Mohs surgery is a precise, layer-by-layer technique used to remove common types of skin cancer, primarily basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Because the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, many patients wonder if they can drive themselves home immediately afterward. The answer is almost always no, as safety protocols prevent driving on the day of the procedure, and recovery factors can restrict driving for days or even weeks after.
The Immediate Restriction Due to Anesthesia
The primary reason patients cannot drive home is the effect of medications administered during the surgery. Although Mohs surgery typically requires only local anesthesia, the procedure can be lengthy and emotionally draining, sometimes taking several hours.
Even without deep sedation, the stress and duration of the surgery can cause fatigue, impairing the reaction time and focus needed for driving. Many facilities administer mild oral anti-anxiety medications to help patients relax. Any sedative, no matter how minor, legally and medically prohibits operating a vehicle. Facilities enforce this rule for patient safety and liability reasons, meaning a designated driver is mandatory for the initial trip home.
How Surgical Location Affects Driving Safety
Even after the anesthetic completely wears off, the physical location of the surgical site and resulting bandages can create unsafe driving conditions. Safely operating a vehicle requires an unrestricted range of motion and clear vision.
If the surgery was performed on the head or neck, significant bandaging or swelling can limit neck rotation. This restriction prevents checking blind spots or looking over the shoulder, which is necessary for safe lane changes and reversing. Surgeries near the eye, forehead, or nose often cause temporary swelling that may affect depth perception or cause eyelid closure. Large pressure bandages around the head can also obscure peripheral vision.
A surgical site on the hand, wrist, or arm can impair the grip strength and dexterity required to control the steering wheel. Similarly, a site on the leg or foot may affect the ability to quickly use the gas and brake pedals. If the wound location prevents the comfortable and safe execution of any essential driving maneuver, the patient should not drive, regardless of their medication status.
Driving While Taking Post-Operative Pain Medication
The use of prescription pain medication following surgery presents a chemical impairment risk that prohibits driving. While many patients manage post-Mohs discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, others may require stronger prescription narcotics.
These medications cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction time. This impairment makes operating a vehicle illegal and increases the risk of an accident. Patients should read the warning labels on all prescribed medications, which typically advise against operating heavy machinery.
Patients should refrain from driving for the entire period they are actively taking any medication that causes these side effects. It is recommended to consult with the Mohs surgeon before resuming driving if prescription pain relief is still being used.
Planning for Your Ride and Recovery
Because driving is restricted on the day of the procedure, securing a designated driver is a necessary part of pre-surgery logistics. This ensures compliance with facility policies and prioritizes immediate post-operative safety.
Beyond the initial trip home, patients should establish a clear timeline with their surgeon for resuming driving. This decision must factor in the wound’s location, any physical restrictions, and whether the patient is still using impairing pain medications. Arranging for transportation alternatives, such as rideshare services or relying on friends and family, is a practical step during recovery. This planning allows the surgical site to heal without the stress of rushing back to normal activities.