Pre-Operative Instructions

A successful surgery requires a partnership between you and Dr. Morrissette. The following instructions are essential to a safe experience and desirable outcome. Use this as a checklist as you approach your surgery date. If you are unable to comply with these instructions, you must notify our office as soon as possible. As a result, your surgery may have to be postponed or delayed, at the judgment of Dr. Morrissette. This is essential to your health and safety.

3 Weeks or More Before Surgery

There may be several weeks between your decision to have surgery and your actual surgical date. During this time there are several important considerations:

Practice Proper fitness: You need not engage in an aggressive or new fitness routine. However, practicing good fitness habits is an important factor in your overall health and well-being. Stretching exercises and low-weight strength training during this period in your preparation can help to enhance your posture and your strength in the weeks following surgery.
Good Nutrition: Eat well during the weeks prior to surgery. Crash dieting, over-eating or high alcohol intake can greatly affect your overall health and well-being. A healthy, balanced diet is essential to good preparation and recovery.
Stop Smoking: Smoking can greatly impair your ability to heal. You must be nicotine and smoke free for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery (and 4 weeks after surgery). You must also be free of any nicotine patch or nicotine-based products for minimum of 2 weeks prior to your surgery, if possible.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle: In the weeks prior to surgery, maintain the best of health and hygiene. A lingering cold, virus, or other illness can result in your surgery being postponed. Make certain to address any illness immediately and advise our office of any serious illness or change in your health.
Prepare and Plan: Schedule any time off of work and any support you will need at home in the days following surgery (including housework, childcare, shopping and driving). Make certain a responsible adult is enlisted and confirmed to drive you to and from surgery and that you have confirmed that someone will be able to stay with you around the clock for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. If you are having trouble finding someone to stay with you or somewhere to stay, please call our office and find out about the other options we have available to you.
Pre-Operative Testing: Make certain to schedule all of your pre-operative testing, if needed. Make certain all test results are received by Dr. Morrissette by your pre-operative appointment (two weeks prior to your surgery date).

2 Weeks Before Surgery

Two weeks before surgery you will typically be scheduled for your pre-operative appointment two weeks prior to your surgery. This is an important time for planning and preparation. Follow all of the skincare and health habits you have already been practicing in addition to the following:

Prepare and Plan: Prepare yourself for the day before, day of, and the first few days following surgery. Share this with all of your key support persons.
Fill Your Prescriptions: At your pre-operative appointment, you will be given written prescriptions for all your medications. Please fill and pick these up early so that you will have them the day of surgery. They will typically include an antibiotic and pain reliever (other medications may be prescribed depending on the procedure and individual patient needs).
- Arnica Montana: The oral, homeopathic preparation (not the topical) can be helpful in decreasing bruising and swelling; it is not required that you purchase this medication. It can be purchased at our office or found at health food stores such as Sprouts or Whole Foods. Only begin taking it after surgery and only as directed.
- Colace: It is recommended that you purchased this stool softener in order to prevent constipation associated with prescription pain medication. Take as directed starting one day before your surgery.
Vital Information: A pre-operative visit is essential to review your health, your goals and any vital information including allergies and health considerations
Avoid Sun Exposure: Sun damaged skin can more readily produce irregular scars.

No Smoking: Continue to stay smoke and nicotine free. In addition, stay away from second-hand smoke. Your health and healing depend heavily on this.
STOP TAKING THE FOLLOWING FOR TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SURGERY. TAKING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF BLEEDING AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS. YOU WILL REVIEW YOUR MEDICATION SHEET WITH DR. MORRISSETTE AT YOUR PREOPERATIVE APPOINTMENT.
- Aspirin and medications containing aspirin
- For pain relief use Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol ONLY
- Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory agents
- Vitamin E, Omega Fatty Acids, Flax Seed and Fish Oils
- St. John's Wort
- Fish Oil
- Garlic Supplements and large, whole cloves of garlic used in cooking
- Green tea supplements and extracts
- Chia seeds or Any Form of Herbal Supplement
- All other medications indicated by Dr. Morrissette

One Week Before Surgery

Confirm Your Day of Surgery Plans: This includes planning for transportation to and from the surgical center as well as after-care (a responsible adult with you around the clock for at least the first 24 hours). Please keep in mind that we are an outpatient facility and your caretaker must be there to pick you up from the surgery center and receive postoperative care instructions immediately after you are taken into the recovery area.
Review Your Prescription Orders and Instructions.
Confirm All Lab Results and Paperwork: Make sure they have been received and reviewed by Dr. Morrissette (if you have not already done so).
Find Your Comfort Zone: Locate the most comfortable place where you can gently recline and recover. You do not want to be testing locations and pillows the day of surgery. Shop for magazines, books and other things to keep you busy and entertained in the days following surgery.
Relax: Call our office with any unusual anxiety or concerns. Get plenty of rest. If you have trouble sleeping please call our office.

One Day Before Surgery

Pack Your Bag for The Day of Surgery:
This should include:
- Personal identification, prescription medications (if needed) Reading glasses (if needed)
Confirm Your Route to and from The Surgery Center: This includes confirming with the responsible adult that will be driving you to and from surgery as well as your 24-hour support person.

Shower As Directed: Shampoo your hair. Do not use any hair gel or other styling products, scented skin creams or moisturizers. Do not use any hair spray, perfume or cosmetics.
Do Not Eat or Drink Anything After 12 AM: No candy, gum, or mints. Anything more than a small amount of water required to brush your teeth or swallow prescription medication may result in the cancellation of surgery.
Your Menstrual Cycle: If you are on your period on the day of surgery, it is fine to wear a tampon or a pad. Most of our surgical staff is female and being on your period will not affect anything during surgery.
Sleeping Pills: If you are on a prescription sleeping pill or need an over-the-counter sleeping medication, it is fine to take the night before surgery. It is recommended that you get a good night's sleep the night before surgery.

The Day Of Surgery

NOTHING BY MOUTH: Anything more than a small amount of water required to brush your teeth or swallow prescription medication may result in the cancellation of surgery. This includes candy, gum and mints.
Brushing Your Teeth: You can and should brush your teeth the morning of surgery.
Dress Appropriately: Do not wear cosmetics, jewelry of any kind, contact lenses, hair clips, or body piercings: If there is something you cannot remove, let the admitting nurse know right away. Wear comfortable, clean, loose-fitting clothing: Do not wear jeans or any tight-fitting bottoms; loose sweatpants are easy to put on and comfortable to wear home. Wear slip-on, flat shoes with a slip-proof sole (do not wear heels). Wear a zip-up sweatshirt and comfortable t-shirt underneath.

3 Weeks or More Before Surgery

2 Weeks Before Surgery

One Week Before Surgery

One Day Before Surgery

The Day Of Surgery

Your first step...