PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SURGERY

Office based surgery is a safe and efficient method for treating many forms of skin cancer and removing growths on the skin. This information is provided to help your surgery be as uneventful and pleasant as possible.

Please eat a healthy breakfast and lunch the day of your surgery. If your appointment falls close to lunchtime, you may want to consider bringing a snack, especially if you have diabetes, low blood sugar, or have other dietary concerns. Please do not drink any alcoholic beverages 48 hours before your surgery.

Please make sure you have taken all of your prescribed medications as directed on the day of your surgery.

Anti-Inflammatory medications can cause increased bleeding and make surgery more difficult. We ask that you stop these medications at least 2 weeks before your surgery, unless you have been told not to by your prescribing physician.

                    1. Aspirin

                    2. Ibuprofen (Advil)

                    3. Naproxen (Aleve)

                    4. Any other anti-inflammatory medications like Celebrex or Vioxx.

Blood Thinners – Stopping these medications for 3 to 5 days may be necessary. We should discuss whether to stop or continue the following medications.

                    1. Warfarin (Coumadin)

                    2. Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Food Supplements can cause increased bleeding and make surgery more difficult. Please stop all of the following supplements at least 2 weeks before your surgery.

                     1. Ginko

                     2. Garlic

                     3. Ginseng

                     4. Vitamin E

                     5. Fish oil / Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you don’t know if you should stop any of the above medications, please ask us and we will be happy to help you with any questions.

Please dress warmly, and in layer, so you can easily adapt to the room's temperature.

Due to limited space, please bring only one person with you to your appointment. You may be here for several hours. Thank you for your attention to these matters and we look forward to seeing you for your surgical appointment.