Preparing for your surgery

Please follow these important instructions:

• Do not eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
• Do not wear cologne, perfume, deodorant or skin lotions.
• If you regularly take prescribed medications, consult your physician for instructions.
• If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for any special instructions for the day of surgery.
• Arrangements must be made prior to your surgery for someone to drive you home when you are ready to leave recovery.
• Perform your normal morning routines, such as showering and brushing your teeth, before you arrive at The Surgery Center.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Bring your glasses or contact case. Do not bring any valuables (cash, checks, credit cards, etc.). You may not wear a wedding band or any jewelry (including body piercing), wigs, hairpins, glasses, contact lenses, false eyelashes, false fingernails, make-up, nail polish, dentures or partial plates in the operating room.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before or after your operation. Alcohol may cause an undesired reaction when mixed with anesthetic agents or other drugs.
• Please do not smoke before or after your surgery. Smoking may cause anesthetic problems and increased carbon monoxide in the bloodstream.
• All females with childbearing potential will be required to bring the first voided urine on the day of surgery for pregnancy testing. A urine specimen cup will be provided to you by your physician's office or Pre-Surgical Testing Department or you may use a clean, leak proof jar, labeled with your name. Bring the specimen with you to the pre-surgical care unit on the day of surgery.
• Practice cough, deep breathing and pain control techniques.