If you smoke, try not to for at least two weeks before surgery, and until the implant is fully healed with the bone (approximately twelve weeks post-surgery). It has been shown that smoking slows the healing process of the bone significantly. (This is worth remembering with any form of surgery involving bone).

Hair will be shaved around the site in preparation of the surgery. Think ahead; if you have regular perms or colouring, get them done a week or two before surgery. (Not too close to the date, as the solutions used may leave the skin irritated). Once all well healed colouring and perming can resume.

The night/morning before surgery use a mild shampoo and wash your hair. You will not be able to wash your hair thoroughly until cleared by the Doctor (possibly two weeks post-surgery).

Post-surgery it is possible to wash the majority of your hair very carefully if you feel able. But the site must not become wet.

Sweep the hair over the side of the head away from the site of surgery. Either cup one hand firmly round the top of the site to guard from water running back, or use an egg cup (plastic is a little softer) over the site. You could make a small "cap" to cover the site, using square gauze and cling film. Cut a thick wad of gauze (about three pieces) into a circle, big enough to cover the site. Cover with cling film. Then cut some gauze into 2 cm strips (about 1 inch). Enough to go around the circle. Cover these with cling film. Then put it all together using more cling film to join the bits together. It should look like a "pill box hat".

Ensure the spray of the shower is directed away from the site, and is close enough to your head, and not on a strong spray setting, so it will not splash. If you are wary, do not attempt it yourself. Ask a friend or family member to help. Or it is possible to use dry shampoo if necessary.

Once the doctor has said all is well healed, you will be able to wash your hair normally. You might find the skin round the abutment will be a little sensitive for a while, so take care when using hair products such as gel and hair spray. When washing your hair, gently and firmly massage round the site to stimulate blood flow. You may find this soothes any irritation felt from the healing process.

If the site feels irritated immediately wipe round with a wipe (see below) or clean water and cotton bud. If the irritation does not settle, use a tiny amount of ointment you may have already. (See below).

BAHA first aid.

When at home or travelling, keep the following to hand.

Spare batteries.

Ointment: at some point you may be prescribed an ointment, usually for a minor flare up of the abutment site. Keep the tube handy, it has a long shelf life. You will come to know when you need a “quick fix” with it. (Always seek doctors advice if the problem does not go away within a few days).

Baby wipes: alcohol free wipes are useful for quick cleaning. During hot weather, or if you work in an environment that may lead to the site becoming irritated, use a wipe to wipe round the abutment.

Cleaning.

Salt water: is helpful if the site is in need of frequent cleaning. Just a ¼ of a teaspoon of salt dissolved in hot water, then allowed to cool before use.

To help remove crusting without damaging the skin underneath, use some gauze soaked in the salt water and held on the site for a few minutes. This will soften the crusting, which should then be easier to ease off the area. Any that doesn’t want to come away, leave for next time. Do this a couple of times a day until the crusting is gone.

Never use loose cotton wool for cleaning, as the fibres can get caught round the abutment.

Cotton buds can be used to clean round the abutment, and can also help to apply ointment, avoiding it going on the hair. Squash the tip of the head so that there is a flat edge, and this will fit close to where the abutment meets the skin.

There are soft “tooth” brushes available, and this may help keep crusting from building up when used gently.

Only cleaning brushes from your clinic should be used, if the above methods do not keep your site clean enough. Aggressive cleaning will cause as many problems as under-cleaning. Each person is different, due to skin type etc. Each person finds the best hygiene routine for them in time. If you find you are not having any recurrent problems, then your routine is the right one for you.

Remember; never leave a problem to get worse. Minor flare ups are usually resolved within two or three days. If your abutment is sore, swollen or weeping it is best seen at the earliest opportunity.