Preparing for Your Visit - Century Plaza Ambulatory Surgical Center

Thank you for choosing Century Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center for your upcoming surgery or procedure. Our team is committed to delivering top-quality medical care.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, please follow these essential guidelines along with your physician’s instructions. If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Download these instructions as a PDF in English or Spanish.

Download Instructions

Pre-admission Phone Confirmation

Your doctor’s office will provide an initial schedule of your surgery. One business day before your procedure—typically after 3 p.m.—one of our registered nurses will call to finalize your schedule.

Since schedules can change, the final surgery time may differ from the initial one. Please avoid making plans around the initial time, as it may shift from morning to afternoon or vice versa.

During this call, the nurse will:

Inform you when to stop eating and drinking.
Ask about your medical history and current medications.
Give you an opportunity to ask any questions.

If you do not receive a call by 5 p.m. the day before surgery, please contact us at 424-274-3346. If your procedure is on a Monday, expect a call the preceding Friday.

Please notify the nurse if you have recently had a cold, fever, or any respiratory infection, as anesthesia may not be safe under these conditions. Additionally, inform us of any infections, injuries, or conditions that could impact your procedure.

If you require wheelchair assistance or an interpreter, let us know in advance so arrangements can be made. Interpreter services are available at no cost.

Preparing for Surgery

In addition to your doctor’s instructions, follow these general preparation steps:

Two weeks before surgery: Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any medications containing them (such as Advil or Motrin) unless your surgeon advises otherwise, as these may increase bleeding risk. Consult your doctor about alternatives like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Medical tests: Complete all required tests ahead of time so your doctor can review the results before surgery

Medical records: Bring any relevant imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays), lab results, and EKG reports with you on the day of surgery.
Transportation: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery. Public transportation, taxis, and ridesharing services are not permitted. If you do not have a ride home, your surgery will be rescheduled.
Overnight stays: If you are staying overnight, you will be discharged by 8 a.m. the following day.

Eating & Drinking Guidelines Before Surgery

Following these instructions is critical, as consuming food or drinks too close to your procedure can lead to serious complications, including aspiration pneumonia.

For Adults

Do not eat after midnight the night before surgery.
Do not chew gum, eat candy, or have mints after midnight.
Avoid smoking, as it can affect circulation and breathing.
You may drink 8 ounces of clear water or apple juice up to 2 hours before your arrival time.

For Infants & Children

Infants under 6 months:
- May have breast milk or formula until 4 hours before arrival time.
- May have clear liquids (water or Pedialyte only) until 2 hours before arrival time.
Children 6 months to 3 years:
- May eat solid foods until 8 hours before arrival time.
- May have breast milk or formula until 6 hours before arrival time.
- May have clear liquids (water, apple juice, or Pedialyte only) until 2 hours before arrival time.
Children 3 years and older:
- May eat solids until 8 hours before arrival time.
- May have clear liquids (water, apple juice, or Pedialyte only) until 2 hours before arrival time.

Medications & Supplements

Download and fill out our Medication History Form and bring it with you on the day of surgery. Be sure to list all medications and supplements accurately, including dosages and frequency.
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements, and fish oil two weeks before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Continue taking prescribed medications unless told otherwise, but only with a small sip of water. Do not take any medication less than two hours before your arrival time.

Day of Surgery

Arriving on time is essential for your preparation. If you anticipate a delay, please call 424-274-3346 as soon as possible.

Your surgery may be rescheduled if you:

Eat or drink anything after the designated cut-off time.
Arrive late for check-in.
Do not have a responsible adult to drive you home.
Have a cold, fever, or another condition that makes surgery unsafe.

Parking

Parking is available at the Century City Medical Plaza building, though fees apply. Unfortunately, we cannot validate or reimburse parking costs.

Checking In

Century Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center is located at Century City Medical Plaza on 2080 Century Park East. Please take the elevator to the 7th floor and proceed to Suite 703 to check in for your surgery or procedure.

When you check in, the receptionist may ask you to fill out additional paperwork. At this time, any remaining financial concerns may be addressed.

Personal Items & Valuables

Bring your ID, insurance cards, cellphone, and a small amount of cash or one credit card for parking, medications, or co-pays.
We are not responsible for lost personal items, so only bring essentials such as glasses, hearing aids, dentures, canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
If you wear contacts or glasses, bring a case for storage, as you may need to remove them.
Leave all jewelry at home—including rings, watches, earrings, and body piercings—as these must be removed before surgery.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes, especially if you expect to have bulky bandages.
Avoid makeup and nail polish, as they can interfere with monitoring equipment.

Pre-operative Assessment

After check-in, a nurse will:

Ask you to change into a hospital gown.
Conduct a pre-operative assessment, including health questions.
Confirm anesthetic options with an anesthesiologist.
Have you speak with an operating room nurse and your surgeon before the procedure.
Ask you to sign the necessary consent forms (if not already completed).

Minors (under 18) must have a parent or legal guardian sign the consent forms and provide documentation proving guardianship if applicable.

Post-surgery Recovery

After surgery, you will be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia.

Your surgeon or nurse will update your family members on your condition.
Only one visitor at a time is allowed.
Small children are not recommended as visitors.
If you’re staying overnight, visitors must leave by 8 p.m.; they cannot remain overnight.

Going Home & Following Up

Before leaving, your nurse will provide written discharge instructions on caring for your surgical site and recovery expectations.

As for medication options, you have the option to fill prescriptions at your pharmacy of choice. However, many patients find it more convenient and cost-effective to obtain their medications directly from our center. We also provide options to have special deliveries to your home from our reputable partner pharmacies without any delivery charges.

Transportation

A responsible adult must take you home—not a taxi, public transport, or rideshare service.
Children undergoing surgery should have two responsible adults to accompany them home.

Post-surgery Call

A nurse will call you the next business day to check on your recovery.

If you have any immediate concerns about your medical condition upon arriving home, such as fever, chills, severe nausea, vomiting, bleeding, or severe pain, contact us at 424-274-3346. We will help you contact your surgeon or the designated resident on-call.

If it is an emergency, dial 911 or report to the nearest emergency room.

Share Your Experience

Your feedback helps us improve our services. You may receive a survey in the mail—please take a moment to complete it. Alternatively, Share Your Experience cards are available at reception for immediate feedback.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, contact us.

Century Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center

Century City Medical Plaza

2080 Century Park E Ste 703

Los Angeles, CA

424-274-3346

Map & directions

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