10 Days Before Surgery

Do's

• You may take Tylenol before and after surgery for headache, pain, or fever.
• Report any symptoms of a cold, flu, virus, skin infection, boil or pustule.
• Wash the surgical area with a germ-inhibiting soap like Dial or Safeguard. If your skin is sensitive to these soaps, do not use them.
• Take 325 mg of Ferrous Gluconate, an iron supplement, three times a day.
• Take a multi-vitamin once a day.
• Schedule pre-admission blood tests, and, if required by Dr. Markus, a mammogram.

Don'ts

• You may not take Aspirin, medications containing Aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory drugs because they interfere with blood clotting. This means no Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cope, Coricidan, Davon Compound, Dristan, Empirin, Excedrin, Fiorinal, Vanquish, St John's Wort, or Ginkgo Biloba. For a complete list, click here.
• You may not drink alcohol, smoke or use nicotine products, or take medications, herbal medications, dietary supplements unless cleared by Dr. Markus's office. To get clearance give Dr. Markus a complete list of vitamins, over-the-counter and prescription medications that you currently take.
• You may not take Vitamin E, except in a multi-vitamin.

Evening Before Surgery

Do's

• Wash your hair-you will not be allowed to shower or wash your hair for several days after surgery.

Don'ts

• Do not eat or drink after midnight.

Day of Surgery

Do's

• Come to the surgical facility in the morning and arrange for someone to pick you up in the afternoon and remain with you for the next 24 hours. You will not be able to drive after your procedure.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweat pants and shirts that button down the front.

Don'ts

• Do not eat or drink before surgery. When you brush your teeth, do not swallow the rinse water.