How to Prepare for Hand Surgery: Checklist for Patients

Are you facing hand surgery soon? Whether your operation involves carpal tunnel release, tendon repair, or joint reconstruction, being well-prepared can reduce stress, improve outcomes, and support a smooth recovery. Knowing exactly how to prepare for hand surgery—and having a personalized checklist—empowers you to feel more in control of the process.

This guide provides clear steps, essential items to consider, and key questions to ask your healthcare team before the day of your procedure.

Why Preparation Matters Before Surgery

Preparation doesn’t begin at the hospital—it starts at home. How you prepare for surgery can influence how fast and how well you heal afterward. Being organized reduces risk, prevents last-minute panic, and ensures safety during and after the operation.

Have you considered how your home needs to be arranged for postoperative recovery? Do you know which medications should be paused before surgery? Are you aware of the fasting requirements for general anesthesia?

If any of those questions made you pause, don’t worry. The checklist below covers everything from personal hygiene to transport arrangements so you can confidently and calmly enter surgery day.

Your Hand Surgery Preparation Checklist

1. Confirm All Medical Details in Advance

• Review the date, time, and location of your surgery.
  
  
• Confirm whether it is outpatient or inpatient.
  
  
• Ask your surgeon which procedure you’ll undergo and what it involves.
  
  
• Provide a full list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements.
  
  
• Disclose any health conditions—diabetes, heart issues, or allergies—to your physician.
  
  
• Check if you’ll receive local, regional, or general anesthesia, and ask about side effects or fasting guidelines.
  
  
• Discuss postoperative pain management strategies and the use of physical therapy afterward.
  
  

📝 Tip: Write down any questions as they come to you and bring that list to your pre-op consultation.

2. Stop or Adjust Certain Medications

Some medicines and supplements can increase bleeding or interfere with anesthesia. You may be asked to pause:

• Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin)
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
  
  
• Fish oil or herbal supplements
  
  
• Certain diabetes medications
  
  

Never stop anything without a doctor’s instruction. Your pre-surgical care team will advise what to take and what to skip.

3. Prepare Your Body for a Safe Operation

• Shower the night before or morning of surgery using antibacterial soap.
  
  
• Do not apply lotions, deodorants, powders, or perfumes after bathing.
  
  
• Remove jewelry, nail polish, makeup, and contact lenses.
  
  
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing—preferably a top with wide sleeves or one that buttons down.
  
  
• Do not eat or drink anything after the cutoff time provided (usually midnight if under general anesthesia).
  
  
• Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery, as nicotine impairs blood flow and slows healing.
  
  

💡 Good hygiene and clean skin reduce the chance of infection at the incision site.

4. Organize Your Home and Daily Routine

The first few days after hand surgery can be tricky. You’ll want to set up your environment to minimize stress and movement.

• Clean and declutter key spaces like your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
  
  
• Place commonly used items within easy reach—you may not be able to lift or stretch post-op.
  
  
• Prepare meals ahead of time or have ready-to-eat food options stocked.
  
  
• Arrange for help with household tasks, such as cleaning, dressing, or cooking.
  
  
• Set up a rest area with pillows to elevate your hand comfortably.
  
  

🛋️ Consider using voice assistants or one-handed tools if your dominant hand will be immobilized.

5. Plan for Transportation and Support

You cannot drive yourself home after surgery, even if it’s a same-day procedure. Make arrangements for:

• A trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital
  
  
• Overnight assistance, if needed, especially in the first 24 hours
  
  
• Someone to monitor medication intake, provide meals, or help with dressing changes
  
  

🚗 Don’t leave transportation planning until the last minute—hospital discharge times are often early in the day.

6. Pack a Small Surgery-Day Bag

Even if your procedure is outpatient, having a small bag ready makes the day easier. Include:

• Government ID and insurance information
  
  
• A copy of your medication list
  
  
• Comfortable clothing and warm socks
  
  
• Slip-on shoes
  
  
• Any necessary medical documents or consent forms
  
  
• A phone charger or small book for pre-op waiting
  
  
• Bandages or extra gloves, if advised
  
  

🎒 Keep your bag light, as you may have only one free hand post-surgery.

7. Follow All Preoperative Instructions Exactly

You’ll receive written or verbal instructions from your surgeon’s office a few days before the operation. These guidelines are there for your protection. Common instructions include:

• Fasting from all food and drink for a specific number of hours
  
  
• When to take or skip morning medications
  
  
• Arriving early to check in and complete paperwork
  
  
• Stopping use of alcohol or tobacco
  
  
• Ensuring nails are cut short and clean
  
  

📋 Mark completed tasks off your preparation checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

8. Get Ready for Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most hand surgeries require some form of rehabilitation. To aid your recovery:

• Follow all physical therapy or occupational therapy sessions.
  
  
• Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling.
  
  
• Watch for any signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, or discharge.
  
  
• Avoid activities that strain the hand until your surgeon clears you.
  
  

🖐️ Ask about hand-strengthening exercises that may start after your initial healing phase.

9. Create a Support System

You don’t have to go through surgery alone. Let your support circle know what you’ll need:

• Help with transportation, especially for follow-ups
  
  
• Check-ins to monitor progress and offer encouragement
  
  
• Assistance with household chores or work tasks
  
  
• Emotional support—recovery can be frustrating, especially if movement is restricted
  
  

🤝 Having someone simply listen can make all the difference during recovery.

What to Ask Your Surgeon Before the Operation

Here’s a quick list of important questions:

• What are the risks and benefits of this procedure?
  
  
• What type of anesthesia will I receive?
  
  
• How long is the expected recovery?
  
  
• Will I need therapy afterward, and when does it start?
  
  
• What medications should I stop or continue taking?
  
  
• Are there any specific movements I should avoid?
  
  

🩺 Writing these down ensures you won’t forget to ask anything important.

Final Thoughts: Your Safety Starts with Preparation

Getting ready for hand surgery involves more than just showing up—it means taking control of your health, setting up your space for recovery, and understanding what to expect. At EIPS – European Institute of Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to guiding you every step, from pre-op planning to complete rehabilitation.

Use this checklist to organize your thoughts, prepare your body, and create a recovery-friendly environment at home. Your effort now will pay off with better outcomes and a smoother healing process.

Still have questions? Contact our team today to review your personalized hand surgery preparation plan.