Preparing for Surgery
Properly preparing for surgery is an extremely important step in a successful dermatology surgical procedure. Your provider will discuss the proper steps to follow in the days leading up to your appointment based on the type of procedure being done, as well as your medical history. Following these guidelines will help keep you prepared, safe, and comfortable. With all procedures, we try to be as minimally invasive as possible, but by following these guidelines ahead of time, as well as minding the post-surgical care afterwards, your recovery should be quick and easy.
Below are some general guidelines regarding surgery preparation. If you’ve recently had a biopsy done at your last office visit and are curious about caring for your wound, please click here.
10 Day Before Surgery
Easy Steps to Prepare Yourself
In the week and a half before your procedure, you will want to start taking steps to start preparing yourself for surgery. Your provider will specify what this means based on the type of procedure and your medical history.
- Do not take blood-thinning NSAID pain relievers (motrin, ibueprofen).
- Avoid additional blood thinners (Vitamin E, glucosamine, fish oil, ginseng, ginko).
- Avoid aspirin, unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
- DO NOT stop taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix.
- Discuss with your provider any major existing health conditions (pacemaker, diabetes, major surgeries, etc.).
- Plan your Post-Op: Be aware of recovery time, plan any post-op appointments, and make sure you have the proper wound care supplies stocked at home.
Day Of Surgery
The Office Visit
It’s procedure day! You may be nervous, but your provider and our staff will take great care of you. Things to remember for today are:
- Be sure to arrive to your appointment on time.
- Feel free to eat ahead of time and stay well hydrated.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Listen carefully to post-op care instructions.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, if necessary.
- If undergoing a Mohs surgery, be prepared to sit and wait. This type of procedure requires that you wait while the provider confirms they have clear margins before they sew up the incision.
After Surgery
Take Care of Yourself
The procedure is finished, but to ensure healthy and fast healing, be sure to follow your post-op care instructions. Your provider will outline clear post-op instructions based on your procedure. Below are some general guidelines to remember.
- Proper wound care is ESSENTIAL! Follow specific instructions from your provider. You can also visit our Wound Care page if you have any questions.
- Plan to give yourself reasonable rest and recovery time.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially if it rubs or stretches the surgery site.
- Be mindful of any medication adjustments required around surgery.
- Wait a few days to resume taking blood thinners, unless directed otherwise by your provider.
- Attend any necessary post-op appointments scheduled.