Patient Care

Instructions Before Surgery

You will be given detailed instructions by your surgeon to prepare you for your procedure. If you or your child develop any sign of illness up to 3 weeks before the date of surgery (fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, wheezing), notify your surgeon immediately. If you are taking medications, please ask your surgeon for specific instructions.

IMPORTANT: Do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for 2 weeks before your surgery as it causes thinning of the blood. Tylenol may be taken if needed before surgery.

Night Before Surgery

Patient Care
Please shower or bathe and wash hair the night before surgery.
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Stop all food and drink at 10pm on the night before surgery, unless informed by your surgeon otherwise.

Day of Surgery

Please bring the following on the day of surgery:

A current list of all medications and dosages that you are taking
Any medical forms given to you by your surgeon
Your health insurance card and driver’s license or photo ID
Patient Care
Brush teeth on the morning of surgery, but DO NOT swallow any water.
Patient Care
DO NOT chew gum or eat candy on the day of surgery.
Patient Care
If taking any medication on the morning of surgery, take it with a sip of water. Please make sure all medications are approved with the surgeon or anesthesiologist prior to surgery.
Patient Care
Please do not wear jewelry to the surgery center. If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, please bring a storage case.
Patient Care
Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that can be easily removed.
Patient Care
For children: Bring a bottle or sippy cup for after surgery, if they use one. Bring a favorite quiet toy or two and/or special blanket if they have one, and a light special snack if they have a strong preference in food for after surgery.
Patient Care
You will be contacted every few hours during the surgery with updates. Most patients recover for 30 minutes to an hour after surgery is over.

Medications: If medications are required after surgery, they will be available on the day of surgery at VM Pharmacy, located in the same Skypark Complex near Cove Surgery Center (Building 7). Please contact your surgeon's office if you would prefer a different pharmacy.

After Surgery

For your safety, please arrange for an adult family member or friend to pick you up and take you home. Do not use a taxi or other car service.

Your surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medication. In the event of any difficulties, please call your surgeon immediately.

A representative from Cove Surgery Center will call after surgery to inquire about your recovery.