You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before your procedure. You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments.
You usually don't need to wear a bra during surgery because you'll have the hospital gown and a surgical drape over your chest. You may want to invest in a bra that's easy to put on and remove if you're getting arm or shoulder surgery.
Most likely you won't be allowed to wear a tampon while in surgery. Instead, you will be given a pad to wear. The nurse in the operating room will change your pad while you are sleeping if necessary.
Why can't I wear deodorant to surgery? Deodorants can have alcohol in them. We use a diathermy machine which can make a little spark, and we really don't want to have an explosion because there's alcohol in your armpit.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes including low-heeled comfortable shoes. Shirts or blouses with buttons in front are usually best. When you arrive, we will provide you with a surgical gown and non-slip socks to wear during your visit. Please make every effort to arrive on time for your appointment.
You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments. We understand this can be confronting and uncomfortable for some people, however it is required for surgery, assists in an emergency and ensures your personal garments aren't unnecessarily cut or stained.
Can I brush my teeth the morning of surgery? Yes. You may brush your teeth and swish with a small amount of water to rinse.
Do not shave or wax any area on your body for a week before surgery (legs, bikini, underarms, etc.). Shaving can nick the skin and increase the risk of wound infection. If hair needs to be removed, it will be done at the hospital.
Sleep on clean bedding and dress in clean clothes after bathing. Hair: Many hair products and hair pieces contain highly flammable products. Your safety is our first priority. That's why we require that you wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery using only shampoo and conditioner.
If you have long hair, consider braiding it or putting it in a ponytail. Don't put on makeup or use any hair products. Remove your contact lenses and wear your eye glasses to the hospital (if this applies to you) Remove all jewelry, including any and ALL piercings (leave them at home).
Many are concerned that having their period at the same time as their surgery may cause some issues. Women who are on their period do not have any increased risk of complications, so it is perfectly safe to undergo surgery while on your period.
A note on tampons: your nurses will likely ask you to remove a tampon and opt for a pad instead to reduce the risk of infection - anaesthetic can wreak havoc with focus and memory, albeit temporarily, and you may forget about that tampon post op.”
Even if it's an outpatient or same-day surgery, compression socks are often prescribed. When you have to be off your feet for a period of time – and particularly for surgeries on the hip, knee, legs or abdomen – there's an increase in your risk for DVT.
Sports bra is fine for most of the patients. However if you are going for a big size augmentation, a surgical bra is recommended as it gives you lateral support on the breasts. So you don't want the breast implants to pop up laterally, that's why the surgical bras are better.
Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your scheduled surgery. Do not chew gum or use any tobacco products. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Take out removable teeth prior to transfer to the operating room and do not wear glasses or contact lenses in the OR.
On the day of surgery, you may be asked to arrive several hours before your procedure is scheduled to begin. This allows the staff to complete any tests that cannot be performed until the day of surgery.
Mornings are Best
In fact, researchers conducting a 2006 Duke University study found that surgeries scheduled between 3 and 4 p.m. had a higher rate of post-op vomiting, nausea, and pain.
Have clean freshly laundered bed sheets, towels and pajamas ready for use the evening prior to surgery. Do not shave your pubic hair the day before or the day of surgery. If you would like to warm wipes prior to use, please place closed packet in a bowl of warm water at bathwater temperature.
Your surgeon may request bathing with a special soap; please follow their instructions. Creams and lotions should not be worn on the day of surgery. A light application of deodorant is permissible.
Clipping immediately before surgery (rather than shaving) will likely have an even lower incidence of surgical site infection than shaving. Clipping of some hair-bearing areas should be avoided (such as the eyebrows), while other areas (such as the pubic regions) are very commonly clipped.
This could be to clear the area for the future incision. But in many cases, the reasoning has to do with infection risk.
No. You do not need to make any changes to how you normally groom. In fact, it is recommended that you avoid shaving pubic hair pre-surgery since any nicks in the skin from the razor can make you more vulnerable to infection.
All nail polish should be removed prior to surgery, including polish on toenails. Patients with long hair should not wear metal hair pins or barrettes.
The first shower should be taken two days before surgery and the second shower the day before surgery. The third shower will be the morning of surgery. With each shower, if you are going to wash your hair, wash as usual with your normal shampoo. Rinse your hair and body thoroughly afterward to remove the residue.