Preoperative Instructions

You may visit your surgeon as many times as you wish, to have all of your questions answered. At your final preoperative visit, your final questions will be answered and you will confirm that you have understood the procedure to be performed, that this material has been explained to you, that you have read and understood these information sheets, and that you accept the risks by signing the informed consent forms. You will be given prescriptions for pain pills and nasal sprays, along with instructions for their use. Certain laboratory tests will also be required within two weeks of surgery. If you are over the age of 50, you will have to obtain a cardiogram at your doctor’s office or any licensed laboratory. You may have blood drawn by our office nurse during your final preoperative visit, or, if you prefer, at your family doctor's office or any laboratory (e.g. Kaiser Hospital, etc.).

As with all other elective procedures, the patient should avoid ibuprofen (Advil®), all Aspirin® products and excessive amounts of vitamin E (the small amount contained in most multi-vitamin preparations is not harmful) for two weeks before surgery, as these inhibit the clotting mechanism and increase your chances of unnecessary operative bleeding. All patients will be asked to stop smoking at least a month prior to surgery in an effort to maximize your body's ability to heal the incisions following the operation.

Usually, your anesthesiologist will call you the night before surgery to discuss the anesthetic care plan with you. But if you miss the call or your anesthesiologist does not call you, do not worry as you will be able to discuss your anesthesia and have all your questions answered in the morning, at the Laguna Hills Surgery Center, prior to your procedure. It is imperative that the patient make prior arrangements for transportation to and from the Surgery Center and to have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after the operation. Patients may elect to spend the first night with a registered nurse.