Pre-Op Instructions
A little preparation before your procedure goes a long way. Following your pre-operative instructions carefully helps your surgery run smoothly, supports a more comfortable recovery, and gives your body the best possible conditions to heal. Think of this as your roadmap for the days ahead.
Schedule ConsultationConfirm Your Appointment Details
First things first, it’s important to make sure you have your surgery date, time, and location confirmed. We recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow for any final check-in steps and to give yourself a moment to settle in without feeling rushed.
If anything changes — a medication, a new health concern, or a scheduling conflict — contact our office as soon as possible. We’d much rather hear from you ahead of time so we can all plan ahead.
Getting Ready in the Days Before Surgery
A few simple steps in the days leading up to your procedure can make a real difference in how your day goes.
Start by arranging for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment if you’ll be receiving sedation or general anesthesia. This is a firm requirement, not a suggestion — sedation affects your reflexes and judgment well after you feel alert, and you should plan to have someone with you for the rest of that day.
It also helps to prepare your home ahead of time. Set up a comfortable space to rest, stock your kitchen with soft, easy foods you’ll be able to eat during early recovery and pick up any prescriptions your surgeon has provided in advance. Having everything in place before you leave for surgery means one less thing to think about when you return.
The Day Before Your Procedure
Use the day before to tie up any loose ends and give your body a chance to rest.
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your surgery. Both can interfere with anesthesia, affect how your body responds to medication, and slow the healing process that begins right after your procedure. Getting a full, restful night of sleep is genuinely helpful — fatigue can make recovery feel harder than it needs to be.
Confirm ride arrangements with a trusted companion one more time. Knowing that part is handled helps you arrive at treatment day feeling settled rather than scrambling.
The Morning of Your Surgery
Your pre-operative instructions will include specific guidance based on your procedure and the type of sedation being used. Read through them carefully the night before, so the morning feels straightforward.
A few general guidelines apply to most surgical visits:
- If you are receiving sedation or general anesthesia, follow your fasting instructions exactly — typically no food or drink after midnight, or as specified by your surgeon
- Take any medications your surgeon has approved with the smallest possible sip of water, only if instructed to do so
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive shoes; layers are a good idea since clinical environments can run cool
- Please remove all jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish, and makeup
- Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly before leaving the house
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork and give yourself a calm start
If you have any last-minute questions or need to make a change, call our office right away. We’re here to help you feel prepared.
Our Commitment to You
Walking into surgery feeling ready makes a genuine difference — in how you experience the procedure and in how well you recover on the other side. After your consultation, you’ll leave with written instructions tailored to your specific procedure, and you’re always welcome to call us with questions as your surgery date approaches.
No question is too small. If something feels unclear or you’re unsure whether a particular instruction applies to you, please reach out. We’d rather spend a few minutes on the phone with you than leave you wondering.
Common Questions About Pre-Op Preparation
Let us know right away. Fasting before sedation is a safety requirement, not a formality — having food or liquid in your stomach when anesthesia is administered can create a serious risk. If you’ve eaten or had anything to drink beyond what was approved, your procedure may need to be rescheduled. It’s always better to tell us than to proceed and hope for the best.
It depends on the medication. Some should be taken as usual; others need to be paused in the days before your procedure. Your surgeon will review your full medication list at your consultation and give you specific guidance. If you start a new medication between your consultation and your surgery date, let us know as soon as possible so we can advise accordingly.
Your comfort is a priority. Loose clothing that’s easy to get in and out of is ideal — avoid anything tight around the neck or arms, since monitoring equipment may need to be placed. Leave valuables and jewelry at home. If your procedure involves the upper body or face area, a button-down or zip-up top is easier for you to manage once you get home.
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