Below are general post-operative instructions. You will also be provided with post-operative instructions specific to the procedure you are having. Please follow all post-operative instructions you are given very carefully. They are for your safety.

If you have any questions or concerns, or require clarification about anything regarding your post-op care, please contact us.

General Guidelines

Same day surgery patients are required to arrange for an adult caregiver (18 or older) to pick you up, drive you home, and stay with you for a minimum of 24 hours.  Your caregiver can be a family member or friend. If you don’t make these arrangements, your surgery may be cancelled.

Resume a healthy diet, and avoid excessive alcohol intake as this can increase bleeding.

Avoid smoking for one month after your surgery. Better yet, quit altogether!

Pain Management

You will be prescribed pain medication appropriate to your surgery, typically an opioid-type medication. Do not drive until you are off this medication. This can be followed by regular Tylenol. Avoid ibuprofen, naprosyn, aspirin and other NSAIDS for two weeks after surgery as they they can cause bleeding.

Constipation is a normal side effect of pain medication and can be alleviated by taking a laxative or stool softener.

Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery

If you receive general anesthesia, you will be taken to the Recovery Room and monitored for approximately one hour after your procedure. You may experience nausea and vomiting as the anesthetic wears off. Medication can be provided to minimize this.

Length of stay in hospital varies depending on the procedure(s) performed.

If you are going to be discharged the day of surgery, you will be allowed to leave when you are fully alert.

You will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Please be sure to make prior arrangements for a caregiver to pick up up, take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.

Avoid bending over and doing anything that increases your heart rate or blood pressure.

How to Help Prevent Infections

Washing your hands is the best defense in preventing infection. Family and friends who visit you should not touch your dressings or bandages and should wash their hands before and after visiting with you.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after caring for your wound at home.

Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection, like a spreading redness, increased pain, pus draining from incisions, fever, chills, etc. If you have any signs of infection, call us immediately.