Skin Cancer Treatment | American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Preparing for surgery

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

What to do on the day of surgery
The use of anesthesia during your skin cancer surgery
Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Skin cancer surgery may be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

You’ll need help

If your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.