Outpatient Surgery

Outpatient surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers or ASCs, have been increasingly used for total shoulder replacement surgeries due to better outcomes and decreased complications for patients.¹

A healthcare professional in a white coat is seated and showing information on a tablet to a woman wearing a light-colored shirt and a brown cardigan. They appear to be in a modern medical office or clinic with glass walls and signage in the background.

Person with an arm in a sling talks to someone holding a clipboard in a group setting, likely a medical or rehab facility.

Three surgeons wearing surgical gowns, masks, and hair covers are performing an operation under a bright overhead light in an operating room.

Inpatient Surgery

Inpatient surgery is done in a typical hospital setting and requires you to stay at least one night starting the day of your procedure. This allows you time to rest while your treatment team monitors your health and recovery immediately following surgery.

Is Outpatient Surgery Right for You?

Many shoulder replacement procedures, previously performed on an inpatient basis and requiring a 1- to 3-day hospital stay, can now be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home on the day of surgery. This shift, which is largely due to improvements in surgical techniques and technology, reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Illustration of a gray wallet with a blue banknote partially sticking out, representing money or payment.

Shoulder replacement is 40% less expensive when performed in an outpatient setting.²

Patients who had surgery in an outpatient setting reported higher levels of satisfaction.^3,4

Illustration of a medical professional wearing a surgical cap, mask, and scrubs, representing a healthcare worker or surgeon.

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if outpatient surgery is right for you.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery and protect your shoulder implant, it is important that you follow the postoperative regimen prescribed by your surgeon. Your surgeon should share the plan before you go to the hospital for surgery. Some patients may go home the same day, while others may stay overnight.

Weeks 1–2

‍Pain and Swelling: Begin to decrease

‍

‍Care Tips:
- ‍Ice the surgical area frequently
- Keep incision covered while showering
- Wear sling during sleep and light activities
- Avoid pulling/pushing with the arm
- Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever >100.4° F)

‍

Medications: Take prescribed pain meds; contact surgeon if issues arise

Weeks 2–4

‍Milestones:
- Stitches/staples removed
- Begin gentle physical therapy (hand/elbow movement)
- Return to nonmanual work (eg, computer use)

‍

‍Care Tips:
- ‍Clean incision with soap and water
- Continue sling use unless instructed otherwise
- Avoid forcing arm into uncomfortable positions

Weeks 6–12

‍Milestones:
- Focus on regaining motion
- Resume normal everyday activities

‍

‍Care Tips:
- ‍Continue physical therapy as directed
- Monitor incision healing

Months 2–3

‍Milestones:
- Begin strengthening exercises

‍

‍Care Tips:
- ‍Discuss activity level and therapy progression with your physician

Month 6

‍Milestones:
- Return to most recreational activities

‍

‍Care Tips:
- ‍Final evaluation of shoulder function
- Confirm readiness for full activity with surgeon

Find a Doctor Near You

Enter your city, state, or ZIP (US only) to find a doctor near you.

Please enter your city, state, or zip (US only)