Can I use conditioner before surgery

Table of Contents Show

PRIOR TO FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
IN PREPARATION FOR SURGERY
NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY
DAY OF SURGERY
Medications to Avoid
Can you shampoo your hair before surgery?
What should I do with my hair for surgery?
What should be avoided before surgery?
Can I moisturize the night before surgery?

Last Modified: 9/07/2022

It’s Patient Safety Awareness Week and, at Parkview, that’s certainly a top priority all year long. You see evidence of this each time your doctor or nurse washes their hands or uses antibacterial lotion before their visit with you. Surgeons and team take this a step further by scrubbing their hands and arms before putting on sterile gloves and gowns. But cleanliness as a safety measure doesn’t stop there. It extends to you! As Randy Bryant, RN, manager, surgery, Parkview LaGrange Hospital, explains, if you are scheduled for surgery, you are an important member of your surgical team and should prepare accordingly.

Your important role begins the night before your surgery. You will be instructed to wash your skin with a special antibacterial solution called Hibiclens® or a comparable product. Use half of the bottle the night before, and the second half the morning of your procedure.

Before you shower:

Remove any body piercings/jewelry
Do not shave the area where your surgery will be for at least 48 hours before your surgery.
Have the following freshly washed items ready:
- Clean sheets, blankets and pillow cases on your bed
- 2 sets of clean washcloths and towels – one set for your evening shower, the other for your shower the morning of surgery
- Clean pajamas for the evening
- Clean clothes for the morning

During your shower:

Before you use the antibacterial solution, wash your hair with your regular shampoo. Rinse your hair thoroughly and do not use conditioner or any other leave-in styling products.
Turn the water off to prevent rinsing the antibacterial soap off too soon.
Using your hands or a clean washcloth, apply Hibiclens® to your entire body; from your neck to your toes.
Apply the Hibiclens® gently for 3-5 minutes. Do not scrub your skin too hard.
Be sure to clean the area where your surgical incision will be very well. If the surgical site will be in a place that is difficult to reach, you may consider having assistance to clean that area.
If you are having a laparoscopic surgery, gently clean your belly button with Hibiclens on a cotton-tipped applicator.
Rinse your body thoroughly with running water. Do not use any other soap on your skin.
Pat yourself dry with a clean, absorbent towel.
Do not use any lotion, powder, deodorant, perfume or aftershave on your skin after bathing with Hibiclens®.
Learn more about preparing for surgery here.

Clearance

OBTAIN PRIMARY CARE or CARDIOLOGY CLEARANCE ALONG WITH LABS (Printable PDF)
OBTAIN OPHTHALMOLOGY CLEARANCE IF EYELID SURGERY IS BEING PERFORMED (Printable PDF)

PRIOR TO FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

4 WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY: No nicotine
2 WEEKS PRIOR TO AND 2 WEEKS AFTER: Avoid all potential blood thinners including meds and supplements and alcohol. Take Vitamin C 1000mg by mouth three times daily. We recommend Ester-C which is buffered and therefore easier on your GI system.

IN PREPARATION FOR SURGERY

Your labs and clearance(s) need to be completed and faxed prior to your pre-operative appointment. At this appointment we will obtain the consents and explain the pre- and post-operative care. In addition, all prescriptions necessary will be given to you. You must fill these prescriptions and bring them with you the day of surgery. If eyelid surgery is being performed, you must buy artificial tears (e.g. Refresh Plus) and lubricating ointment for the eyes (e.g. Refresh PM).Make sure the drops specifically say “preservative free.” If nasal surgery is being performed, purchase a nasal decongestant (e.g. Afrin), nasal saline sprays (e.g. Ocean or Ayr) and a cool mist humidifier. If facelift or forehead surgery is being performed, purchase Baby shampoo and a gentle facial cleanser (e.g. cetaphil, Neutrogena). For all procedures, you will need peroxide, gauze, and q tips in order to clean any crusts that develop along the suture lines.

NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Your case may be cancelled or delayed if you do. Certain blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes meds are allowed the morning of surgery with a sip of water.

Wash your face and hair and body with a liquid antibacterial soap like Dial liquid. This will not harm your hair. Do not use any conditioner or moisturizer.

DAY OF SURGERY

Wash your face again with the antibacterial soap.
Take any approved meds with a sip of water.
Remove all jewelry and piercings. These can conduct heat and electricity used during surgery.
Do not wear contact lenses.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that buttons down the front. Don’t bring any valuables.
Bring all prescriptions with you. These meds are what will be given to you during your overnight stay (if indicated) and prior to discharge.
If your procedure includes a facelift or forehead surgery, we require that you stay with us overnight. If it does not, then you will be discharged from the facility the day of the surgery.
Someone will need to drive you to and from the surgical center. If you are staying overnight, the discharge time is generally 8 am.

Medications to Avoid

Click here for a list of medications to avoid.

Printable PDF

Schedule Consultation

Can you shampoo your hair before surgery?

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.

What should I do with my hair for surgery?

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)

What should be avoided before surgery?

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.

Can I moisturize the night before surgery?

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.