If you are having general anesthesia/sedation (being “put to sleep”), please read and follow these instructions carefully — they are important to help ensure your safety and to allow us to provide the best possible care.
- If your surgery is scheduled for the morning, do not eat any food or drink any fluids for 8 hours prior to your appointment.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages the night before surgery.
- We encourage other arrangements for childcare, as our office is ill equipped for children.
- If you regularly take medication in the mornings, follow the instructions given to you at your pre-operative appointment by your surgeon. Generally, important medicines can be taken at the normal time with a sip of water. Patients taking blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, Vitamin E, Fish oil supplements, Aspirin), NSAIDS (i.e. Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin products) or medication for diabetes require special consideration — this should be discussed with your surgeon. Please contact our office.
- On arrival for surgery, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will assure that you get home safely by driving you in a car or accompanying you in a taxi cab. They need to remain in the office during the entire time of your surgery. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled above both elbows.
- To help avoid infection, brush and floss your teeth and rinse with mouthwash prior to your surgery.
- Jewelry, contact lenses, and dentures must be removed before surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish.
- Please visit the restroom immediately before your appointment time.
- Patients with asthma should bring their inhalers with them on the day of surgery.
- If you have a head or chest cold, sore throat, or other illness, please call the office as an appointment change may be necessary.
