Pre-Operation Instructions

A. One week before surgery

• No alcoholic beverage. Alcohol can thin out your blood and increase risk of bleeding
• Reduce or stop smoking. Smoking causes poor wound healing.
• Prophylactic antibiotic- Prophylactic antibiotic might be indicated if you have a
  history of heart valve defects or infections, recent joint replacements, tumors
  involving the mouth, nose, ears, lower leg; extensive surgical wounds or need for
  surgical flaps and grafts for repair. Take all prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed.
• Blood thinners
  • Stop supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginger, ginseng
  • Stop all over the counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, motrin, aleve, advil, etc). Substitute with Tylenol if needed for pain.
  • Continue taking aspirin if it was prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, stop.
  • Continue Coumadin as prescribed with goal INR 2-3.Please coordinate with your prescribing physician to obtain INR level and change doses if needed

B. Day before surgery

• Purchase wound care supplies from local pharmacies: paper tape, gauze, telfa pad
  (non-stick), petroleum jelly/Vaseline/Aquaphor.
• Take all of your usual medications unless directed otherwise by your physicians.
• Shower and shampoo the night before surgery as initial dressing may have to remain
  dry for > 24 hours.
• Arrange for transportation if needed, particularly if your skin tumor is near the eyes
  as the bandaging may obscure your peripheral vision.

C. Day of surgery

• Take all of your usual medications unless directed otherwise by a physician
• Eat breakfast
• Bring books, magazines, music to keep yourself entertained while waiting . The hospital provides free WiFi in the waiting room.
• Bring snacks as the procedure can take several hours
• Bring a friend or relative with you to the appointment if desired