diff --git a/code/_helpers/unsorted.dm b/code/_helpers/unsorted.dm
index 209b67ee36..d05eb3920e 100644
--- a/code/_helpers/unsorted.dm
+++ b/code/_helpers/unsorted.dm
@@ -1158,9 +1158,9 @@ var/global/list/common_tools = list(
 // check if mob is lying down on something we can operate him on.
 // The RNG with table/rollerbeds comes into play in do_surgery() so that fail_step() can be used instead.
 /proc/can_operate(mob/living/carbon/M, mob/living/user)
-	. = M.lying
-
-	if(user && M == user && user.allow_self_surgery && user.a_intent == I_HELP)	// You can, technically, always operate on yourself after standing still. Inadvised, but you can.
+	if(M != user)
+		. = M.lying
+	else if(user && user.allow_self_surgery && user.a_intent == I_HELP)    // You can, technically, always operate on yourself after standing still. Inadvised, but you can.
 		. = TRUE
 	return .