Dr. Sternberg operates in his hometown, San Francisco. We recommend that you try to make a vacation out of it. Book an Airbnb or Hotel for a few days before your surgery and tour San Francisco and the beautiful Bay Area. It’s best to plan your touring before surgery, as you should limit your activity after surgery. After surgery, relax for a few days in America’s favorite City by the Bay.
Patient Prep:
What to know before your visit
Please send us a concise history of your story (with an emphasis on your pilonidal condition) well in advance of your trip following our instructions on How to Become a Patient. If you have any significant medical issues (e.g. Asthma, high blood pressure, heart issues, kidney issues, obesity, diabetes….) you should have a history and physical exam from your local primary doctor prior to traveling to San Francisco but within one month of your scheduled surgery. Dr. Sternberg’s office will assist your medical clearance if needed.
Plan Your Visit
Three days in San Francisco
Here’s a typical 3-day itinerary for a patient traveling to The Sternberg Clinic for surgery from outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. We recommend you stay in a hotel, AirBnb, or other short-term residential location so you can recover comfortably after surgery.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle In
Drive or fly in to San Francisco at least one day before your scheduled surgery and meet with Dr. Sternberg and his staff in his office for an in-person consultation. Settle in, explore the city, and sample some of the great local food offerings. The neighborhood near Dr. Sternberg’s office, Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, has some of the best dining offerings in the city.
Day 2: Outpatient Surgery
Arrive at the scheduled time for your operation at the surgery center. You will meet with one of our preferred anesthesiologists who will be happy to answer any questions that you have. Please keep your cell phone on after leaving the surgery center with your caretaker. Dr. Sternberg will call you several hours after surgery to check on you.
Day 3 on: Rest and Relaxation
Meet with Dr. Sternberg and his team the day after surgery. During this visit, he will go over the drain care with you and your caretaker. Some patients choose to travel home later this day, but it’s always better if you can to spend a few days in San Francisco resting and doing some gentle walking.
Bring a Care Taker
While the aftercare following the Cleft Lift procedure is easy, it’s very difficult for you to take care of the drain and inspect the incision yourself. It’s best to be accompanied by a “loved one” whom you trust and are not embarrassed to bear your bum to. They should accompany you to the surgery center and the nurses will show them how to take care of the drain. They should also accompany you on your visit with Dr. Sternberg on the day following your surgery.
The drain typically is removed on the 8th day following surgery, so your caretaker will be needed until the drain is removed.
Patient Testimonials: The Blog
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