What to expect on your surgery day

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We want you to feel informed and comfortable before your surgery. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and understand what will happen during your visit.

Before You Arrive

• Driving to Your Appointment
  You may drive yourself to and from your appointment. However, if you’ve ever felt faint or light-headed during medical procedures or bloodwork, we recommend arranging for someone to drive you.
   
• Timing
  The appointment will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, but we recommend planning to be at the clinic for 1 to 3 hours in total.
   
• Eat Ahead of Time
  Please eat a meal or snack at least 60 minutes before your appointment to avoid feeling light-headed.
   

When You Arrive

• Check-In
  Arrive at your scheduled time. One of our friendly Administrative Team Members will greet you, review your consent form, and gather contact details for your driver (if applicable).
   
• Pre-Surgery Discussion
  A Nurse will bring you into the surgical suite where you'll be prepped for your procedure. You'll review your diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect during and after the surgery.
  You’ll have time to ask any questions you may have—we're here to support you.
   

During the Procedure

• Marking the Site
  After reviewing everything and signing your consent, Dr. Guillemaud, Dr. Sander or Heather Harper, NP will mark the surgical site. This will be shown to you with a mirror before proceeding.
   
• Anesthetic & Testing
  A Nurse will inject local anesthetic to numb the area. Once numb, Dr. Guillemaud, Dr. Sander, or Heather Harper, NP will test the area to ensure you're completely comfortable before beginning.
   
• Tissue Removal
  The cancerous tissue will then be removed and sent to a Calgary-based lab for analysis. Results usually take a few weeks, and we will call you once they’re available.
   

Wound Closure

• Closing the Excision
  The area will be closed using two layers of sutures—dissolvable stitches under the skin and external stitches on the surface.
  This process may take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the excision. During closure, surrounding tissue is loosened, blood vessels are cauterized, and the wound is carefully stitched.
   
• Dressing
  A pressure dressing will be applied to the area and should remain in place for three days.
   

After Your Surgery

• Instructions & Medications
  You’ll receive written and verbal post-operative instructions from your Nurse. Any prescriptions will be provided and discussed with you before you leave.
   
• Follow-Up
  Before heading home, you can book your follow-up or suture removal appointment at reception.