Do not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for the 8 hours leading up to your appointment time. If your surgery is scheduled for the morning, avoid food and water after midnight. If you have an afternoon appointment, you can eat and drink lightly (toast, water, tea, or black coffee) in the morning. Do not drink alcohol for the 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Refrain from smoking at least 48 hours before your appointment. Ideally, it will be most beneficial for your health and healing to minimize or stop smoking as soon as you can prior to your surgery. Tobacco and nicotine can burn oral tissues and restrict blood and oxygen flow. Healing slows and the risk for infection significantly increases.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and short-sleeves and shoes with low heels (or no heels). We’ll need access to your arm during surgery and want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Do not wear jewelry, contacts, or any cosmetics (perfume, makeup, lipstick, nail polish, etc.).
Do not participate in any physical activity or exercise, drive a vehicle, or use machinery for the first 24 hours following your surgery.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Set Yourself Up for Success
If you require anesthesia for your surgery, there are several ways in which you must prepare to help ensure a successful procedure. It’s normal to feel apprehensive or nervous, but rest assured, your surgical team has the qualifications and training to safely administer and monitor your anesthesia. Following our pre-anesthesia instructions will help you experience a better surgery and recovery.
