Last Minute Instructions

The night before your surgery is a time to take care of last-minute details. Be sure to double check your doctor’s orders.

Last Minute Tips

  • Take a shower the night before your surgery with Hibiclens (available in Woman's Serendipity Gift Shop and over the counter at most pharmacies) or Dial anti-bacterial soap.
  • Put on clean, freshly washed clothes after showering.
  • Take another shower the morning of your surgery using the anti-bacterial wash or soap and put on clean, freshly washed clothes to come to the hospital. If you are unable to take a shower, you still need to wash the surgical area thoroughly.
  • You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
  • If you have been told to take medications on the day of surgery, take with one ounce (2 tablespoons) of water.
  • Give yourself an enema or laxative if you have been told to do so.
  • Remove ALL body piercings and jewelry.
  • If you are scheduled for reconstructive surgery and have markings from your doctor, use special care not to wash them off.

What NOT To Do Before Your Surgery:

  • Do not apply lotions or powders
  • Do not suck on mints or chew gum
  • Do NOT smoke the morning of your surgery
  • For breast surgery patients, do not apply underarm deodorant
  • Do not shave the incision site, or anywhere on your body, with a razor the day of surgery