Dimitriderm.com

Pre-Op Information and Instructions
2-3 Weeks Prior to Surgery
 Schedule pre-operative testing. This testing should be completed no later than 2-3 weeks prior to the
date of surgery to ensure the results are current. This testing will help to ensure that we have not overlooked any serious medical complications with surgery. Pre-operative testing generally consists of routine blood testing.  Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2 Weeks Prior to Surgery
 STOP taking any aspirin products. They increase your chance of excess bleeding during surgery.
 STOP taking any Motrin (ibuprofen) or related non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
 STOP taking most herbal supplements.
 STOP taking supplements believed to be detrimental to your pre-surgery health including: St.
John's Wort, the now illegal ephedra or Ma Huang, kava kava, licorice, pennyroyal, germander, chaparral, borage, coltsfoot, comfrey, life root, sassafras, aristolofchia fangchi.  STOP taking supplements that act as blood thinners or increase the chance of excessive bleeding
during surgery including: ginko biloba, garlic, gensing, dong quai, willow, red clover.  STOP taking Vitamin E before surgery because it too can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
5 Days Prior to Surgery
 If you have been prescribed Coumadin or Warfarin, call the doctor who prescribed them. Ask if it is okay to STOP taking them in light of your impending surgery. While it is generally beneficial to stop taking these 4-5 days prior to surgery, in certain cases it is not advisable. If your doctor does NOT allow you to discontinue taking these, contact us at (504) 391-7540. 2 Days Prior to Surgery
 Absolutely NO alcohol or alcoholic beverages during the 48 hrs. prior to surgery and for 48 hrs. following surgery. Alcohol can have serious consequences on the surgery as well as the anesthesia.  Shave the surgical site if it is hair bearing. The Day Before Surgery
 Absolutely do not take any of the medications or supplements already stopped (above) including
 Follow a nutritious well balanced diet with lots of water. NO milk products. The Day of Surgery
 You may, and probably should, take any of these if they are currently prescribed to you:  You must shower using Dial antibacterial or other antibacterial soap.  DO NOT take anything you have previously stopped taking in preparation for surgery. Remember this
includes aspirin, motrin, coumadin, warfarrin.  DO NOT exercise the morning prior to surgery.
 DO NOT apply perfumes, body/face lotions or creams.
 If you have accidentally taken any medications, supplements, or eaten food that you should not have please contact us immediately. Contact us at (504) 391-7540.  Bring all medications currently prescribed to you in their labeled containers with you to the clinic.  Leave non-essential valuables (such as watches, jewelry, cell phones) at home to reduce the chance of misplacing or losing them in the clinic.  If you wear glasses, contact lenses, false teeth or related personal items, bring a case to store them in
You should also proceed to read our post-operative instructions so you will be prepared for what comes next after your surgery. Questions? If you have any questions about these instructions, including what you should and should not be
taking, contact us at (504) 391-7540.

Source: http://www.dimitriderm.com/pdf/pre_op.pdf