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.
CHG Shower and Sleep
This is because all humans have germs on their skin that may cause an infection after surgery. Taking two showers (one at night and one in the morning) with CHG soap removes germs and reduces the risk of infection.
Hair contains pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms that have been identified to cause SSIs. Based on current literature and reviewed evidence, covering the hair and ears in the surgical settings is a practical act to decrease the risk of harming a patient.
Before your surgery, your skin needs to be as clean as possible. You can decrease the germs on your skin and reduce your risk of infection by following the shower instructions we have provided. You are required to shower both the night before and the morning of your surgery.
Hair products could be flammable and may be dangerous to have in the operating room. It's best to put your hair up in a braid or ponytail so it can be out of the way.
Can I wear deodorant before surgery? Refrain from using deodorants, powder, perfumes, lotions and moisturisers, as the products can leave residue on your skin.
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).
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. DO NOT use any other hair products after washing.
Take nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. This means that you cannot drink any liquids, eat food, chew gum, smoke a cigarette, or have a mint. If you brush your teeth, do not swallow any water. If your surgery is late in the day, please ask the nurse or anesthesiologist about having a light breakfast.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, or mints. If you do, it may be necessary to cancel your surgery. Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
You will be taken into an area where you will be asked to remove all of your clothing and jewelry and you will be given a hospital gown. This is sometimes called the Pre-Operative Holding Area. The staff will help secure your belongings, or have you give them to your family for safekeeping.
Razors can rapidly remove hair from the surgical field, but may result in small cuts and abrasions. This minor skin damage can provide an area where bacteria flora can multiply and potentially infect the surgical incision site.
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.
This is one of many steps we take to help reduce the chance of infections. You can reduce the number of germs on your skin by carefully washing before surgery, using the following instructions. For all pre-op patients: Change the sheets on your bed the first night of the bathing protocol.
You may be told not to have a bath after some operations. This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound.
Your anesthesiologist will monitor your recovery and your need for pain medication. If you don't stay overnight, you will need someone to take you home because you won't be able to drive or take public transportation by yourself.
Usually, before having a general anaesthetic, you will not be allowed anything to eat or drink. This is because when the anaesthetic is used, your body's reflexes are temporarily stopped. If your stomach has food and drink in it, there's a risk of vomiting or bringing up food into your throat.
The best meals before surgery will include a balance of lean protein, unprocessed carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy (mainly plant-based) fats. Lean protein sources could include eggs, chicken, and fish. You can add a range of healthy carbohydrates like bananas, buckwheat, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and more.
The process of waking up from anesthesia is known as emergence. During emergence, the anesthesiologist will slowly reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs in the body. This helps to reduce the intensity of the effects of anesthesia and allows the patient to regain consciousness.
Oral hygiene must be excellent prior to surgery. Therefore, during the 2 to 3 days prior to surgery, brush your teeth with toothpaste and use mouthwash several times a day. On the day of surgery, before reporting to the office, brush and rinse with mouthwash. Do not drink any water.
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.
You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with a small sip of water, but do not swallow any of it. If you have been told to take medicine the day of surgery, take them with just a small sip of water. Stop smoking for at least twenty-four (24) hours before surgery.
Bathing, creams, lotions, deodorants.
Please shower or bathe the night before your surgery. 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.
Anesthesia Can Impact Your Hair Too
During surgery, doctors use anesthesia to put the body into a very relaxed state. When this happens, it causes the fast-paced cell division occurring in your hair follicles to slow down. This can cause a significant disruption in the normal production process.
Preparing for day of surgery
Avoid wearing acrylic nails or nail polish – this is where the pulse oximeter is usually placed to measure oxygen levels in your blood, and it sometimes does not work as well when you wear finger nail polish.