General Pre-Operative Instructions

The following pre-operative instructions will be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at San Diego Office Phone Number 858-459-4364 during regular business hours. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you’d like. Please Note: If you will be having a Sinus Augmentation please also review the additional preoperative instructions at the end of this section

3-5 Days Prior to Surgery

Due to their blood thinning properties, it is important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal medications such as Motrin and Advil 3-5 days prior to your surgery. If you take these you will have been instructed to do so. We also ask that you stop the following supplements/herbal medications: Fish Oil, Vitamin E and Ginger for the same reason. If you are taking Coumadin or any other prescription blood thinners, we will consult with your physician regarding whether you can discontinue them before your procedure. Do not stop Coumadin, or other prescription blood thinners without your physician’s authorization. If you take an antibiotic premedication for a joint replacement or cardiac issue, please take it as directed before your surgery. All other patients should begin any prescribed antibiotic starting the morning of the procedure unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities you may have. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if the doctors deem it necessary. Please take as directed until gone. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness, and other contraceptive measures should be taken while on the antibiotic and for a week after you finish taking them.

Sedatives

If you have elected to have either intravenous (IV) or oral conscious sedation you must have a ride to and from our office. This medicine may keep you from remembering events that take place during surgery. These medications may make you drowsy or dizzy for 1 or 2 days after you receive it. Wait 24 hours before driving or using machinery. The time it takes for the medicine to wear off varies with each person. However, it may take longer for older adults to recover from the medicine’s effects. If you will be having I.V. conscious sedation you should refrain from eating and from all caffeinated beverages for 4 hours before your appointment time. You may have just enough water to take your pills. If you will be having only a local anesthetic you may have a light breakfast.

Post-Operative Care

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for a series of postoperative follow-up visits 1-2 weeks following the procedure and again at about the 6 week point. Due to differences in healing times more follow-up appointments may be required.

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:

Additional Instructions for Patients Undergoing a Sinus Augmentation

3 days prior to your appointment:

• Begin taking your prescribed antibiotic (i.e. Amoxicillin). You will continue taking this for 14 days
• The night before surgery (sometime shortly before going to bed):
• Use Afrin nasal spray one “puff” in each nostril
• Take one antihistamine (i.e. Benadryl, Sudafed)
• The morning of surgery:
• Do not eat for 4 hours before your scheduled appointment time – you make take in clear liquids – up to 4 oz., but avoid caffeine 
• Take one prescribed antibiotic (i.e. Amoxicillin)
• Begin taking the Medrol Dose Pack as directed on the package
• Use Afrin nasal spray one “puff” in each nostril approximately one hour before your appointment
• Take one antihistamine 25 mg (i.e. Benadryl, Sudafed), approximately one hour before your appointment