Preparing for Surgery & Procedure

Surgery Preparation and Recovery

At Desert Orthopedics Center, we want you to feel prepared, confident, and supported before and after your procedure. Please review the following pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. Always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations if they differ from these guidelines.

Pre-Operative Instructions

• No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery — this includes water, gum, candy, and ice (unless otherwise directed).
• Do not smoke or use tobacco after midnight.
• You may take heart, blood pressure, or seizure medications the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.
• If you are on a beta-blocker, take it the night before or morning of surgery.
• Do not take other medications unless specifically directed by your physician.
• If you are on blood thinners (Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix, Vitamin E, etc.), you must receive clearance and instructions on when to stop.
• Unless instructed otherwise, stop Plavix, Aspirin, NSAIDs, Vitamin E, and fish oil 10 days before surgery.
• Discontinue weight-loss medications and herbal supplements 2 weeks before surgery. Examples include Redux, Xenadrine, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, and Glucosamine.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
• No makeup, nail polish, jewelry, or valuables.
• Shower or bathe the night before or morning of surgery.
• An anesthesiologist will meet you before surgery to review your health history.
• A responsible adult must drive you home. Ride shares (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are not permitted.

Post-Operative Instructions

Unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon, please follow these guidelines after surgery:

• Watch for signs of infection: drainage, redness, or fever.
• Report any injuries, boils, pustules, or skin concerns immediately.
• Avoid cough/cold medications and do not consume alcohol or drugs for one week before and after surgery.
• Do not drive until cleared by your surgeon and once you are no longer taking prescription pain medications.
• You must have an adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after outpatient surgery.
• Shower 3 days after surgery; keep incisions dry.
• No baths, hot tubs, or pools for 3–4 weeks.
• Do not apply creams, ointments, or sprays on the incision site.
• Restart regular medications unless otherwise instructed.
• If prescribed blood thinners, take as directed.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
• Take pain medication as prescribed. Begin at the onset of discomfort rather than waiting for severe pain.
• Moderate to severe pain is common for the first 48 hours. Rebound pain may occur after a nerve block.
• Use ice and elevation to reduce swelling.
• Tylenol may be taken (do not exceed 2,000 mg/day).
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.) should only be used if approved, and always with food.
• Expect some nausea; begin with bland, small meals.
• Anesthesia effects may last more than 24 hours — avoid risky activities.
• Report worsening pain, swelling, or drainage to your surgeon.
• Protect scars from sunlight — avoid sun exposure to minimize discoloration.
• Constipation is common. Use stool softeners or over-the-counter options as needed.
• If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days, call our office.
• For urgent concerns, call .