Surgery Skin Preparation

Your doctor requests that you use Dial Soap (bar or liquid) the night before your procedure and the morning of your procedure. The soap can be purchased at your local retailer. This is very important to help prevent infection both during and after the procedure. 

  • The night before surgery, please place freshly washed sheets on your bed. Also, be sure to have a freshly laundered pair of pajamas to wear after your shower/bath. If the sheets or pajamas get soiled please replace them with a new laundered set. 
  • Do not sleep with any pets the night before your surgery. 
  • Do not shave around the surgery site for at least 48 hours (2 days) prior to surgery. Shaving may create tiny cuts in the skin which increases susceptibility to infections. The surgery nurses may shave the surgical site with special clippers before the procedure, depending on type of procedure and area affected. 

 

Washing Directions

NIGHT BEFORE PROCEDURE

  1. Wash your hair with your own shampoo before beginning the instructions provided.
  2. Place the soap on a clean washcloth and get it wet.  
  3. Turn off the water to avoid rinsing off the soap too soon.
  4. In the shower or bath, take the washcloth and wash from the neck down concentrating on the surgical site. Do not scrub the skin too hard. 
  5. Wash for about 5 minutes before rinsing.  
  6. Do not use your regular soap after washing with Dial Soap.
  7. Pat dry the surgical area and then dry off the rest of your body using a clean towel each time. 

 

MORNING OF PROCEDURE

  1. For the morning scrub, use a new clean washcloth. 
  2. Place the soap on a clean washcloth and get it wet.
  3. Turn off the water to avoid rinsing off the soap too soon.
  4. In the shower or bath, take the washcloth and wash from the neck down concentrating on the surgical site. Do not scrub the skin too hard.
  5. Wash for about 5 minutes before rinsing.  
  6. Do not use your regular soap after washing with Dial Soap. 
  7. Pat dry the surgical area and then dry off the rest of your body using a clean towel each time. 
  8. DO NOT use any lotions or body sprays after applying the soap.  
  9. Dress in clean, loose-fitting clothing. (i.e. track pants, sweats, shorts)