Ocean Surgery Center provides outpatient procedures for patients throughout Torrance, Harbor City, Lomita, and the South Bay. If you’re scheduled for surgery here, this guide will walk you through what to expect—before, during, and after your procedure—so you can feel confident and well-informed every step.

Why Preparation Matters

Clear preparation improves surgical outcomes and helps avoid delays or complications. It also reduces stress. Patients who follow instructions carefully recover more smoothly, experience fewer side effects, and feel more in control of the process. Our care team has seen it make a real difference.

Two to Four Weeks Before Surgery

This is when you’ll complete medical clearance, lab work, and early home planning. You’ll also get instructions about medications and lifestyle habits that could affect surgery.

During this time, you may need to:

Get Medical Clearance: Your primary care doctor may need to examine you before surgery. They’ll review your current health, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and flag any risks.

Complete Lab Work: Your surgeon may order an EKG, blood tests, or imaging based on your health history and the type of surgery planned.

Review Medications: You’ll be told which medications and supplements to stop or continue. Some—like blood thinners or herbal supplements—can increase risk and must be paused. Others, like blood pressure meds, are often continued.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for at least two weeks. Both affect healing and can interfere with anesthesia.

Discuss Weight Goals: If applicable, your surgeon may recommend weight stabilization or loss before surgery.

One Week Before Surgery

With one week to go, your focus should shift to recovery prep and support planning. Use this time to:

Arrange a Ride: A responsible adult must drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.

Fill Your Prescriptions: Pick up pain relievers, antibiotics, or other medications your doctor has ordered.

Set Up a Recovery Space: Rest upright in a recliner or supportive chair. Place essentials like chargers, snacks, tissues, and water within reach.

Prep Meals: Prepare soft, easy-to-digest meals in advance.

Avoid Skin Treatments: Do not shave, wax, or use new skincare products near the surgical site.

24 to 48 Hours Before Surgery

Final details matter. This is when you’ll confirm your arrival time and complete key pre-op steps. What to do:

Confirm Your Time: A staff member will call to confirm your arrival time and review instructions. If you don’t receive a call, contact us at 310-325-1644.

Follow Fasting Rules: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery unless told otherwise. This includes water, gum, and mints.

Shower as Directed: Use antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of surgery. Don’t use lotion, deodorant, or makeup.

Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing that opens in the front. Avoid tight pants or pullovers.

Remove Personal Items: Remove all jewelry, piercings, nail polish, and contact lenses.

Bring Essentials Only: You’ll need your ID, insurance card, and any paperwork we asked you to complete.

Day of Surgery at Ocean Surgery Center

Most procedures at our Torrance facility are outpatient. This means you’ll go home the same day, after a short recovery period on-site.

Here’s what to expect:

Arrival: Arrive at your scheduled time. Our staff will check you in and bring you to the pre-op area.

Anesthesia Review: You’ll meet with one of our board-certified anesthesiologists to review your health history and answer any last-minute questions.

Surgery and Recovery: Once your procedure is complete, you’ll be taken to recovery. We’ll monitor your vital signs, comfort, and readiness to go home.

Anesthesia and Monitoring

We use several types of anesthesia depending on the procedure—local, regional, or general. Your anesthesiologist will explain the plan in detail to guarantee your safety throughout surgery.

During the procedure, our team continuously monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other key indicators. If you have questions before your surgery day, call 310-325-1644.

After Surgery: What to Expect at Home

You’ll be discharged once you’re awake, alert, and stable. Your caregiver will receive clear instructions on how to support you during recovery. At home, follow these guidelines:

Manage Pain and Nausea: Take medications exactly as prescribed. Use cold packs if recommended.

Care for Your Incision: Follow wound care instructions closely. Unless told otherwise, keep the site clean and dry.

Rest and Limit Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for several days. Light walking is okay unless restricted.

Watch for Complications: Call your surgeon if you notice a fever, excessive swelling or bleeding, increasing pain, or trouble breathing.

Resume Medications Carefully: Don’t restart blood thinners, diabetes meds, or hormone therapy without your surgeon’s approval.

Set Up Your Home and Support System

A safe home environment can reduce complications and make recovery more comfortable.

Make sure to:

  • Stock gauze, cold packs, and any post-op supplies
  • Have soft foods and electrolyte drinks ready
  • Use a recliner or stack pillows to stay elevated
  • Ask someone to help with cooking, cleaning, pets, and errands
  • Notify your employer if you need time off work

Planning these details ahead of time can ease your first few days post-op.

Surgery Pre-Op FAQs

Most patients stay for two to four hours, depending on the type of surgery and the length of their recovery.

That depends on your procedure. Many patients can shower after 24–48 hours. Your surgeon will give you exact instructions.

Contact Us to Review Your Pre-Op Checklist

Have questions about getting ready for surgery in Torrance? Call Ocean Surgery Center at 310-325-1644 or message us to connect with our care team. We’re here to help you prepare and recover with confidence.