What to Expect - Excisional Surgery
Pre-Operative Instructions
DO NOT STOP Xarelto, Plavix, Coumadin or other blood thinners recommended by your doctors
Discontinue aspirin and aspirin-containing products for 2 weeks before surgery, if approved by your physician.
Discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen-containing products such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, Celebrex) 3 days before surgery.
Discontinue Vitamin E and or fish oil for 1 week.
Three days before surgery
Wash the surgical area with antibacterial soap (Hibiclens surgical soap or Betadine solution) twice daily for the three days prior to surgery.
If area of surgery is located on the scalp, shaving around this site is recommended.
Day before surgery
Avoid alcohol, which is a blood thinner.
If area of surgery is located on the scalp, shaving around this site is recommended.
Day of surgery
Please try and arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Expect to be in the office 30-60 minutes.
Eat a light breakfast/lunch.
Take your regular medications except as instructed above.
Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, we recommend arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery.
Bring reading material, handiwork, iPad or laptop.
WiFi is available
Post operative Instructions
Patient will leave the office with a pressure dressing. Stitches usually will be removed 7-14 days after the procedure and we will schedule a follow up visit prior to your departure. Please try and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks after the procedures. You are welcome to resume your medications 1-2 days after the procedures.
During the healing process, you may experience one or more of the following:
Pain
Typically the local anesthesia administered prior to surgery will wear off after 2 to 3 hours. Tylenol is usually adequate to control any subsequent discomfort. Under certain conditions a stronger pain medication will be prescribed.
Bleeding
Occasionally post operative bleeding occurs. Applying a pressure bandage to the wound for 20 minutes should stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, soaks through the pressure bandage, or if you experience extreme pain or sudden swelling, you should call: 352-246-3254
Bruising
Bruising around the surgical site is common. Some swelling may occur in the first few days following surgery and is most noticeable on the morning after surgery but should become less noticeable in two to four days.
Wound care
Wounds left open to heal and those sutured closed will normally drain during the first week following surgery. It is very important to keep the wound clean and to follow the written instructions provided at the time of surgery.