Prepare for Surgery

Pre-Operative Instructions

These instructions are general guidelines that can be used before surgery for most patients. Since every case is unique, your surgeon may give you further or differing instructions. Please follow his or her guidelines.

• You will be contacted the night before surgery by the surgical facility and told what time to arrive. Usually, you are asked to arrive approximately 2 hours prior to your surgery time.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. This includes water and coffee. This is for your safety during the procedure. If you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery will need to be rescheduled.
• Discontinue any medications that you were instructed to stop taking by your physician. If, however, you are taking any regular medications such as Heart, BP, asthma, or seizure medicines, they can be taken in the morning on the day of your surgery with a sip of water. Swallow only enough water to take your medication.
• Make sure that you know the location and directions to the surgical facility.
• Avoid tobacco, gum, mints, or candy of any kind the morning of your surgery.
• Prior to surgery, shower/bathe, brush your teeth and gargle as usual but do not swallow any water.
• Remove any wig or hairpiece, contact lenses, body jewelry, hairpins, etc. If you wear glasses, bring your glasses and eyeglass case with you.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes. Do not bring or wear jewelry. Leave all valuables at home.
• If you are having outpatient surgery, you MUST arrange for someone to drive you home. If you arrive without arrangements, your surgery will be rescheduled.
• It is necessary to have a responsible adult stay with you after surgery because the effects of anesthesia remain with you for approximately 24 hours.
• You will need to see your physician for a post-op appointment after surgery. If you have not already scheduled your post-op appointment, please call your physician and schedule it.

Post-Operative Instructions

These instructions are general guidelines that can be used following surgery for most patients. Since every case is unique, your surgeon may give you further or differing instructions. Please follow his or her guidelines.

• RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are often found to be the best treatment.
• Use the medication your physician has prescribed for you and follow the directions exactly as they appear on your medication bottle. If you cannot control your pain or the medication is making you sick, please call our office.
• Your physician will instruct you on whether you should remove your post-op bandage yourself or if you should wait until your follow-up visit at the office.
• Do not bathe or swim until you have been permitted to do so by your physician. You may shower; however, keep the dressing clean and dry.
• If you have not already scheduled your post-op appointment, please call your physician and schedule it.
• Return to work will be determined by your physician.
• You may do exercises as instructed by your physician.
• Please contact the office if you have excessive symptoms, including but not limited to redness, increased warmth at surgical sight, numbness, tingling, discoloration, foul odor, and fever.