pre-op checklist

Every provider performing procedures or surgeries has a checklist before performing said procedure or surgery. In general, your role in a surgery should be fairly hands-off, unless your provider tells you otherwise. Here are a list of general to-dos before any procedure:

1. Clean your skin. Sanitation is the hallmark of modern medicine, and every procedure (in dermatology or otherwise) in general will limit risk of infection or artifact if the area is clean. Your provider will certainly clean the area of interest before your procedure, however, it is common that post-procedure (whether it is a skin biopsy, cosmetic procedure, patch test) the area could be either mildly painful or difficult to access under a bandage. It is best to come to your appointment after taking a shower.

2. Consent. Never be afraid to ask your provider for more information about the procedure. If it seems as if your provider does not have enough time to answer, this is a red flag - go elsewhere!

3. Expectations. Be sure to speak with your provider about what to expect from the procedure. Will there be down time? What will the area look like? The outcomes are different on a case by case, patient by patient basis. However, every procedure should have general expectations that you should be informed of pre-op.

4. Disclose pre-existing conditions and medications. Do you have artificial joints or heart valves? Taking blood thinners? Allergies to medications? The answers to these questions vary in importance from procedure to procedure. It is always a good idea to disclose this information, whether the provider asks for it or not.

If you have further questions, be sure to make an appointment or visit your local skin expert.