PRE-OPERATIVE CARE

  1. Avoid taking any aspirin (or medications that contain aspirin like Anacin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Bayer, Dristan and other cold remedies, Alka-Seltzer) starting at least 10 days before the surgery. If you are on aspirin specifically prescribed by your doctor due to specific medical problem (such as having had a heart attack, stroke or blood clot) it is best to stay on aspirin, you may not be able to or it may not be advisable to discontinue this medication. In these cases where you require aspirin for a specific medical purpose, do not discontinue without the authorization of your physician or cardiologist.
  2. You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) at any time prior to or after the procedure (as this does not affect bleeding).
  3. Discontinue all Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen) at least 10 days prior to the surgery, (as these medications also increase the risk of pre-operative bleeding).
  4. Discontinue all herbal remedies and vitamin supplements, including daily multivitamins, 14 days prior to the surgery (as they can interfere with bleeding similar to aspirin and NSAIDS) especially: Vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Feverfew, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Kava kava, Celery root, Fish oils, and St. John's Wort. Also, discontinue Ephedra (as this can interact with the epinephrine in our anesthesia to increase cardiac stress during the surgery).
  5. No alcohol should be consumed for at least 5 days prior to the surgery (as this also can increase the risk of significant bleeding).
  6. If you have a clotting disorder, (such as Von Willebrand's disease, factor VIII deficiency, hemophilia A, and factor IX deficiency hemophilia B or Christmas disease), please inform our office prior to the surgery. Also, please discuss the upcoming skin surgery with your primary care doctor or hematologist well ahead of the scheduled surgical date.
  7. If you smoke or chew tobacco please try to cut down as much as possible. It is best to actually stop 3-4 days before the surgery to help the healing process. (Tobacco increases the risk of failure of the wound closure as well as infection).
  8. If you have a heart murmur, artificial heart valve, or another heart valve abnormality, or require pre-operative or pre-dental procedure antibiotics for another reason (such as joint prosthesis) please inform our office at least one week prior to your scheduled surgery.
  9. If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator please inform our office before your scheduled surgery.
  10. If you are allergic to any medications, please inform our office and provide a written list (printed in capital letters) for your permanent chart.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

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