Being prepared will greatly help to optimise your healing following surgery.
Before having surgery, you should carefully consider whether or not you need to:
- Take time off work.
- Have someone drive you home after surgery
- Rest for an extended period. (eg. lying down or sitting with your leg elevated)
- Organise help around the house while you rest.
- Prepare meals in advance. This prevents long periods of standing.
- Have pain relief. (Panadol™/Avoid Aspirin and Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
- Return to the Clinic for dressing changes or for wound inspections if directed, otherwise purchase enough dressings to change at home. We recommend Opsite Post Op dressings available at most pharmacies.
- Have further surgery later on. ( 95% of lesions do NOT require any further surgery).
Pre Op Cleaning and Preparation
- Ensure the op site is clean and has been prepared for surgery. This may include removing hair from the op site. This is usually done by using a clipper not by shaving as shaving increases the risk of infection.
- Some of the areas of the body require extra attention regarding cleaning and these include the scalp, face, underarms, groin, and below the knees, as these are potentially higher risk areas for infection.
- You may be advised to use some antiseptic soap and/or antibiotics before your procedure.
Showering
You can use regular shampoo and face wash any time prior to surgery.
- Do NOT use any perfumes, lotions, creams, or gels prior to surgery.
Shaving
Do NOT shave the surgical area in the 24 hours prior to surgery
Clothing on day of surgery
Clothing and footwear should be clean, loose and comfortable.
- Do NOT come straight from a hot and dusty workplace – have a shower first.
- Slip-on shoes are preferred
Food/Drink
- Avoid food and drink in the 4 hours prior to surgery.
- Aim to have an empty bladder prior to surgery.
Medication
- It is important to take all medications as usual, unless otherwise directed.
- If you wish, take pain killers/analgesia an hour or so before surgery
- Antibiotics are not normally required in skin surgery. Antibiotics are only given for those areas considered high risk for infection such as ear, nose, lip, groin and lower leg.
- Have adequate pain relief prepared for after your procedure. Discuss this with your doctor, as different levels of analgesia will be required depending on the site and the nature of the surgery you are having.
Minor bleeding occurs in almost all cases of surgery. Continue all prescribed blood thinners unless otherwise directed. These include: Aspirin/Warfarin/Plavix/Iscover/Asasantin.
Please note: Aspirin, Nurofen, fish oils, vitamin E, ginkgo, and turmeric all increase the risk of bruising. Also, Aspirin takes 7 to 10 days to get out of the system to reduce bruising and bleeding problems.
Alcohol
Alcohol is an immunosuppressant, and it increases the risk of infection, and it also reduces the healing rate of wounds. Post-operation, alcohol can also cause considerable bleeding, and must be avoided, particularly for the first 24 hours after an operation.
Smoking
Try to stop before Surgery
- Smoking is a risk factor for Skin Cancer
- Smoking has NO beneficial effects on your health or wellbeing