Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: 

• General anesthesia: No food/drink for 8 hours before surgery.
• Local with sedation: No food/drink for 3 hours before surgery.
• Local only: No fasting required.

Transportation: 

• General anesthesia or sedation: A responsible adult must drive you home; rideshares are not permitted.
• Local only: You may drive yourself home.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements (e.g., vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo, garlic) as directed. Discuss anticoagulants and other prescriptions with your surgeon.

Lifestyle: Reduce/stop nicotine 4 weeks before/after; reduce alcohol 2 weeks before/after.

Day of Surgery: Shower; avoid lotions/perfume/makeup; remove jewelry/piercings; wear loose, front-opening clothing. If hair removal is needed, do it 3 days prior (not the day before/day of).

Suggested Supplies:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Mild soap and clean gauze/pads for gentle care
• Stool softener and laxative (if using narcotic pain medication)

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain & Nausea: Use Tylenol; narcotic and anti-nausea meds may be prescribed. Avoid NSAIDs unless directed.

Antibiotics: If prescribed, complete the full course.

Incision Care:

• Stitches are typically absorbable.
• If surgical glue was used, do not pick; it will fall off naturally.
• Keep the area clean and dry; avoid lotions/creams on glue.

Dressings & Showering:

• If you have dressings, keep them clean/dry; remove for your first shower.
• You may shower after 24 hours; let water/mild soap run over the site and pat dry.
• No soaking in tubs, pools, or hot tubs until cleared.

Activity:

• Resume light activities as comfortable.
• Avoid heavy lifting/over-stretching for at least 2 weeks.
• Gradually return to exercise; most patients reach full activity around 6 weeks.

Rest & Positioning: Rest with head slightly elevated the first night to reduce swelling.

Watch For: Increasing redness/warmth, pus-like drainage, fever >101°F, excessive bleeding, or pain not controlled by medication.