Pre-Operative Instructions for
Surgery and Anesthesia

Our goal is to provide you with a safe, pleasant and effective surgery anesthetic. In order to do this it is imperative that we have your full cooperation. You are encouraged to ask or call about any questions concerning your surgery or anesthetic

• Prepare for your post-operative period so that your experience and outcome is the best it can be. Read instructions provided. Your doctor and/or surgical assistant will review the post-operative procedures after your surgery, giving you an opportunity to obtain clarification, if necessary.
• Prepare for your post-operative period so that your experience and outcome is the best it can be. Read instructions provided. Your doctor and/or surgical assistant will review the post-operative procedures after your surgery, giving you an opportunity to obtain clarification, if necessary.
• Prepare for a recuperation period. The recuperation period will depend on the complexity of your surgery. See further instructions under the anesthesia section.
• If the patient is a minor (less than 18 years of age), a parent or legal guardian must be present during the surgery
• Cell phones – Please turn off cell phones while in the surgical and recovery areas.
• Feel free to bring an iPod or similar device with small earphones (not recommended with general anesthesia)
• No smoking at least 24 hours prior to your surgery.

You will always be given local anesthesia for your surgery, but you may choose any of those listed below as a supplement. Each choice requires different preparation on your part, and for your safety.

For all surgery, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow. It is also important to wear flat, fully enclosed or tie-up shoes that will assist you in walking. Females should remove nail polish and oral piercings (tongue ring, lip ring) before surgery, and apply as little makeup as possible. Remove contact lenses, except perma-lenses.

may be a supplement to local anesthesia and is medication taken by mouth to produce relaxation before and during your operation.

• Take the medication at the time directed before your surgery.
• Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery unless you are also having intravenous or general anesthesia.
• It is not safe to drive after taking sedative drugs, and you MUST have someone drive you to and from surgery.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not make any important decisions such as signing documents, etc.

will produce a numb feeling in the area being operated on and you will be aware of a feeling of pressure during surgery. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there should be no significant discomfort.

• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not make any important decisions such as signing documents, etc.

Nitrous Oxide is also known as “laughing gas.” You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but will recall most of the surgical event. Nitrous oxide is generally used in conjunction with local anesthesia, but may also be used to supplement the anesthetic choices below.

• You may have a light meal four (4) hours prior to surgery.
• It is best to have someone drive you home but not required.
• Plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.

Both of the anesthetics below include local anesthesia (although general anesthesia does not require its use.)

Medications are given through a vein in your arm or hand, which will cause total relaxation and, although you will not actually be unconscious, there will be very little recall (if any) of the events surrounding surgery.

Medications are given through a vein which will result in total loss of consciousness, complete lack of recall of the event and usually a longer recovery time. General anesthesia has an excellent safety record as an office procedure, but may, if desired, be provided in a hospital setting. (Your health insurance may not cover you unless there is a medical reason for hospitalization.)

• Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to surgery. (*It is important to have an empty stomach before surgery so that at time of anesthesia food or fluids do not go “down the wrong pipe” and cause complications.)
• For morning appointments, skip breakfast. For afternoon appointments, eat a light breakfast eight (8) hours before your appointment and skip lunch.
• You MUST bring a responsible adult to stay with you during your procedure and take you home afterwards. We cannot place you in a taxi/uber unaccompanied.
• Plan to rest for several hours after surgery. You will not be able to attend work or school after your surgery. Do not drive, operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery. Have limited physical activity for at least 72 hours.
• Brush your teeth before your surgery, but DO NOT SWALLOW any paste, water, mouthwash, etc.