After Surgery Care & Post-Operative Information
Before Your Procedure
You will receive a detailed email prior to surgery outlining instructions specific to your procedure, including your rehabilitation plan and recovery timeline.
Please review this carefully in advance—our goal is for you to feel informed, prepared, and confident going into surgery.
What to Have at Home
Open Procedures
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Waterproof 4x4 bandages for approximately 2 weeks
Dressing changes begin on post-operative day 3
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No dressing changes needed initially
A splint or cast will remain in place for the first 2 weeks
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Typically no dressing changes for the first 2 weeks (splint/cast)
For tennis or golfer’s elbow procedures:
Dressing changes begin on post-op day 3
Use waterproof 4x4 bandages
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A specialized surgical dressing will remain in place for 2 weeks
After removal:
Waterproof dressings (Tegaderm or Telfa)
Gauze as needed for minor drainage
Arthroscopic Procedures
Small incision sites can be covered with standard bandages for 2 weeks
If a biceps tenodesis was performed, use waterproof 4x4 bandages
Dressing changes typically begin on post-operative day 5
Medications & Recovery Support
Your prescriptions will be sent to your pharmacy prior to surgery.
We recommend picking them up ahead of time so they are available when you return home after your procedure.
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Oxycodone 5 mg: 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours as needed
Meloxicam 15 mg: once daily
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 1000 mg every 8 hours
⚠️ Do not exceed 4,000 mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period
Most patients recover well using Tylenol and Meloxicam on a regular schedule, reserving Oxycodone for breakthrough pain only.
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Opioid medications can slow digestion. Starting prevention early is helpful:
Docusate (Colace) 100 mg: up to three times daily as needed
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Standard Risk
Aspirin 81 mg: 2 tablets daily for 28 days
Begin on post-operative day 1
Higher Risk Patients
Xarelto 10 mg daily for 14 days
❗ Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) while taking Xarelto
Followed by Aspirin 81 mg: 2 tablets daily for 14 days
Medication Refill Policy
Refill requests should be made during regular business hours
Most requests are processed within 24 hours
Post-operative narcotics are prescribed only through our office unless coordinated otherwise
Please notify us if you are receiving pain medication from another provider
Narcotics are rarely required beyond one month after surgery
After-Hours Support
📞 If you have an urgent concern after hours or on weekends, please call our office.
Your call will be automatically forwarded to the on-call provider.