Pre-operative care in dermatologic surgery is aimed at preventing complications intra-and post-operatively. The clinical history will determine the need for additional tests for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis, infection at the surgical site, and valvular and orthopedic prostheses. Diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension should be under control. Warfarin (keeping the INR within the therapeutic range) and acetylsalicylic acid (for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events) should be maintained. Other drugs should be evaluated. Monopolar electrosurgery should be avoided in patients using implantable electronic devices.

Keywords: PREOPERATIVE CARE; ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS; ANTICOAGULANTS; ELECTROSURGERY.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, anticoagulants have become more frequent in the population and younger age groups.
OBJECTIVE: This article aims to address the risk of the most used anticoagulant medications in dermatological surgeries.
METHODS: We reviewed the most common anticoagulant medications.
RESULTS: The pre-surgical consultation performed correctly, emphasizing the patient's clinical history (including renal function in cases of use of new oral anticoagulants), the anatomical site addressed, and the surgical treatment schedule is essential for a satisfactory outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of anticoagulant medications is increasingly common in medical practice. In patients receiving anticoagulant medications, strict adherence to good surgical practices is essential. Special attention to adequate hemostasis of the surgical field, adequate and compressive dressings and postoperative care must be given. The patient should be adequately informed about the most significant risks to which he is subject.

Keywords: Dermatology; Anticoagulants; Surgery