BEFORE SURGERY

1. Wash your foot or feet to be operated on thoroughly the night before surgery.

2. Clean your toenails thoroughly.  Avoid injury to the skin and toenails.

3. If your surgery is to be performed at a hospital or surgery center, do not eat or drink ANYTHING after midnight the night before surgery unless given SPECIFIC instructions by your doctor.

4. Wear loose fitting garments.

5. Have someone available to drive you home after surgery.


Stanford Hospital
Ambulatory Surgery Center
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, Ca 94306
Phone:  650.723.2300

Waverly Surgery Center
400 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, Ca 94301
Phone:  650.324.0600



Post-Matricectomy (Nail Surgery) Instructions

1. When you arrive at your destination, elevate your foot if possible.  Try not to wear closed shoes while your toe is numb, as this may cause more discomfort when the anesthetic subsides.

2. Local anesthesia may last from three to twelve hours.  Do not be alarmed if the numbness lasts until the next day.  When the anesthetic wears off your toe will start to feel heavy.  Pain medications, either narcotic, Tylenol, Motrin or other types of anti-inflammatories should be taken at this time.  Follow the prescribed dosage regimen or manufacturer suggestions.

3. You may shower the day after your procedure.  Cover your toe(s) with a dry Band-Aid.  Do not use topical medicines on the procedure site.

4. Somewhere between three to five days you will notice a yellow/pink soft scab forming.  Healing is enhanced when this layer is removed.  It is easiest to do this in the shower with a toothbrush or washcloth.

5. The operated site(s) should begin feeling better in one to two days.  Should you experience an increase in symptoms, please call the office.