Avoid alcohol, which is a blood thinner.
- Shampoo your hair the night before surgery because your wound will need to be kept dry for at least 24 hours.
DAY OF SURGERY
- Eat a light breakfast.
- Take your regular medications except as instructed above.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please do not wear a pullover if your tumor is on your face or scalp.
- Please do not wear contact lenses.
- Bring reading material or handiwork.
Surgery is performed under local anesthesia usually within a single visit. The tumor will be removed in stages. Most tumors require two to four stages for complete removal. There will be a one to two hour wait between each stage during which each small layer is meticulously examined for remaining cancer cells. In most cases your wound will be reconstructed on the day of surgery. The type of reconstruction is determined by the size and shape of the wound.
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