DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN or any medications containing aspirin for two weeks before your surgery. Aspirin interferes with normal blood clotting. Aspirin-containing drugs include: Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin, Motrin, Advil, Empirin, Midol and numerous others. If you are in doubt about a drug, please ask your pharmacist. Tylenol is a good substitute for aspirin. It is however, important to continue any medication already prescribed unless specified as being contra-indicated for your surgery.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYmedication also needs to be avoided for two weeks prior to surgery.
DO NOT TAKE ANY VITAMINS, ANY HERBAL MEDICATION OR HEALTH FOOD SUPPLEMENTSfor two weeks prior to your surgery as these can also interfere with blood clotting.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for two weeks before your surgery (including beer and wine).
If you smoke, YOU MUST STOP SMOKING at least two weeks before your surgery. In addition, smoking should only resume two weeks after surgery. This is very important for the healing process and to avoid complications during general anesthesia and postoperative healing.
Notify us of any signs of infection such as a cold, boil, etc. or fever during the week prior to surgery.
You need to take one antibiotic pill the night before your surgery (before the beginning of your fasting period).
As with any surgery under general anesthesia, you must be fasting from midnight the night before your surgery (no food, no drink (including water), no gum). However, if you take medication on a regular basis in the morning, you can do so (with a small sip of water). You will also need to take (just before leaving the house to come to the clinic) the anti-nausea medication and the antibiotics prescribed to you by our office (again with a small sip of water).
Please arrive at least 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes) prior to your surgery time*. YOU MUST ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO BE REACHED on the day of your surgery, as there are sometimes changes in the surgical schedule.
* If your surgery is scheduled at 8:00, you may arrive 30 minutes prior (7:30am). Please note, however that the front door might be locked at that time. If that is the case, please ring the doorbell (located on the left hand side of our front door) and someone will come to let you in.
YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE ACCOMPANY YOU HOME AFTER SURGERY. We will advise the person coming to pick you up, one hour prior, as to what time you will get your discharge.
You need to purchase two anti-bacterial soap (Solunet or Dexedin) and use it when you take your shower the night before and morning of the surgery. Please use Solunet instead of soap and wash the full body. DO NOT WASH YOUR FACE WITH THIS PRODUCT. Please shampoo your hair the night before the surgery.
Do not use moisturizer on your face or body the morning of the surgery. Please remove all nail polish (acrylic nails can be kept on) and makeup. Contact lenses should also not be worn on the day of surgery.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Tops with buttons or zippers are recommended. Avoid shoes with laces that require tying.
Please leave all valuables, including jewellery at home. We are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
Note: You will be given a request for blood tests some time before your surgery. Please note your surgery could be canceled if the test results are not received on time for your surgery.
