Checking in: Arrive at 9303 Pinecroft, Suite 160, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 10 minutes before your assigned time.
What to expect: On the day of surgery, you will be given local anesthesia only. We inject the anesthesia directly into the affected area so that patients experience no pain after the anesthetic takes effect. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and depth of the skin excision. Patients remain awake and fully informed during their excision. Once the excision is performed, the lesion is placed in a specimen container and sent to the lab for evaluation. The surgeon checks the margins or determines a diagnosis if necessary.
Medications: Please take all your normal medications, including blood thinners, on the day of your surgery.
Antibiotics: If you usually require antibiotics prior to dental work, please let the nurse know when you arrive at your appointment. Medical conditions that sometimes require preoperative antibiotics include artificial heart valves, heart murmurs, artificial joints, and related problems.
Special occasions: Surgery often creates swelling and bruising. The post-op dressing may be rather large and obvious. Please keep this in mind as you arrange your social/work schedule and consider any important events you may have already planned.
Activity limits after surgery: It’s important to know the physical limitations following your excision. Do not engage in strenuous physical activity or submerge in pools or lakes after your surgery. These limitations are likely to impact golf, tennis, gym activities, etc. Depending on the anatomical site, some physical activity is allowed. Ask your doctor specifically what you can and can’t do (including travel plans), and they will explain the physical limitations necessary for your healing.
Transportation: Skin surgery (excision) is done under local anesthesia. Most patients are able to drive themselves home after the surgery. However, if you’ve had problems after procedures you’ve had done in the past, it may be advisable to bring a companion with you on the day of your surgery to drive you and make sure you get home safely after your surgery. If your surgery is near the eye, postoperative bandaging can also be interference, and having someone drive you to and from.