Please review these instructions before your appointment. If your surgeon or another member of our clinical team gives you instructions specific to your care, follow those instructions and contact us with any questions.
Identification and insurance: Bring a photo ID, current insurance cards, and any referral required by your insurance plan.
Food and drinks: Eat normally on the day of surgery unless you have been told otherwise. Because your visit may last several hours, bring a snack or lunch and something to drink.
Time: Plan to be in our office for at least three hours. Some appointments may last up to six hours depending on the number of surgical stages and the type of repair needed.
Medications: Continue taking your usual medications unless the prescribing clinician has instructed you otherwise. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own. Tell our team about blood thinners, aspirin, antibiotics, allergies, implanted medical devices, or other information that may affect your care.
After-surgery comfort: Unless you have been advised not to take it, consider having acetaminophen (Tylenol) available at home for postoperative discomfort.
Bandages and wound care: Many patients leave with a two-layer bandage. The outer pressure dressing is often removed after 24 hours, but instructions vary. Your clinical team will review written wound-care directions based on your procedure.
Activity and travel: Avoid scheduling strenuous physical activity or travel during the first week after surgery. Your surgeon will give you restrictions based on the location and type of repair.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before surgery and 48 hours afterward unless your surgeon advises otherwise.
Transportation: Depending on the surgical site, repair, medications, or your individual circumstances, you may need someone to drive you home. Please discuss transportation with our scheduling team before your appointment.