The Night Before Surgery

 

General Instructions

• DO NOT shave near the area where the surgery will be done. This can irritate the skin, which may lead to increased risk of infection.

• DO NOT smoke for 72 hours before the surgery

• DO NOT drink alcohol (liquor, beer, or wine)  for 72 hours before surgery.

• DO NOT use recreational drugs for at least 72 hours prior to surgery.

• DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. This includes solid food, water, candy, gum, etc.   If you need to take some medications please see below.

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Medications

• DO NOT take any products containing aspirin for 7 days before surgery. These include, but are not limited to: Aleve, Advil, cold remedies, ibuprofen, Motrin, Anaprox, naproxen, Celebrex, diclofenac, Voltaren, meloxicam, Relafen, nabumetone, herbal supplements (such as green tea, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, ginger), aspirin-containing medications (Bayer, Excedrin, Anacin, Alka-Seltzer), arthritis medication (such as chondroitin/glucosamine), Vitamin E, fish oil tablets (omega fatty acids), any over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, or other medications that can increase your risk of bleeding.

• DO NOT use over the counter medication for 7 days before surgery.

• Medications such as Tylenol, pain medications, and muscle relaxants, can be taken up until midnight before your surgery.

• If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), or Aggrenox (dipyridamole), please let us know. Usually, we ask that you stop these medications 5 days before surgery as well, but this will need to be discussed with your cardiologist/internist so that appropriate planning can be made.

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The day of surgery

 

General Instructions

• DO NOT eat or drink anything until indicated.

• DO NOT wear any kind of moisturizer, lotion, eye, or facial make-up.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring a sweater or jacket in case you are cold after surgery.

• Pack lightly.

• Leave all valuables at home – jewelry, watches, etc.

• Please remove all body piercings.

• You will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home. Please make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home.

• Please provide a cell phone of a responsible person.

• You can brush your teeth the morning of surgery, but do not swallow any water.

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Medications

• DO NOT take your diabetic medications the morning of surgery since you have not eaten food. You can take them the day before surgery as you normally would.  We can accommodate diabetic patients with earlier surgical time.  Please let us know so that we can manage your surgical time.

• You can take your other routine medications with a small sip of water – these include medications for your heart, liver, thyroid, blood pressure, asthma, birth control, cholesterol, etc.

• It is important to take your blood pressure medication since the surgery will be canceled if your blood pressure is too high.

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After your surgery

• We will notify anyone waiting for you when you are fully awake after surgery.

• It is normal to feel discomfort in the area of your surgery. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness from the anesthesia.

• Do not drive for 7 days after surgery.

• Make sure you have been provided with a follow-up appointment at the office, as well as medications to take after the surgery. These generally include an antibiotic to prevent infection, pain medication and medication for nausea if you need it.

• For at least the first 5 days after the surgery, do not engage in strenuous activities, drink alcoholic beverages.