Pre Operative Instructions

Please read this document carefully and thoroughly. You have been deemed an appropriate candidate for surgery. These are instructions for preparation for your surgery. You will be also given instructions for discharge from the surgical facility and the postoperative recovery period. If at any time you have any questions regarding your surgery or recovery period always feel free to ask.

Prior to Surgery

• You may be asked by Dr. Doshi to obtain a medical evaluation by your primary care physician, which includes blood work (CBC, BMP, PT/PTT/INR), chest xray, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). You will also be asked to submit a negative COVID-19 exam prior to your surgical date. Please ensure that all the above information is completed at the least a week before the surgery and submitted to our office for review. If there are any questions regarding this, please contact the office.
• Stop taking Aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin, Excedrin, Aleve) and Vitamin E supplements (unless otherwise instructed by your physician) 10 days prior to your surgery date as all of these medications can cause excessive bleeding. Be aware that many pain relievers and cold/sinus medications may contain aspirin or ibuprofen, so check all labels of all medications prior to taking them. You may take Tylenol.
• Stop all herbal and dietary supplements, especially Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (i.e. fish oils) 10 days prior to your surgery date as their effects on bleeding times and interaction with anesthesia are unknown. Please also discontinue use of any cannabinoid (CBD) products.
• Stop all nicotine products including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, tobacco chew, or a nicotine patch 1 month prior to surgery. Nicotine interferes with healthy circulation and can affect wound healing, which ultimately affect the outcome of your surgery. It also places you at a higher risk of complications from anesthesia. If this is any issue, please contact the office so that we can discuss the matter with you. Failure to convey nicotine use to Dr. Doshi and the office can severely jeopardize your safety and healing. Please tell us!
• Please drink 12oz of pure pineapple juice or have a handful of pineapple chunks daily for 1 week prior to surgery as an enzyme within the fruit helps reduce post-surgical swelling and bruising. You can take Arnica supplementation a week prior to surgery if you would like, though, studies have shown there is no significant benefit from use. We do not recommend use of arnica gels or ointments.
• Prepare all necessary arrangements in your personal and professional life as to minimize your stress and responsibilities in the postoperative period. This includes grocery shopping, ensuring adequate care of loved ones including pets, obtaining all the prescription and over the counter medications needed for post-procedure recovery, and assigning caretakers to help with your healing process.
• Do not drink alcohol for the entire week before surgery.
• If you need to dye your hair, please do so a week prior to surgery.
• Call the office if you develop any signs of illness within the week prior to surgery. Particularly, please inform us if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are unfamiliar with the symptoms, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website located here: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html
• Read thoroughly and review the Informed Consent form for your surgery. Take the time to ask all the questions that you may have regarding all aspects of your surgery. You must understand all listed risks, benefits, and alternatives to your treatment. You will be asked to initial each risk listed on this form, so make sure you understand each one. You will not undergo surgery if this form is not carefully read, understood, and signed.

The Night Before Surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the surgical procedure. This includes water and other liquids. Brush your teeth and wash your hair.
• Take your first antibiotic and antiviral medication. If one or either of these medications were not prescribed, then you do not need to take these medications.
• Make sure you confirm with your chaperone that they will be available to drop and pick you up from the surgery center. We do NOT recommend taxi-hailing services without accompaniment to take you home after surgery.
• Lay out clothing that you will be wearing the next morning and make sure you check the weather and are familiar with any traffic issues that might arise. We recommend clothing that is loose and does not require you to lift over the head to take off.
• Prepare a bag with all your prescription and over the counter medications and have it ready to bring with you to the day of surgery.
• Set an alarm!
• Get plenty of good rest and have a positive outlook on tomorrow’s surgery and the postoperative results.

The Morning Of Your Surgery

• If you take medications on a daily basis, you must specifically consult with Dr. Doshi and the office and your private physician on exactly which medications to take the morning of surgery. Take only these medications (as specified in your preoperative visits) with a small sip of water.
• Take a shower and wash your hair and face thoroughly on the morning of your procedure. Brush your teeth but do not swallow any water.
• Do not eat breakfast, or drink coffee, orange juice, or any other juices.
• Do not smoke a cigarette or anything else.
• Do not wear any make-up or apply any bodily creams or lotions.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing that closes in the front without the need to place the garment over the head. An oversized sweat shirt with a zipper usually fits best. With your under garments, please make sure there is no metal wiring within the garment (e.g. bra wiring or metal clips). If there is, please wear another garment without such metal wiring.
• Wear flat shoes or sneakers.
• Do not wear any jewelry or bring with you any valuable items.
• Please extract all body piercings and modification devices. Make sure there is no metal on or in your body. If there is any metal within the body that cannot be removed, please let Dr. Doshi and the office know in advance.
• Bring all of your medications and important medical documentation with you. This includes any medications prescribed to you by Dr. Doshi and your private physician.
• You must have an escort identified to our staff on the morning of surgery. Patients without a responsible, available, and dedicated escort will not have surgery that day.
• Take it easy! Today is the big day. Have a positive outlook. We’ll see you in the Recovery Room.