Surgery

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

We understand that traveling for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to make your experience smooth, safe, and stress-free from arrival to discharge. You will receive a call from the surgical team from Delaware Surgical Arts prior to surgery to review your medical history and what to expect and plan for the day of surgery.

The Night Before Surgery

Eating/Drinking

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery
• No water, coffee, mints, gums, candies, etc.

Hygiene

• Shower the night before or the morning of surgery.
• Teeth should be brushed; however, do not consume liquid after brushing.
• No lotions, creams, makeup, etc should be on skin. Skin should be cleaned upon arrival.
• Remove any artificial items: wigs, eyelashes, prosthesis, artificial nails, contact lenses, etc.
• Remove all body piercings, watches, and jewelry, including wedding bands (recommend leaving at home).

Medications

• Bring all medications prescribed by your surgeon, including opioids, nausea, and/or bruising medications.
• Asthma/COPS patients: please bring your inhaler with you the day of surgery.
• GLP-1 receptor agonist (Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Semigludtide, etc.) patients: Stop these medications 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• ACE inhibitor (medications that end in -pril) or ARBs (medications ending in -sartan) patients: do not take on the day of surgery.

Personal Belongings

• Leave all valuables at home. The surgery center and office are not responsible for any lost personal items.

Clothing

• Wear comfortable clothing that will accommodate large dressings
• Consider the type of surgery and wear appropriate clothing. We recommend a button-down/zip-up top.
• Please bring compression garments as recommended by your surgeon.

Support Arrangements

• An adult over the age of 18 is required to drive and accompany you home. We recommend that someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.
• You are not permitted to drive yourself home. No Uber. Lyft or Rideshare, unless accompanied by an adult. If you do not have a drive, your surgery will be cancelled.
• If you are staying locally in Newark or Wilmington, plan your route in advance and allow extra time for traffic.

Arrival Time

You will arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled surgery time (the exact time will be provided the day before surgery).

At check-in:

• Final paperwork is reviewed

• Consents are signed

• Photos may be taken (if needed)

Pre-Operative Preparation

You will:

• Change into a surgical gown

• Meet with your nurse

• Review your procedure again with your surgeon

• Have surgical markings placed

• Meet anesthesia (if applicable)

This is the perfect time to ask last-minute questions.

During Surgery

Your procedure length will vary depending on the treatment performed. Your escort may:

• Wait on-site (if permitted), or

• Return when called (staff will call when you are in recovery)

We will provide updates as appropriate.

Recovery & Discharge

After surgery:

• You’ll recover in our monitored recovery area. Vital signs are observed closely. You will be discharged when you are in stable condition. However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated.  There are all possible and normal side effects of anesthesia. You will receive written and verbal post-op instructions.

• Side effects can last 12 -24 hours.
• Wait at least 24 hours to drive, operate equipment, and sign important documents.
• Do not consume alcohol or inhaled products (cigarettes/vapes) 24 hours after anesthesia.

Important for Traveling Patients:
We recommend staying locally for at least 24–48 hours (longer for major procedures). Avoid long car rides or flights immediately after surgery unless cleared by your surgeon.

Returning to Your Hotel

You will need:

• A responsible adult to stay with you overnight

• Prescriptions picked up in advance when possible

• Easy access to fluids and light meals

We’re conveniently located near local hotels and major routes, making recovery logistics simple for guests traveling into Delaware.

Follow-Up Care

Your first follow-up visit will be:

• In-office the next day (for certain procedures), or

• Conducted virtually if you are returning home (varies for procedure and surgeon)

Detailed travel clearance instructions will be provided prior to departure.

Reassurance for Out-of-Town Patients

Our team frequently cares for patients traveling for surgery. From airport access to hotel recommendations, we guide you every step of the way so you can focus on healing comfortably and confidently.