Pre-Op Instructions

The Day Before Anesthesia

  • Hydrate yourself, drinking plenty of fluids such as water, all day. Limit your intake of diuretics such as coffee, tea and caffeinated beverages, which are not hydrating.
  • No smoking for at least 24 hours prior to surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.

The Night Before Anesthesia

Eat a full dinner the night prior to your surgery. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING, INCLUDING WATER, AFTER MIDNIGHT. It is not safe to have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your surgery (this includes cough drops, gum, mints, and even “a sip” of water).

The Day of Anesthesia

  • Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you to the office and remain in the office waiting room during the procedure. Your escort will be called into the recovery room to be with you, listen to post-operative instructions alongside you, and bring you safely home.
Recovery Room

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most patients are ready to leave safely within 15 to 30 minutes. We treat each patient individually and will not release you until it is safe to do so. A surgical assistant will go over instructions and explain your prescriptions to you.

Female Patients

If you suspect you may be pregnant, please notify us immediately. Elective sedation may not be advisable if you are pregnant.

Cough or Cold?

If you develop a cough, cold, sore throat, runny nose- if you have any upper respiratory infection, if you have any sinus or nasal congestion limiting breathing through your nose, including a seasonal allergy flare-up, or if you have stomach or bowel upset – call our office to reschedule your surgery. Sedation is unsafe under these circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I notify the pre-operative nurse and surgeon about?

    When it comes to notifying the team and surgeon, it is important to provide them with the necessary information for the success and safety of your surgery. Here are several key points to communicate to the medical staff:


    1. Any Changes in Health: If you have experienced an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting, diarrhea, or developed any new skin irritation or rashes between your last visit to the surgeon and the day of your surgery, it is essential to inform the medical team. These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that could affect the procedure.


    2. Medications: Inform the team and surgeon about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, antibiotics, and herbal supplements. Specifically, mention if you are taking diet pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or any other similar medications. Certain medications may interfere with the surgery or the anesthesia, and your medical team needs to be aware of them. They might advise you to discontinue some medications a week or two before the surgery.


    3. Allergies and Reactions: Make sure to communicate any known allergies or adverse reactions you have had in the past to medications, anesthesia, or other substances. This information is crucial for the medical staff to plan your surgery and administer the appropriate medications safely.


    4. Pregnancy: If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, it is imperative to notify the pre-operative nurse and surgeon. Pregnancy can affect the choice of anesthesia, medications, and surgical procedures, so it is essential for the medical team to be aware of this to ensure the safety of both you and the unborn child.


    Remember, open and honest communication with the team and surgeon is vital to ensure they comprehensively understand your medical history and current condition. This will help them provide you with the best care and minimize any potential risks during your surgery.

  • Should I avoid alcohol and tobacco before my surgery?

    Yes, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol for at least 12 hours before your surgery. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is not beneficial for the body prior to undergoing a surgical procedure. It is also strongly encouraged to refrain from using any form of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, as soon as possible before surgery. This is because tobacco products can have negative effects on the body and may compromise your safety during surgery.