Preoperative Instructions

Welcome to Valley Laser and Surgery Center.

To make your visit as pleasant as possible, we ask that you read these instructions carefully. By following the instructions printed here, you can avoid unnecessary delays before your surgery.

Within one to two days before your scheduled procedure, a nurse from Valley Laser and Surgery Center will telephone you to confirm your arrival time and provide you with additional information that you may require. You also will be asked questions concerning allergies and your medical history. You may also receive a call from our billing department regarding co-pay/deductible and/or any co-insurance (if applicable).

Nutrition: Nothing by mouth

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes water, cough drops, mints, and gum. You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery but do not swallow; rinse and spit. If you take medications, we will consult you about taking them the day of surgery. If you have any questions, please call (209) 952-1189.

Do NOT Smoke

24 hours before your surgery.

Hygiene

Shower or bath and shampoo your hair prior to your surgery. Wash your face thoroughly with soap and water before leaving home. Do NOT wear make-up, lotions, or creams on your face. This decreases the risk of infection.

Valuables

Please remove all rings, watches, necklaces, and piercings. Leave all valuables at home. The surgery center is not responsible for loss or damages to valuables. Bring only your insurance card, photo ID, and copay/deductible or co-insurance (if applicable). If you need glasses to read, please bring them with you. You will need them to sign consents/paperwork.

Transportation: You must have a ride home

Your ride should be a responsible adult who will remain with you for the remainder of the day and overnight. Your ride must be available when you are ready for discharge, as there is no holding area for postoperative patients waiting for long periods of time. Do not bring children. Our usual recovery stay is 30 minutes.

Parking

There is ample parking in front of the building.

Clothing

Wear loose comfortable clothing.

Adults with a guardian or conservator

Guardians who will be signing the operative consent must bring legal proof of guardianship. Conservators must have proof of conservatorship.

The night before your surgery/the morning of surgery

If you have a cold or the flu, a fever of 100 degrees F or higher, a skin rash, or an infection of any kind, notify your physician before coming in for your surgery by calling (209) 952-3700.

Going Home

It is important to have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours. If you are unable to make these arrangements, your procedure may be cancelled. Do not plan to drive yourself or even take public transportation or rideshare alone. You may feel pain, dizzy, nauseated, and sleepy after your anesthetic or intravenous sedation.

Follow-up

A surgery center nurse will telephone you following your surgery. They will be interested in knowing how you are doing and will welcome any comments you may have. Your doctor will provide medical follow-up in their office.