500 Evergreen Dr, Glen Mills, PA 19342 | Suite 20: Medical & Surgical Dermatology – 484.785.3376 | Suite 27: Cosmetic Dermatology – 484.785.7546   Pay Now

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Non-Mohs Surgical Patients

Pre- and post-surgical instructions may be viewed and downloaded below. Please feel free to call our office with specific questions.

Before Your Surgery

  • Blood thinners: Do not stop any prescribed blood thinners unless instructed otherwise. If you take nonprescribed blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn), Vitamin E or other nutritional supplements, stop those medications three days before your surgery and restart them the day after your surgery.
  • Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk for bruising. We ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol for one day before and two days after your surgery.
  • If you have a history of abnormal scarring or keloids, please inform your physician or physician assistant before surgery.
  • Please advise our medical staff if you have any allergies or history of adverse reactions to numbing medications (e.g. lidocaine, epinephrine).
  • Please advise our medical staff if you have any history of abnormal reaction to suture materials.
  • You may eat or drink (nonalcoholic beverages) as usual before your surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery

  • Our medical staff will dress your surgical wound before you leave the office. We encourage you to leave our dressing undisturbed for 12 hours.
  • Swelling and redness may occur around the wound for several days.
  • If you experience any discomfort, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
  • If bleeding occurs, apply firm, constant pressure using cold compresses/ice packs and dry cloth for 20 minutes. If your bandage has soaked through, you may replace it with a similar bandage. Excessive bleeding that does not respond to repeated applications of ice/pressure would be an indication to call our office.
  • Avoid any heavy lifting, exercise or strenuous activity for one month after surgery.

Call Us At (484)-785-3376 If:

  • Bleeding that you cannot stop occurs.
  • You notice rapid swelling of the surgical area.
  • You experience significant pain that does not resolve with Tylenol.
  • You develop a fever.
  • You have any other concerns about the way your site is healing.

Remember: Greasy, covered wounds heal more quickly and with less scarring. Keep your wound covered with Vaseline and a dressing at all times. Never let the area dry out or scab.

Wound Care Instructions

Beginning the day after your surgery, twice a day, follow these instructions:

  • Wash your hands
  • Remove the bandage
  • Cleanse the surgical site by lighting dabbing the area with soapy water.
  • Pat to dry (do not rub or massage).
  • With a clean Q-tip, apply petroleum jelly directly to the wound, applying thickly enough to completely cover the wound and sutures (if any)
  • Cover with a nonstick bandage and surgical tape or a band-aid that is large enough to completely cover the surgical site.
  • Continue these instructions until you return to the office for suture removal or until fully healed if no sutures were placed.
Remember: Greasy, covered wounds heal more quickly and with less scarring. Keep your wound covered with Vaseline and a dressing at all times. Never let the area dry out or scab.
In case of an emergency after office hours, call Dr. Persichetti at (724)910-3681 or proceed to the Emergency Room.