Ensuring Patient Safety & Success
Pre-Operative Care
Diet:
- Eat light or your usual breakfast or lunch that day, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
- Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure.
- Avoid aspirin-containing products two weeks prior; Ibuprofen, Aleve, or other nsaids 10 days prior to your appointment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is suggested as a substitute if needed. Avoid herbal remedies which may enhance bleeding (ex. St. John’s Wort). Continue all of your other medications. If on Coumadin, you will receive special instructions.
Clothing:
- Wear comfortable clothing. Button-down or zippered tops are preferred to pullovers.
Transportation:
- Most patients can drive themselves to and from the appointment. However, if you are particularly anxious, please arrange a ride.
Post-Operative Care
Activity:
- Do not engage in any strenuous activities until any stitches are removed. This includes jogging, tennis, working out, skiing, etc. You may walk and go about your daily activities. The purpose of minimizing stretching of the wound and excess scar information.
Care:
- Keep all bandages dry an intact for recommended days. It is preferable to take a sponge bath. You may shower if you are able to keep the bandage completely dry by cover with Saran Wrap and tape.
- After the recommended days, you may remove the brown pressure dressing, if one has been applied. If there are steri-strips, these must stay in place. Do not remove! The steri-strips help provide support and minimize scarring. If the edges begin to curl and catch clothing, you may trim them off.
- Do not attempt to remove your stitches. Be sure to keep your appointment, as the stitches shouldn’t stay in past the recommended time.
- If your wound itches a week after surgery, this is normal and is a sign of the skin healing.
Medication:
- Make sure to take any prescribed medication as directed.
- Do not take aspirin or Advil (Ibuprofen) for 48 hours after the surgery. Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be taken if there is any discomfort.
Post-Laser Care
- No rubbing and/or scratching the treated areas.
- No swimming or using hot tubs while redness is present, or for at least 24-48 hours.
- Apply moisturizer twice a day while redness is present.
- If crusting occurs, do not shave or pick the area. Apply ointment to the areas. Keep the area moist and let it fall off on its own.
- Apply makeup gently, and remove it with a soft cloth and soapy water.
- Discomfort may be relieve by ice packs and acetaminophen.
- Contact Dr. Mekelburg if there is any indication of blistering or infection.
- Avoid sun exposure. If treated area is exposed to the sun, use a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Please notify the office if you experience any unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding. If you need to call after hours or weekend, the answering service will page Dr. Brian Mekelburg.
