Preparing for Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient or “day” surgery does not require admittance to the hospital or an overnight stay. However, it usually requires a three to six-hour stay. Most outpatient surgeries are done in the morning but can occur at any time. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your surgery so that you can be as relaxed and comfortable as possible on your surgery day.
Getting Ready
Dr. Berman will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery. You generally will not know the time of your surgery until a day or two before the procedure but will receive a call with a time window to check in before surgery. There are things you should do before check-in to ensure a smooth procedure. First, arrange for transportation to and from the surgery center. Call your medical insurance carrier to verify coverage. Most surgery centers will require proof of a negative COVID test before performing your procedure so make sure to schedule this with enough time before your surgery to get the results. At check-in, confirm your arrival time and what you need to bring. Usually, you will have to bring a photo ID and an insurance card. You may also be required to bring a form of up-front payment such as a credit card or check.
No Eating or Drinking
Do not take food or liquid by mouth before the scheduled surgery. Generally, you are required to begin fasting the evening before the day of the surgery but Dr. Berman will give you more specific guidelines. Food or liquid in the stomach while under anesthesia can be dangerous. Take absolutely nothing by mouth during the fasting period, including water and gum. If you are taking medicine, check with Dr. Berman about whether you should stop taking your medication during fasting. If you forget and take something by mouth ahead of the surgery, inform the surgery center when you arrive, even if it was a small sip of water. The inconvenience of having to reschedule far outweighs surgical complications.
Dress for Comfort and Ease
Before surgery, remove all jewelry, including piercings. Leave valuables at home, including watches and wearable electronic devices. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, bring an eyeglass case to store your glasses in since you cannot wear contacts during surgery. Remove dental devices, if possible, such as dentures, bridges, and retainers. Dress in comfortable clothing. Immediately after surgery, you may have some discomfort or mobility limitations. Choose clothes that are easy to get in and out of, such as a loose sweatshirt or t-shirt, pull-up pants, and slip-on shoes. Avoid unnecessary buttons, buckles, clasps, or laces.
Schedule a Consultation
The thought of having surgery might make you nervous but, with proper preparation, your surgery will proceed smoothly and safely, and you will soon be on the road to recovery. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact Dr. Berman’s office and let us help you prepare for your surgery so that it can be an exciting opportunity, not a nerve-wracking event.
Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.
