Patient Information
Helpful guidelines to follow before surgery to ensure your safety, reduce risks, and support a smooth recovery, starting two weeks out through the day of your procedure.
Preparing for Surgery
To help ensure the best possible outcome, itโs important to follow these guidelines leading up to your procedure. From adjusting medications to avoiding certain foods and activities, these steps are designed to reduce risks, support healing, and help you feel confident and ready on the day of surgery.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Avoid products that can interfere with blood clotting, such as:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), naproxen
- Vitamin E, garlic extract, and alcohol
- If you are taking anticoagulants (e.g., Coumadin, Plavix, Heparin), consult your doctor to determine how long you should stop the medication before surgery.
- Tylenol is safe to use for pain or fever.
- If you smoke, try to quit at least 2 weeks before and after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications.
- If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes, make sure they are well-managed before surgery and check with your provider.
Night Before Surgery
- Take any preoperative medications as instructed.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything.
- Take all scheduled medications, including those for high blood pressure or heart conditions, but only with a small sip of water. Your stomach must remain empty.
- Remove contact lenses.
- Do not wear makeup.
- Leave all valuables and jewelry at home or with a family member.
- Arrange for transportation. Either have someone drive you or take a taxi to and from the surgery center.