Before Anesthesia
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.