Planning Your Procedure
The idea of having surgery can provoke more than a little anxiety. Allow us to help.
We believe preparation is the key to having a great surgical experience and a wonderful result.
Choose The Right Time
Plan your surgery for a time when you may take the appropriate time off work and social engagements. The amount of time you need varies by procedure but the concept is the same: recovery should be relaxed with minimal stressors. Less stress = faster, more successful recovery.
Plan To Avoid Stressors
You need to be stress-free during recovery. There are a variety of things that can cause mental or physical stress during your recovery. Stressors to avoid include: intense dieting/weight fluctuations, work, social obligations, sun exposure, and emotional strain.
Avoid Unreliable Information
It may be tempting to look up everything you can about the procedure you are planning to undergo. We caution against this, as there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. We also advise that you avoid watching videos of your procedure.
Review Paperwork
After your initial visit with us, we will see you again for your preoperative visit. This is when we review details of the surgery and possible complications. We will provide you with detailed written post-operative instructions. It is expected that you read this ahead of time and call us with any questions prior to surgery.
Pick Up Prescriptions
After your preoperative visit, our office will call in your prescriptions. Please remember to pick them up prior to surgery.
Enlist Reliable Help
You will need someone trustworthy and reliable to drive you to and from the office or surgery center and remain in close contact with you for the first 24 hours. Anesthetic effects may linger, so it's good to have someone to update us on your status. Ideally, this individual will help you with wound care, meal prep, etc.
Get Your Home In Order
Create a relaxing recovery environment. Make sure you have clean linens and clothing available. Plan soft, easy-to-digest meals and stock your fridge. Clean your space prior to the procedure.
Gather Supplies At Home
Make sure to have basic incision care materials available at home. This includes nonadhesive dressing pads, medical paper tape, gauze, cotton-tip applicators, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol swabs.
The Days Before Surgery
A few days before surgery, a representative of the surgery center will call you to confirm and discuss your arrival time. Make sure to relay this information to the person that is driving you to/from your procedure.
- Confirm directions to/from the surgery center.
- No food or liquid past midnight the night before.
- Eat a big dinner and get a good night's sleep.
- Take your antibiotic just before going to bed.
- Wash your hair & face the evening before or morning of surgery.
- Do not swallow water while brushing teeth the morning of surgery.
- Do not wear any makeup. Avoid wearing mascara and false eyelashes 2 days before surgery.
- Do not wear jewelry.
- Remove contact lenses and removable oral appliances.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Avoid clothing that needs to be pulled over your head.
- Take a deep breath and relax. Everything is going to be great.
