Your first appointment
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that we can complete your initial paperwork. Also, please bring the following:
- Valid health card
- List of current prescriptions and/or over-the-counter medication
- Information about medical and surgical history
In addition:
- Eat as you normally would – there is no need to fast.
- Take all your usual medications unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
- Wear comfortable, button-up clothing that is easy to remove and put on.
What to expect at your appointment
Careful Evaluation
Your doctor will first chat with you about your general health, and the specific skin spot(s) that you were referred for.
The doctor will then carefully examine the spot(s), as well as all the surrounding skin to make sure there aren’t more lesions that should be taken care of at the same time.
Your doctor will then recommend the best course of action for each spot of concern. This may include biopsy, cryotherapy, surgery, or referral for other advanced treatment.
You will likely undergo a procedure during your visit – so be prepared!
You were referred for removal of a suspicious or concerning skin lesion. Most of the time, removal is done at the same time as your consultation appointment. Nearly all appointments involve some sort of procedure, such as biopsy, cryotherapy, or surgical excision. Because of this, your appointment may take more than 1 hour if you are undergoing a procedure. Park appropriately!
Wear clothing that is easily taken on and off (such as button-up shirts), and avoid light colours that might get stained.
Local anesthetic
Procedures are performed while you are awake, using local anesthetic. This involves injecting the skin around the lesion with anesthetic solution using very small needles.
Many people are afraid of needles and the pain they cause – however, we use special techniques, very small needles, and special anesthetic solution to minimize any pain you might have. Don’t worry!
Bandages and wound care
Most wounds are dressed with a bandage at the end of your procedure. You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your wound over the following days. Everything will be written down for you as well as explained to you, and the instructions can also be found on this website (see Information Sheets) in case you forget or lose your instruction sheet.
You may need a driver
Keep in mind that you may be unable to drive yourself home following your procedure, especially if the procedure is near the eyes (where your vision may become obstructed by bandages or swelling), or on the hands (where bandages may make handling the steering wheel and stick shift difficult). Even if your wound is not in these areas, it is best if you apply constant firm pressure to your wound on the drive home to prevent any oozing or swelling. This can make driving yourself both difficult and dangerous.
If possible, always bring a friend, family member or driver to your appointments to assist you on the drive home.
