Before Your Surgery

What to know and how to prepare for your procedure.

  • You will receive a call 1–5 days before your surgery from our pre-admission nursing team. They will review your health history, current medications, and answer any questions you may have. In most cases this interview is done over the phone; some patients may need to come in for lab work or testing.

  • Follow the instructions given by your surgeon or pre-op nurse. You will be told which medicines to take the morning of your surgery and which ones to stop. If you need pain relief before surgery, Tylenol is usually safe unless told otherwise. Avoid anything you were instructed not to take.

  • If you develop a cold, flu symptoms, sore throat, fever, productive cough, or drainage from the eye, call your surgeon’s office right away. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless you were told otherwise. Clear liquids (water, electrolyte drinks, apple juice) are allowed up to 2 hours before your arrival time unless you have diabetic restrictions. Avoid gum, hard candy, and mints

  • Please shower the night before and/or the morning of your procedure. After showering, do not apply lotions, deodorant, makeup, or contact lenses. Continue taking medications as instructed. If you are diabetic, follow the guidance you were given for nighttime insulin or diabetes medication.

  • Arrive one hour before your scheduled surgery time unless told otherwise. Take only the medications approved by your surgeon or nurse, with a small sip of water. Do not eat or drink anything else. If you are diabetic, follow the morning instructions given to you for insulin or diabetes medications.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that buttons or zips up the front. Bring any assistive devices you use, such as a CPAP machine, brace, or surgical garment. Do not wear jewelry, body piercings, watches, makeup, lotions, deodorant, or contacts. Bring only your inhalers if you use them—no other medications.

  • Yes. You must have a responsible adult drive you home. You cannot go home alone, in a taxi, or in a rideshare without an escort. If you do not have a safe ride arranged, your surgery will be cancelled. If you need help finding transportation, call us at 801-614-2403.

  • Find out ahead of time which pharmacy you plan to use. A pharmacy close to home with evening hours is best. Prescriptions cannot be filled at the surgery center.
    If you are a patient of The Plastic Clinic, your prescriptions may be delivered to your home using Medicine Market unless otherwise arranged.

  • Check in at the surgical check-in area on the 1st floor. One or two adults may accompany you, depending on space. You’ll meet with a nurse and anesthesia professional who will review your information and answer questions. You may meet other members of the surgical team who will also confirm your details—this is for your safety.

  • You will meet your pre-op nurse, the anesthesia provider caring for you, and possibly other members of the surgical care team. They may ask you similar questions—this ensures accuracy and safety.

  • You will be taken to the recovery area (PACU), where a registered nurse will monitor you until you are safe, stable, and meet discharge criteria. Once you are more awake, your nurse may allow a short visit from a family member or friend depending on your condition and privacy needs.

  • Most patients can go home 30–90 minutes after surgery, depending on how you recover. You must be able to walk a short distance and tolerate any discomfort. You’ll receive written discharge instructions before leaving. For the first 24 hours, expect mild drowsiness, dizziness, and general discomfort. Have a responsible adult stay with you for the first day. If you have concerns after going home, contact your surgeon or follow the instructions provided.