Preparing For Surgery

Our caring and personable practitioners and staff ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you need before, during, and after your surgery or procedure.

Before your procedure, your surgeon will answer your questions. He or she also will give you special instructions to help you prepare for and recover from your surgery.

  • Tell your surgeon immediately if you have recently developed any illness or health changes, including a cold, cough, fever, or rash
  • Refrain from eating (including hard candy), drinking (including water), and chewing gum before surgery unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon
  • Take medications only as prescribed by your surgeon with a very small amount of water
  • Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before your surgery
  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners as per your surgeon’s instructions
  • Be sure you have a ride home; for your safety, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services mandates that you not drive or travel in a taxi, bus, train, or car service after surgery. If you do not have appropriate transportation, we will reschedule your procedure
     

The Day Of Your Surgery

  • Leave all valuables at home, including all jewelry such as engagement/wedding rings, watches, credit cards, and cash; do not wear any jewelry or piercings on any part of the body, including the ears, nose, tongue, eyebrows, and belly button
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, easy-to-fold and store clothing that will fit over casts and bandages
  • Wear comfortable, stable shoes; do not wear flip flops or high heels
  • Wear eyeglasses; do not wear contact lenses
  • Arrive 1 hour before your procedure so that your anesthesiologist and surgical team can meet with you

You must bring proper identification and your insurance cards to verify your information with our system!
 

Immediately After Surgery

After your surgery or procedure, you will stay in our recovery area for approximately 1 hour so that your nurse:

  • Can review postoperative instructions with you and your advocate
  • Give you written instructions about your care after surgery
  • Ensure that you are ready to go home
     

The Day After Surgery

One of our nurses will call you the day after your surgery or procedure to find out how you are doing, answer your questions, and ask if you have the medications you need.

To ensure the best possible recovery and outcome from your surgery or procedure:

  • Do not take any medication that your doctor has not prescribed and approved
  • Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners until your doctor approves them
  • Wait at least 24 hours before you drive, operate any equipment or machinery, sign important documents, or drink alcohol