An excision is a minor surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis in our office. The procedure involves the complete removal of a lesion. The excised tissue is sent to an outside laboratory for processing. Laboratory processing ensures all the margins are clear and the lesion has been completely removed.

Procedure Length: 1 – 2 hours, please plan your day accordingly.
Fasting: Eat a regular meal(s) on the day of your scheduled surgery.
Refrain From: Wearing perfume or cologne, consuming alcoholic beverages several days before and after the procedure, and the use of Vitamin E and any non-essential “natural” supplements or herbal medications one (1) week prior to surgery.
Medications: Take all of your medications. If you are taking any medications which slow coagulation (“blood-thinners”), do not discontinue these medications unless specifically instructed.
Wound Care Items:
• Non-sterile Q-tips
• A fresh tube (not a jar) of Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment
• Non-stick gauze such as Telfa
• Non-allergic tape such as Micropore
Additional Information:
• If you cannot see or recall the site of the skin lesion, it is important to have your referring physician document the site with a photograph.
Post-procedure Restrictions:
• Exercise, lifting and bending should be minimized for at least one week post-surgery.

Mohs surgery is a minor surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis in our office. The Mohs procedure provides a road map allowing us to trace the extent of the cancerous growth. The surgery is performed in steps or stages. Each stage involves about 5 to 15 minutes of surgery to remove the cancerous tissue plus about 45 minutes to an hour (or more) to check if any cancer remains.

Procedure Length: Mohs surgery is a procedure that may take the entire day. Although patients normally spend approximately 3-5 hours in our office, please do not schedule any other appointments for your surgery day.
Fasting: Eat a regular meal(s) on the day of your scheduled surgery.
Refrain from: Wearing perfume or cologne, consuming alcoholic beverages several days before and after the procedure, and the use of Vitamin E and any non-essential “natural” supplements or herbal medications one (1) week prior to surgery.
Medications: Take all of your medications. If you are taking any medications which slow coagulation (“blood-thinners”), do not discontinue these medications unless specifically instructed.
Wound Care Items:
• Non-sterile Q-tips
• A fresh tube (not a jar) of Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment
• Non-stick gauze such as Telfa
• Non-allergic tape such as Micropore
• Saline
Additional Information:
• There is a significant amount of time spent waiting for laboratory results between the Mohs steps. Please bring sufficient reading or work. It is often helpful to bring a companion.
• If you cannot see or recall the site of the skin lesion, it is important to have your referring physician document the site with a photograph.
Post-procedure Restrictions: 
• We do not recommend driving yourself home after your surgery. Even though you may physically be able to drive yourself home, we advise you to have a friend or family member drive you to and from surgery.
• Do not physically disturb the healing wound during the first 4 weeks following surgery.
• Do not apply make-up during the 3 weeks following surgery.
• Do not apply sunscreen to the wound for 3 to 4 weeks following surgery.

Photodynamic Therapy is a process in which the skin is treated with a chemical called Levulan, allowed to incubate and then treated with a therapeutic blue light. This treatment is designed to treat sun-damaged, blotchy pigmentation and pre-cancerous areas of the skin called actinic keratoses.

Procedure Length: 1.5 – 2 hours, please plan your day accordingly.
Fasting: Eat a regular meal(s) on the day of your scheduled surgery. Please also drink plenty of water to ensure you are hydrated prior to your surgery.
Refrain from: Wearing perfume or cologne, consuming alcoholic beverages several days before and after the procedure, and the use of Vitamin E and any non-essential “natural” supplements or herbal medications one (1) week prior to surgery.
Medications: Take all of your medications. If you are taking any medications which slow coagulation (“blood-thinners”), do not discontinue these medications unless specifically instructed.
Wound Care Items:
• A mild facial cleanser (Cetaphil)
• A physical sun block containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide
• Good moisturizer
• Cold gel packs or ice packs for discomfort
Additional Information:
• Plan to cover up when leaving our office following your treatment.
• If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the areas to be treated, please inform our staff immediately.
• For the treatment of sun damage and/or actinic keratoses, 1-2 treatments are recommended.
Post-procedure Restrictions:
• You should plan to stay indoors, away from direct and indirect sunlight, for 48 hours. Prepare in advance.