BEFORE SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Make sure your medical clearance and laboratory tests are completed.
Stop smoking and consuming alcohol.
Stop taking blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, plavix, coumadin (Warfarin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), fish oil, garlic, or vitamin E supplements) or anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Alleve), indomethacin).
Be sure to discuss this with the physician prescribing these medications to you. If you are unsure whether or not you should be stopping a medication, please contact us.
Talk to your family and friends about your surgery. Set up transportation.
Contact us if you have any additional questions about your condition or your surgery.

Shower using an antibacterial soap (e.g., Hibiblens scrub. Make sure you allow the soap to dry for 1 minute before rinsing). This has been shown to reduce the risk of an infection.
Pack a bag with the following:
An extra copy of your images.
Current list of medications.
Personal toiletries, slippers, and extra clothes
If needed, bring glasses, a brace, walker, or any other items to make your stay more comfortable.
After midnight, do not eat or drink anything. This is to avoid the risk of vomiting, which could cause stomach contents to be breathed into the lungs during surgery.
If you are taking Heparin or low-molecular weight heparin (Lovenox), stop 24 hours before surgery.

Remove all jewelry, nail polish, and piercings.
Do no wear contact lenses, body powder, creams, or hair pins.
Do not shave in the area you will be having surgery.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Take any heart medications, seizure medications or blood pressure medications on your usual schedule with a sip of water.
If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin the morning of surgery.
Notify us if there have been any changes in your condition or medications since your last visit.
Make sure you have all your questions and concerns answered to your satisfaction prior to surgery.
Make sure you have a friend or family member with you, who will be able to support you before and after surgery, and drive you home when needed.