At my pre-op appt I asked the nurse if it's okay to lotion my face&legs (as they are notoriously dry & will leave me uncomfortable all day long the day of surgery without lotion after my morning shower) she said I can apply lotion to my face/legs; is this safe or should I just not apply? Also she said it was okay to leave in one of my ear piercings that isn't fully healed and she said they would cover it with tape? Is this safe practice also? Or should I have it changed out professionaly pre-op?
June 9, 2015
Answer: Lotion and earrings during surgery Thank you very much for your question.Generally in our practice at Aurora, we would encourage you to remove earrings prior to surgery or have them taped.The reason for this is, in surgery a diathermy (cautery machines) are sometimes used and any exposed areas of metal can potentially cause burns in this area. Generally we also advise you to reduce use of body lotion particularly on the leg areas and also the areas which are going to be operated on. The reason for this is that body ointment makes it less easy to apply a pad which is required for the diathermy and also makes the preparation and drawing on the skin in the surgical area more difficult. However, each surgeon’s practice varies considerably and I think it would be best to discuss with your plastic surgeon and their nursing team, their preference prior to surgery.AR
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June 9, 2015
Answer: Lotion and earrings during surgery Thank you very much for your question.Generally in our practice at Aurora, we would encourage you to remove earrings prior to surgery or have them taped.The reason for this is, in surgery a diathermy (cautery machines) are sometimes used and any exposed areas of metal can potentially cause burns in this area. Generally we also advise you to reduce use of body lotion particularly on the leg areas and also the areas which are going to be operated on. The reason for this is that body ointment makes it less easy to apply a pad which is required for the diathermy and also makes the preparation and drawing on the skin in the surgical area more difficult. However, each surgeon’s practice varies considerably and I think it would be best to discuss with your plastic surgeon and their nursing team, their preference prior to surgery.AR
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May 26, 2015
Answer: Jewelry and lotion Thank you for your question. If you are worried about the answer that was given to you by the nurse, it would be best to ask your plastic surgeon to see what he or she advises.All the best,Dr. JSB
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May 26, 2015
Answer: Jewelry and lotion Thank you for your question. If you are worried about the answer that was given to you by the nurse, it would be best to ask your plastic surgeon to see what he or she advises.All the best,Dr. JSB
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