Before Surgery

• If pre-operative medical clearance is needed and you do not have a primary care provider, click here to locate one.

• No eating or liquids within 8 hours of the procedure.

• Water and coffee without creamer are sometimes allowed up to 4 hours prior to procedure, but this depends on the center's specific instructions (check with the center).

• Avoid aspirin, NSAIDS, or blood thinners (if required please contact us).

• Arrival time is set by the surgery center -- they generally inform patients the day prior. Please note that our Carepatron medical records system sends automated emails with times, but these are only estimates; the actual arrival time will be disclosed by the center usually the day before.

After Surgery

These are general instructions:

• After the procedure, do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. 

• It is best if someone is able to stay with or near you after the procedure. 

• Keep the bandage on for 2-3 days, and then can remove and let water run over the incision as in the shower. 

• Do not submerge the incision in pools or tubs for 2-3 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Cober. 

• Leave steri-strips on, no need to remove them. 

• Avoid constipation -- use prunes and miralax as needed. 

• For pain control, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil)  as needed unless you have contraindications such as liver disease (Tylenol) or gastritis (Advil) -- supplement these with prescribed pain medications such as robaxin, gabapentin, and oxycodone/tramadol.

Payment