Pre-Operative Instructions 
Please read these instructions very carefully at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.  Call the office in advance if you have any questions or require further assistance. 

1. If you are scheduled for intravenous sedation : do not eat or drink anything starting 12 am on the day of your surgery. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING ON THE MORNING OF SURGERY! This includes coffee, tea, or liquids of any kind. You may brush your teeth and use mouthwash, if you like, but do not swallow any of the liquid. If you are scheduled for local anesthesia, please have light breakfast before coming in. Don’t skip this meal!
2. Please leave valuables such as watches, jewelry, credit cards, etc. at home.
3. Follow your internist’s recommendations as to which medications to take on the morning of surgery—THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND YOU SHOULD ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. Please give us a complete list of medications you are taking prior to surgery.
4. If you were instructed to take any medications prior to surgery, please do so in the morning with small sip of water.
5. You have received a list of medications contraindicated prior to the surgery. Please review it carefully. Should you have any questions about the medications you are currently taking, please contact your primary care doctor.
6. Stop taking Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen and any aspirin containing products two weeks prior to surgery as that can cause bleeding. Consult your doctor if you are taking Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinners.

1. Stop taking Vitamin E or multivitamins containing Vitamin E two weeks prior to surgery as that can cause increased bleeding. Discuss any herbal medicines or supplements you are taking with Dr. Gladstein prior to surgery.
2. Please fill all the prescriptions you received in relation to this procedure in advance and bring all the medications that were prescribed to you with you on the day of surgery.
3. If you are scheduled for local anesthesia, please take the antibiotic the night before the surgery, as you were instructed.
4. Take Arnica Montana (available in GNC and other health food stores) as directed 2-3 days prior to surgery and 2-3 days after the surgery to reduce bruising.
5. You may bathe or shower as usual but do not apply any makeup, hairspray, or other grooming products to your skin or hair.
6. Avoid alcohol in any form at least one week prior to surgery and one week after the surgery. Alcohol interferes with anesthesia and blood clotting.
7. Dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid pullover shirts.
8. Please stop smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and could cause significant complications during healing.
9. Be sure to arrive at the facility in which your procedure is to be performed on time, generally, two hours before the scheduled time of your surgery. If you realize that you are going to be late the day of surgery, please inform the facility immediately.
10. Bring a pair of sunglasses and a scarf should you wish to protect your eyes or face after the procedure.
11. Please arrange for a responsible adult to escort you after the surgery. We cannot discharge you unless someone is accompanying you. Please have your escort’s contact information available prior to the procedure.

Post-Operative Instructions

Please read these instructions very carefully at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.  Call the office in advance if you have any questions or require further assistance.

1. Use Tobradex ointment/drops  __________ times per day and at night in _____ eye(s).
2. Use Extra Strength Tylenol to control pain.  DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, MOTRIN, IBUPROFEN for pain.  Call the doctor if you feel that the pain is getting worse or not relieved with Tylenol.
3. Apply ice compresses to the site of surgery for 24-48 hours (most important period) and up to a week to reduce swelling.   You may use regular ice or ice packs—available in drugstores.
4. Please take all the medications that were prescribed to you by Dr. Gladstein in connection with your procedure.

1. Avoid any strenuous activity for at least_____days.  That involves any bending, lifting, working out, sexual intercourse, or anything that requires you to strain.
2. You may shower in 2 days after the surgery taking care not to get the surgical site wet.
3. You may return to taking all of your regular medications, except blood thinners, on the day after the surgery. Please consult your internist as to when to start taking your blood thinners again.
4. Please do not sleep on your side. You should be sleeping on 2 or 3 pillows, preferably on your back. Sleeping on your face or sides could cause trauma to the surgical site and lead to bleeding or other complications.
5. Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process. On the day after surgery, swelling could be worse than immediately after the surgery. Usually, swelling is worse in the morning and improves toward the evening. Your swelling will be improving over days to weeks after the surgery.
6. Patients receiving intravenous anesthesia should be supervised in the immediate post discharge period by a responsible adult for at least 12-24 hours depending on the procedure and anesthetic used.

Things to look for after the surgery:

1. 1. Persistent fever above 101.5 degrees that is unresponsive to Tylenol®
   2. Redness of the wound
   3. Bleeding or drainage from the wound
   4. Pain that is not relieved by pain medications

If you have any of the abovementioned symptoms, please call the office immediately.