PREPARATION FOR SURGERY

Prior to Surgery

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 legelevated )
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
have further surgery later on. ( 95% of lesions do NOT require any
further surgery )

You can use regular shampoo and face wash anytime prior to surgery.

Do NOT use any perfumes, lotions, creams, or gels prior to surgery.

Clothing and footwear should be clean, loose and comfortable.

Do NOT come straight from a hot and dusty workplace – have a shower
first.
o Slip on shoes are preferred

Food / Drink.

Avoid food and drink in the 2 hours prior to surgery.
Aim to have an empty bladder prior to surgery.

Medication.

It is important to take all medications as usual, unless directed otherwise.
If you wish, take pain killers / analgesia an hour or so before surgery Minor
bleeding occurs in almost all cases of surgery. Continue all prescribed blood
thinners unless advised specifically. These include: Aspirin /Warfarin / Plavix /Xarelto/Eliquis.

Smoking.

Try to stop before Surgery
Smoking can impair wound healing
Smoking is a risk factor for Skin Cancer, heart disease, other cancers
and has NO beneficial effects on your health or wellbeing