Before Intravenous Anesthesia

• You may not have anything to eat after midnight.  Basically, if it goes in your mouth – excluding prescribed medications – you cannot have it; this includes breath mints & chewing gum.  You may have only water up until 2 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
• No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
• Routine daily medications should be taken the morning of surgery, about one to two hours prior to your appointment, with a small sip of water.  This is especially important if you are on prescription blood pressure medications.  Our diabetic, asthma and antibiotic pre-med patients will also have special pre-surgical instructions.  This will be discussed with you in depth at your consultation.
• A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home afterwards.  Ideally, you should have someone with you for a least 4 hours after surgery or until the effects of anesthesia have worn off. 
• You should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing with short sleeves and low-heeled/stable 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.
• If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office prior to your appointment.